countyscore
43.9
County Score
Lawn Care 70.5Schools 69.3Health 67.1

County Report Card

About Mariposa County, California

Mariposa edges above state average

Mariposa County scores 43.9, surpassing both California's state average of 40.9 and approaching the national median of 50.0. The county represents above-average livability, though still below the national middle ground.

Solid performer among California peers

At 43.9, Mariposa ranks above California's state average of 40.9, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. The county outperforms most California peers.

Exceptional schools and health care

Mariposa's standout dimension is schools, scoring 69.3—among the highest in this sample—combined with health care scoring 67.1. The tax score of 65.3 with effective rate of 0.681% keeps fiscal burden light, and safety scores a respectable 26.8.

Income modest, water resources strained

The income score of 55.7 with median household income of $65,378 limits earning potential compared to wealthier peers, while the water score of 25.0 signals environmental concerns. Cost score of 13.1 indicates housing remains relatively expensive relative to incomes.

Perfect for education-focused families

Mariposa County suits families prioritizing exceptional schools and health care over maximum income growth, willing to accept modest earnings and environmental tradeoffs. It's an ideal small-town California experience with strong educational infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax65.3Cost13.1Safety26.8Health67.1Schools69.3Income55.7Risk13.6Water25Weather54
🏛65.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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California
41.7
Madera County
California
35.5
Mono County
California
38.5
Calaveras County
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Fresno County
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Deep Dives

Mariposa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mariposa County

via TaxByCounty

Mariposa County taxes below national average

Mariposa County's effective tax rate of 0.681% is the lowest among surveyed California counties, falling well below the state average of 0.714%. With a median property tax of $2,437, Mariposa sits just below the national median of $2,690, despite its $358,000 median home value.

Among California's most affordable counties

Mariposa County ranks in the bottom tier statewide with a median property tax of $2,437, far below California's state average of $4,045. Its 0.681% effective rate is the lowest recorded among these surveyed counties, offering genuine tax relief for homeowners.

Best tax rate in the Sierra region

Mariposa County's 0.681% effective rate and $2,437 median tax are the lowest in the region, beating neighboring Madera County (0.700%, $2,575 tax) and Merced County (0.675% rate, though $2,487 tax). Its combination of moderate home values and low effective rate makes Mariposa among the state's best for tax-conscious buyers.

Mariposa County homeowner tax estimate

A Mariposa County homeowner with a $358,000 home pays roughly $2,437 in annual property taxes at the 0.681% effective rate. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total approaches $2,798 annually for financed properties.

Even low-tax Mariposa has appeal opportunities

Mariposa County homeowners can still benefit from property tax appeals if their assessments are outdated or overvalued. In a county with such favorable rates, any reduction through a successful appeal adds up over years of ownership.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mariposa County

via CostByCounty

Mariposa offers moderate California affordability

Mariposa County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national average but below many California counties, creating a middle-ground profile. With a median household income of $65,378 and rents of $1,268, Mariposa delivers mountain living without the extreme cost burden of coastal regions.

Mariposa ranks mid-range among California

Mariposa County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio edges above California's 22.4% state average, placing it slightly above median affordability for the state. The county's mountain location and modest economy create a balanced housing market between ultra-affordable rural counties and expensive urban centers.

Mariposa balances mountain and valley options

Mariposa's median rent of $1,268 sits between Lake County ($1,292) to the north and Madera County ($1,307) to the south, while its affordability ratio slightly trails both. The county's Yosemite gateway location differentiates it from purely agricultural or urban neighboring counties.

Nearly one-quarter goes toward housing

Mariposa renters spend $1,268 monthly while homeowners carry $1,326 in monthly costs against a $65,378 median household income. Housing claims 23.3% of household income, leaving reasonable resources for other expenses while maintaining mountain community access.

Mariposa suits outdoor enthusiasts with modest budgets

If you're relocating to California for mountain access and natural beauty, Mariposa County offers reasonable housing costs ($358,000 median home value) and gateway access to Yosemite National Park. Remote workers and outdoor professionals will find better affordability here than Bay Area or coastal alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mariposa County

via IncomeByCounty

Mariposa County trails the national median income

Mariposa County's median household income of $65,378 falls 13% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting a rural mountain economy with seasonal and tourism-dependent employment. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier nationally.

Mariposa ranks below California's income average

At $65,378, Mariposa County's median household income is 25% below California's state average of $87,001. The county ranks in the lower quartile among California's 58 counties.

