CountyScore

Marin County

California · CA

#58 in California
51
County Score

County Report Card

About Marin County, California

Marin's High Incomes Don't Offset Housing Costs

Marin County's composite score of 43.3 falls below the national median of 50.0 by 6.7 points, despite exceptional wealth. This paradox reflects that even high incomes cannot fully compensate for the extreme housing unaffordability that defines the Bay Area's most exclusive residential county.

Below Average Despite Affluence

Marin County scores 43.3 against California's state average of 61.3, ranking among the lower counties in overall livability despite being one of the state's wealthiest. The county's composite index reveals that raw income and wealth do not automatically translate to livability when housing costs are prohibitive.

Exceptional Incomes and Low Taxes

Marin County boasts the highest median household income among the eight counties at $142,785 and an income score of 76.6. With a tax score of 82.0 and effective rate of 0.720%, the county provides significant earning power and tax efficiency.

Housing Unaffordability Crisis

Marin County's cost score of just 5.9—the lowest of all eight counties—reflects a median home value of $1,390,000 and median rent of $2,584/month. This extreme housing cost burden overwhelms all other livability factors, making it inaccessible to most households regardless of income.

Only for the Very Wealthy

Marin County is suited exclusively to high-net-worth individuals and families with substantial assets or exceptional incomes that dwarf the median household figure. For everyone else, even six-figure earners, the county's housing costs render it an impractical choice despite its affluence and natural beauty.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82Cost5.9SafetyComing SoonHealth87.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome76.6Risk3.6WaterComing Soon
🏛82
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤87.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Marin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bexar County
Texas
51
Median income: $70,571
Greater Bridgeport Planning Region
Connecticut
50.8
Median income: $87,135
San Mateo County
California
51.3
Median income: $156,000
Santa Clara County
California
51.3
Median income: $159,674
Westchester County
New York
50.7
Median income: $118,411

Deep Dives

Marin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marin County

via TaxByCounty

Marin County property taxes exceed national norm

Marin County's effective tax rate of 0.720% sits slightly above California's state average of 0.714%, but its median property tax of $10,001 towers over the national median of $2,690. The difference reflects Marin's extraordinarily high median home value of $1.39 million, nearly five times the national median.

Highest annual taxes in California

Marin County leads California with a median property tax of $10,001, more than double the state average of $4,045. Only a handful of California's wealthiest coastal counties approach Marin's tax bill, a direct result of its premium real estate market.

Marin outpaces all regional peers

Marin County's $1.39 million median home value and $10,001 annual property tax far exceed every other surveyed county, including Mendocino County ($486,000 home value, $3,376 tax) and Lake County ($316,800 home value, $2,295 tax). Marin homeowners pay nearly 3.5 times more in property taxes than the national median.

Marin County property tax burden

A typical Marin County homeowner with a $1.39 million home pays approximately $10,001 in annual property taxes at the 0.720% effective rate. This elite county consistently produces the highest property tax bills in California due to both high values and additional voter-approved assessments.

High-value properties deserve scrutiny

Marin County homeowners with multimillion-dollar properties benefit most from assessment appeals, as even small percentage reductions yield substantial annual savings. If your assessment seems inconsistent with comparable sales in your neighborhood, an appeal is worth pursuing.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marin County

via CostByCounty

Marin's high incomes offset sky-high rents

Marin County's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio appears reasonable, but masks an extraordinary reality: median rents of $2,584 and a median household income of $142,785—nearly double the national average. Marin residents pay more in absolute rent than almost any American county, yet maintain acceptable affordability ratios through exceptional wealth.

Marin ranks among California's wealthiest

Marin County's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below California's 22.4% average, but this understates Marin's unique position as the state's premium market. Its median household income of $142,785 and median rent of $2,584 reflect Bay Area dominance, not affordability.

Marin dominates Bay Area housing costs

Marin's median rent of $2,584 vastly exceeds neighboring Mendocino County ($1,325) and nearly all California counties, reflecting San Francisco Bay proximity and severe supply constraints. Only the most affluent Bay Area enclaves approach Marin's rent and home value levels ($1,390,000 median).

