countyscore
47.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.8Health 97.6Lawn Care 81.9

County Report Card

About Marin County, California

Marin ranks among California's best

Marin County's composite score of 47.4 exceeds both California's state average of 40.9 and approaches the national median of 50.0, marking it as one of the state's premium livability destinations. This score reflects extraordinary advantages despite extreme housing costs.

Top tier among California counties

Marin's 47.4 score ranks among the highest in California, significantly above the state average of 40.9. The county consistently outperforms its peers across multiple critical dimensions.

Elite income and health outcomes

Marin boasts a stratospheric income score of 99.7 with median household income of $142,785—the highest in this sample—and exceptional health outcomes with a score of 97.6. Schools rank strong at 63.0, and water resources score 66.8, reflecting both environmental and educational excellence.

Housing utterly unaffordable

The cost score of 0.1 represents near-total unaffordability, with median home values of $1,390,000 and gross rent of $2,584 monthly. Even for high earners, Marin's housing market creates substantial financial strain.

For the affluent seeking premium living

Marin County is purpose-built for wealthy households prioritizing superior health care, excellent schools, and pristine environmental amenities over housing affordability. It's America's archetypical exclusive suburb, where exceptional quality of life comes only to those who can afford it.

2040608010064.60.123.297.66399.83.666.878.3Tax64.6Cost0.1Safety23.2Health97.6Schools63Income99.8Risk3.6Water66.8Weather78.347.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Marin County DNA

Foverall

How Marin County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Marin County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (99.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.6+12.599999999999994
Cost
0.1-47.9
Safety
23.2-31.8
Health
97.6+47.599999999999994
Schools
63+9
Income
99.8+48.8
Risk
3.6-43.4
Water
66.8+8.799999999999997
Weather
78.3+22.299999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Marin County

Whether buying or refinancing in Marin County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$1,507,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$2,668/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$1,507,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$106,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum10.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $149,091/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Monroe County
Arkansas
Median income: $43,214
47.9
Brantley County
Georgia
Median income: $58,239
47.9
Kingman County
Kansas
Median income: $59,842
47.9
Lamar County
Mississippi
Median income: $70,909
47.9
Chowan County
North Carolina
Median income: $53,864
47.9
Gaines County
Texas
Median income: $74,132
47.9
Red River County
Texas
Median income: $48,491
47.9
Isle of Wight County
Virginia
Median income: $95,241
47.9

Nearby counties

San Francisco County
California
42.7
Sonoma County
California
44.7
Napa County
California
43.3
Contra Costa County
California
39.8
Solano County
California
35.9
Alameda County
California
40.1
San Mateo County
California
47.3
Yolo County
California
37.6

Deep Dives

Marin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Marin County

via CrimeByCounty

Marin County Maintains High Safety Levels

Marin County reports 1,955.6 crimes per 100,000 residents, roughly 18% lower than the national average. This performance results in a strong safety score of 96.9.

Marin Ranks Well Above State Average

The county's 96.9 safety score beats the California average of 96.3. Marin stands out as a relatively safe suburban and coastal community within the state.

Marin Safer Than Lake and LA

Marin's total crime rate of 1,955.6 is significantly lower than Lake County (2,460.9) and Los Angeles County (3,123.0). It remains a regional leader in keeping crime rates low.

Violent Crime Exceptionally Low in Marin

The violent crime rate in Marin is just 248.0 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also lower than the national norm, sitting at 1,707.6.

Maintaining Security in Marin Homes

While crime is low, affluent areas can be targets for property theft. Simple measures like alarm systems and gated entries help residents maintain their high standard of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marin County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and mild coastal climate

Marin County averages 59.4°F annually, making it warmer than the national median but famously stable. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean prevents the extreme temperature swings found in the interior.

Right in the California sweet spot

Marin's 59.4°F average is nearly identical to the California state average of 58.7°F. It represents the classic Northern California coastal profile: mild, foggy, and consistent.

A rain-soaked coastal neighbor

Marin is much wetter than the state average, receiving 38.4 inches of rain compared to the California norm of 25.8 inches. This high precipitation supports its famous redwood forests and green hills.

Few extreme heat days annually

Summers are cool with a July average of 67.9°F and only 23 days of heat over 90°F. Snow is non-existent at 0.0 inches, while winters stay mild with a January average of 49.5°F.

Pack layers and prepare for rain

The 38.4 inches of rain require high-quality waterproof gear and well-maintained drainage systems. With only 23 heat days, many residents rely on coastal breezes rather than heavy air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marin County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Coastal Soils in Marin

Marin County has an average pH of 5.91, making it significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This score is also lower than the California average of 6.34. The county’s soil score of 46.1 sits just below the state average of 48.6.

Sandy Loam Characteristics for Drainage

The soil composition is 43.1% sand, 32.4% silt, and 22.2% clay. This mix provides excellent aeration and workability for gardeners. The high sand content helps water move through the profile, though it may require more frequent nutrient monitoring.

Rich Organic Matter Near the Coast

Marin boasts an organic matter content of 3.46%, which is higher than the California average of 3.30%. However, the available water capacity of 0.132 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.141. This rich organic content supports healthy microbial life and plant growth.

Inferred Drainage for Coastal Hills

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for Marin. The high sand percentage of 43.1% suggests naturally good drainage in many areas. Homeowners should still watch for erosion on the county's famous steep slopes.

Coastal Classics in Zone 10a

USDA Hardiness Zone 10a allows for a long growing season with very little frost. Cool-weather crops like kale, artichokes, and berries thrive in this misty, coastal climate. Start your cool-season garden now to take advantage of the mild temperatures.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marin County

via LawnByCounty

Marin is a Gardener's Paradise

Marin County boasts an elite lawn difficulty score of 81.9, far higher than the national average. Maintaining a lush lawn here is relatively easy compared to the rest of the state.

Mild Temperatures and Wet Winters

Excellent rainfall of 38.4 inches per year provides a natural foundation for growth in this Zone 10a region. With only 23 extreme heat days, cool-season grasses face much less stress than in other California counties.

Slightly Acidic Coastal Soil

The soil is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.91 and contains a healthy mix of 22.2% clay and 43.1% sand. This balance provides good structure, though a small amount of lime may help reach the ideal pH range.

Optimal Water Conditions

Marin has enjoyed zero weeks of drought over the past year, a rare feat in California. Standard watering practices are typically sufficient to keep turf thriving under these optimal coastal conditions.

Cool-Season Favorites Flourish

Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in Marin’s mild temperatures and high moisture. Because the first frost doesn't arrive until late December, you have a very long window for successful seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marin County's county score?
Marin County, California has a composite county score of 47.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Marin County rank among counties in California?
Marin County ranks #6 among all counties in California on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Marin County, California?
The median annual property tax in Marin County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Marin County a tax score of 64.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marin County?
The median household income in Marin County, California is $149,091 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marin County earns an income score of 99.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marin County, California a good place to live?
Marin County scores 47.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in California. The best way to evaluate Marin County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Marin County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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