Mariposa earns similarly to nearby rural counties

Mariposa County ($65,378) aligns closely with Merced ($65,044) and Lassen ($64,395), placing it in California's rural income peer group. Despite comparable median incomes, Mariposa's per capita income of $39,798 is notably higher, suggesting more evenly distributed earnings.

Mariposa's rent burden is reasonable for rural California

At 23.3%, Mariposa County's rent-to-income ratio stays below the 25% threshold, offering relatively affordable housing for its income level. Median home values of $358,000 require household savings but remain achievable for local earners.

Mariposa residents should leverage seasonal opportunities

Mariposa County's tourism-dependent economy creates both stability and income-growth opportunities for those with seasonal flexibility or entrepreneurial skills. Households should prioritize emergency savings during high-season earnings and explore remote work to supplement local income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mariposa County

via CrimeByCounty

Mariposa County Reports Very Low Crime

Mariposa County boasts a total crime rate of 1,780.5 per 100,000, which is nearly 25% lower than the national average. The county enjoys a high safety score of 97.2.

A Safety Leader in California

With a safety score of 97.2, Mariposa sits comfortably above the state average of 96.3. It ranks as one of the safer rural counties across the entire state.

Safest Among Central Valley Neighbors

Mariposa’s rate of 1,780.5 is lower than neighboring Madera (2,026.2) and much lower than Merced (3,075.9). Its low population density contributes to these favorable safety figures.

Property Crime Levels Below National Norms

Property crime in Mariposa is 1,348.5 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is 432.0, which is slightly higher than the national mark of 369.8.

Sustaining Safety in Rural Mariposa

Low crime rates provide peace of mind, but rural isolation can increase response times. Installing perimeter lighting and home alarms are smart ways for residents to protect their property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mariposa County

via HealthByCounty

Mariposa nearly matches national average

Mariposa County residents live 78.3 years on average, just 0.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, roughly tracking national patterns across the small rural county.

Slight gap from California average

At 78.3 years, Mariposa County's life expectancy is 0.2 years below California's 78.5-year average, placing it near the state midpoint. The county's 6.7% uninsured rate falls below the state average of 7.2%.

Limited primary care in small county

Mariposa's 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank among the lowest in the region, only exceeding Lassen's 27. Mental health resources at 337 per 100,000 are moderate but constrained by the county's small population size.

Below-average uninsured rate masks access gaps

Mariposa achieves a relatively strong 6.7% uninsured rate compared to the state's 7.2%, but residents still face critical primary care scarcity. With just 23 primary care providers per 100,000 people, many residents must travel substantial distances for routine medical visits.

Secure coverage for your family

Mariposa's good insurance uptake reflects community health awareness—build on that by ensuring continuous coverage through Covered California. In a county with limited providers, having coverage removes cost barriers when you do need to access care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mariposa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Education in the Sierra Foothills

Mariposa County provides education to 1,881 students through just 16 public schools. The system is streamlined, with 9 elementary schools and 4 high schools operating under 4 districts. This small-scale infrastructure ensures that students remain part of a tight-knit community.

Exceptional Graduation Success in Mariposa

Mariposa County boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the California average of 87.5%. The county spends $8,484 per pupil, which is competitive with the state average of $8,762. These results earn the county a school score of 57.8, well above the national median of 50.0.

Unified District Directs Local Learning

Mariposa County Unified is the primary district, managing 11 schools and 1,688 students. Charter options are also available through the Sierra Foothill Charter District, which serves 132 students in a single school. These districts represent 12.5% of the county's total school count, offering diverse educational philosophies.

100% Rural Learning Environments

Every single school in Mariposa County is classified as rural, reflecting the region's natural mountain landscape. With an average enrollment of only 125 students per school, the county offers one of the most personal educational experiences in California. Mariposa County High is the largest facility, yet it only hosts 448 students.

Discover a Home in a Rural School Community

The high graduation rates and small class sizes make Mariposa County a hidden gem for families. When looking for property, you'll likely find homes that fall within the Mariposa County Unified district. Embrace the rural lifestyle where the school is the center of the community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mariposa County

via RiskByCounty

Mariposa's moderate composite risk

Mariposa County scores 86.4 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating slightly below California's state average of 88.7. The small Sierra Nevada county faces manageable but real natural disaster exposure.

Mid-tier risk among California counties

Mariposa County ranks in the middle of California's 58 counties for composite disaster risk, neither among the highest nor lowest-risk communities. Its 86.4 score reflects moderate but meaningful hazard exposure.