Affluence enables Marin's housing premium

Marin County homeowners pay a staggering $3,583 monthly while renters invest $2,584, yet the county's $142,785 median household income absorbs these costs more comfortably than elsewhere in California. Monthly housing alone consumes $25,800–$43,000 annually, accessible only to high-earning households.

Marin demands elite income to relocate

Moving to Marin County requires household income well exceeding the county median—renters should expect $2,500+ and buyers $3,500+ monthly housing costs. Marin rewards professionals earning six figures with world-class schools, coastal beauty, and San Francisco job market access, but remains inaccessible to average earners.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marin County

via IncomeByCounty

Marin County leads the nation in household income

Marin County's median household income of $142,785 nearly doubles the U.S. median of $74,755—a 91% premium that ranks Marin among America's wealthiest counties. The county's affluent professional and tech-sector population drives exceptional earnings.

Marin dominates California's income rankings

At $142,785, Marin County's median household income is 64% above California's state average of $87,001, placing it among the state's richest counties. Marin ranks in the top tier statewide, rivaled only by a handful of Bay Area and coastal peers.

Marin's wealth far exceeds surrounding California counties

Marin County ($142,785) dramatically outearns all comparable counties in this set, including Los Angeles ($87,760) and Madera ($75,496). The wealth gap reflects Marin's proximity to San Francisco Bay Area tech jobs and established affluent communities.

Even high income struggles with Marin's housing costs

Despite exceptional median income, Marin County residents spend 21.7% of earnings on rent, and median home values of $1,390,000 remain out of reach for typical households. The county's extreme housing values consume significant wealth-building potential even among its affluent population.

Marin's wealth demands sophisticated financial planning

With median incomes among the nation's highest, Marin County households should focus on tax-efficient investing, estate planning, and diversified wealth strategies. Consulting with financial advisors about real estate investment, retirement optimization, and legacy planning is essential for maximizing generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Marin County

via HealthByCounty

Marin leads nation in life expectancy

Marin County residents live an average of 84.3 years, more than 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just 10.6% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate across these eight counties and a fraction of national rates.

Far exceeds California health benchmarks

At 84.3 years, Marin County's life expectancy is 5.8 years above California's state average of 78.5 years. The county's 5.1% uninsured rate is also the lowest in the state, indicating robust healthcare access and uptake.

Exceptional provider density sets Marin apart

Marin County has 149 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than double Mendocino's 78 and triple Lassen's 27. Its 958 mental health providers per 100,000 are unmatched among California counties, ensuring residents find specialized care within their communities.

Best-in-class coverage and access

Marin's 5.1% uninsured rate means 95% of residents have health coverage, enabling consistent preventive and routine care access. Combined with 149 primary care providers per 100,000, Marin residents experience minimal barriers to comprehensive healthcare.

Maintain coverage for lasting health

While Marin has the state's lowest uninsured rate, ensuring continuous coverage protects your health and finances. Check your insurance annually at Covered California to confirm you have the right plan for your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marin County

via RiskByCounty

Marin County's high composite risk

Marin County scores 96.4 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively High" rating that exceeds California's state average of 88.7. This Bay Area county faces substantial exposure to earthquakes, wildfires, and floods.

Fifth highest risk in California

Marin County ranks 5th in composite disaster risk among California's 58 counties, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed communities. Only Los Angeles, Madera, Merced, and Mendocino counties score higher.

Comparable to nearby Bay Area counties

Marin County's 96.4 risk score aligns closely with neighboring Mendocino County (94.3) and exceeds inland peers, reflecting the Bay Area's significant seismic and wildfire exposure. Its coastal and Bay-facing geography adds flood vulnerability.

Earthquake and wildfire lead threats

Marin County faces serious earthquake risk (98.7 out of 100) and high wildfire risk (94.6), making these the county's primary natural disaster concerns. Flood risk (97.2) is also substantial, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone neighborhoods.

Earthquake and wildfire insurance critical

Marin County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance and dedicated wildfire coverage given the county's very high scores in both categories. Review flood risk at your specific address and consider additional coverage if you live in a vulnerable area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.