Safer than surrounding mountain counties

Mariposa County's 86.4 risk score is considerably lower than neighboring Madera County (96.4) and other nearby mountain communities, making it one of the region's safer areas. Lower earthquake and flood risks distinguish it from adjacent counties.

Wildfire is the dominant hazard

Mariposa County's greatest natural disaster risk comes from wildfire, which scores 99.0 out of 100 and represents the county's primary concern. Earthquake (67.5) and flood (70.8) risks are notably lower than in neighboring counties.

Wildfire insurance is essential

Mariposa County residents should prioritize dedicated wildfire insurance and maintain defensible space around their homes. Standard earthquake coverage is advisable but represents a secondary concern relative to the county's extreme wildfire exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mariposa County

via WeatherByCounty

A cool gateway to the mountains

Mariposa County's annual average temperature of 50.6°F is below the national median. This reflects its rugged, high-elevation terrain that stays cooler than the surrounding lowlands.

Significantly cooler than the state

Averaging 50.6°F, Mariposa is roughly eight degrees cooler than the California state average of 58.7°F. It serves as a refreshing mountain alternative to the hot Central Valley.

Abundant rain in the foothills

The county receives 33.6 inches of precipitation, which is well above the California average of 25.8 inches. Despite the cool temperatures, the data shows 0.0 inches of annual snowfall in the main populated areas.

Mild summers and crisp winters

Mariposa sees only 16 days of extreme heat per year, with July temperatures averaging a pleasant 68.7°F. Winters are cold but manageable, with a seasonal average of 37.1°F.

Prepare for wet winter months

With 33.6 inches of rain and no snow, residents should focus on flood prevention and rain gear. The mild summer climate makes this one of the few California counties where air conditioning is rarely a daily necessity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mariposa County

via SoilByCounty

Sierra Foothill Soil Profiles

Mariposa County currently lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in our records. Regional soils in the foothills often vary wildly based on elevation and parent rock material. Testing your own soil can determine if you are near the state pH average of 6.34.

Decomposed Granite and Fine Textures

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable for this county. Local landscapes often feature textures influenced by the Sierra Nevada's granite foundations. These textures dictate how well your garden retains moisture during the dry summer months.

Foothill Fertility and Water Management

Organic matter and water capacity data are not currently specified for Mariposa. Given the state average of 3.30% organic matter, local soils may need amendments to reach peak productivity. Enhancing organic content helps soil hold water longer in the summer heat.

Drainage Challenges in Rocky Terrain

Specific drainage classes are not recorded for the county, though topography plays a major role here. Sloping terrain often leads to fast runoff, requiring careful management to prevent erosion. Assessing your specific site's slope is the first step for any construction or planting.

Hardy Foothill Varieties in Zone 8b

USDA Hardiness Zone 8b is perfect for apples, olives, and certain wine grapes. The distinct seasons provide the chill hours required for many fruit trees to produce. Embrace the mountain climate by planting cold-hardy perennials this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mariposa County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Mariposa

Mariposa County offers a favorable environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 70.5. This ranks well above the California average of 51.3, making it a green-friendly zone for homeowners.

Moderate Heat and Solid Rain

The area benefits from 33.6 inches of precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal range for turf. With only 16 extreme heat days, grass avoids the scorching stress found in the neighboring valley.

Check Drainage in High Altitudes

There is limited data on local soil texture or pH, so checking your yard's drainage is a vital first step. High-altitude variations mean your specific lot might range from rocky to loamy depending on your location.

Stable Moisture Levels

The county has been remarkably resilient, recording only one week of drought over the last year. Keeping an eye on local moisture levels remains important to maintain the health of your lawn's root system.

Planting in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b is well-suited for Tall Fescue, which handles the transition between seasons beautifully. Aim to plant after the May 12 frost date to ensure your new grass establishes safely.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mariposa County's county score?
Mariposa County, California has a composite county score of 43.9 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 Mariposa County rank among counties in California?
Mariposa County ranks #15 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 Mariposa County, California?
The median annual property tax in Mariposa County is $2,437, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Mariposa County a tax score of 65.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mariposa County?
The median household income in Mariposa County, California is $65,378 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mariposa County earns an income score of 55.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mariposa County, California a good place to live?
Mariposa County scores 43.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in California. The best way to evaluate Mariposa 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 Mariposa County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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