countyscore
44.1
County Score
Lawn Care 72.7Property Tax 63.8Safety 61.4

County Report Card

About Mendocino County, California

Mendocino outperforms state average

Mendocino County scores 44.1, exceeding California's state average of 40.9 but falling slightly short of the national median of 50.0. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier nationally and stands among California's better performers.

Above-average California performer

At 44.1, Mendocino ranks above California's 40.9 state average, placing it in the upper-middle range of California counties. The county outperforms most state peers despite coastal remoteness.

Safety and tax efficiency lead

Mendocino's signature strength is safety, with the highest score in this sample at 61.4, providing genuine community security. Tax efficiency scores 63.8 with effective rate of 0.695%, while health care scores 52.0, offering solid primary care infrastructure.

Housing expensive, income moderate

Despite being more affordable than coastal peers, the cost score of 12.6 reflects median home values of $486,000—high relative to median household income of $64,688. Schools score only 43.0, a relative weak point in the profile.

Ideal for safety-conscious remote workers

Mendocino County appeals to professionals seeking genuine community safety and rural charm with reliable tax efficiency, especially those earning income remotely. It's best suited for those who can work anywhere and prioritize security and lifestyle over local job markets.

2040608010063.812.661.45243535.735.252.6Tax63.8Cost12.6Safety61.4Health52Schools43Income53Risk5.7Water35.2Weather52.644.1/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Mendocino County DNA

Foverall

How Mendocino County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mendocino County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (5.7/100), though Property Tax (63.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
63.8+11.799999999999997
Cost
12.6-35.4
Safety
61.4
Health
52
Schools
43-11
Income
53
Risk
5.7-41.3
Water
35.2-22.799999999999997
Weather
52.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Mendocino County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$486,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,325/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$486,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$53,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum7.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,688/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.9

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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Nearby counties

Lake County
California
31.6
Glenn County
California
41.8
Colusa County
California
41.8
Sonoma County
California
44.8
Tehama County
California
36.7
Napa County
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Sutter County
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Yolo County
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Deep Dives

Mendocino County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mendocino County

via TaxByCounty

Mendocino County taxes moderately above average

Mendocino County's effective tax rate of 0.695% sits just below California's state average of 0.714%. Its median property tax of $3,376 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting its $486,000 median home value, which is 72% higher than the national median of $281,900.

Mid-range taxes in California

Mendocino County's median property tax of $3,376 falls significantly below the California state average of $4,045, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 58 counties. Its 0.695% effective rate aligns with many of California's inland and wine-country regions.

Higher values, moderate tax burden

Mendocino County's $486,000 median home value is higher than most surveyed inland counties but still far below Marin County's $1.39 million and Los Angeles County's $783,300. Its $3,376 median property tax reflects a reasonable balance between property value appreciation and tax burden.

Mendocino County property tax example

A Mendocino County homeowner with a $486,000 home pays approximately $3,376 in annual property taxes at the 0.695% effective rate. Adding mortgage-related assessments raises that to roughly $3,867 per year for financed properties.

Mendocino assessment reviews worth pursuing

Mendocino County homeowners experiencing property value changes or assessment inconsistencies can file appeals to reduce their tax bills at no cost. Given the wine country's volatile real estate market, periodic assessment reviews can uncover significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mendocino County

via CostByCounty

Mendocino renters face above-average burden

Mendocino County's 24.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average and most states, signaling meaningful housing stress. Despite a median income of $64,688—below the national median—Mendocino's median rent of $1,325 creates affordability pressures that strain local earners.

Mendocino ranks above state average for burden

Mendocino County's 24.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above California's state average of 22.4%, placing it in the state's costlier half despite rural location. The county's coastal position and limited housing supply drive up rents beyond what inland alternatives charge.

Mendocino combines coastal premium with rural income

Mendocino's median rent of $1,325 tops nearby Lake County ($1,292) and rural neighbors, reflecting its Northern California coast appeal. However, its median income of $64,688 lags these same counties, creating an affordability squeeze unique among the region.

Housing consumes nearly one-quarter of income

Mendocino renters pay $1,325 monthly while homeowners invest $1,304, a nearly even split for a $64,688 median household income. The county's median home value of $486,000 reflects coastal demand, yet local wage growth hasn't kept pace, straining long-term residents.

Mendocino rewards remote workers seeking coast

If relocating to California's North Coast, Mendocino offers coastal beauty at lower absolute costs than Bay Area options—yet verify income stability before moving. Remote workers earning outside the local economy will find genuine value here; local job seekers should research carefully given the income-to-cost mismatch.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mendocino County

via IncomeByCounty

Mendocino County underearns compared to national average

Mendocino County's median household income of $64,688 sits 14% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting a rural, agriculture-and-tourism-based economy. The county ranks in the lower third nationally for household earnings.

Mendocino lags well behind California's income standard

At $64,688, Mendocino County's median household income is 26% below California's state average of $87,001. The county ranks in the lower quartile among California's 58 counties.

Mendocino earns comparably to other rural California areas

Mendocino County ($64,688) falls in the same income band as Merced ($65,044) and Lassen ($64,395), anchoring California's lower-income rural peer group. The consistency across these counties reflects shared challenges in accessing high-wage employment.

Housing costs strain Mendocino household budgets

At 24.6%, Mendocino County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the 25% affordability threshold, and median home values of $486,000 significantly outpace household earnings. The housing-income mismatch suggests limited savings potential for many residents.

Mendocino residents must prioritize income growth strategically

With median income below state averages and housing costs pressing household budgets, Mendocino residents should focus on skill development and remote work opportunities. Starting small with emergency savings and exploring side income streams can build financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mendocino County

via CrimeByCounty

Mendocino County Is Remarkably Safe

Mendocino County reports a total crime rate of only 890.9 per 100,000, less than half the national average of 2,385.5. It earns an elite safety score of 98.6.

Far Exceeding California Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 98.6 is among the best in the state, far surpassing the average of 96.3. Mendocino provides a high-security environment compared to urban centers.

Dramatically Safer Than Neighboring Lake

Mendocino's crime rate of 890.9 is nearly three times lower than neighboring Lake County's 2,460.9. This makes it one of the most secure counties in the North Coast region.

Crime Metrics Well Below National Benchmarks

Violent crime is low at 201.9 per 100,000, while property crime is just 689.0. Both metrics are roughly one-third of the national averages, signifying a very safe community.

Preserve Mendocino's Safety Advantage

Maintaining low crime rates requires continued community awareness and simple home security. Keeping vehicles locked and using motion-activated lights can help prevent opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mendocino County

via SchoolsByCounty

Mendocino County’s Diverse Public School Map

Mendocino County manages 66 public schools across 25 different districts, serving a total of 12,812 students. The network includes 28 elementary schools and 24 high schools spread across a large, varied geography. This structure supports both the coastal and inland communities of the region.

Education Outcomes and Funding Realities

The county's graduation rate is 80.8%, trailing the California state average of 87.5%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,674, nearly matching the state average but falling short of the national benchmark. Despite these challenges, the county maintains a school score of 52.3, which is above the national median.

Ukiah Unified and Charter Innovations

Ukiah Unified is the largest district by far, educating 5,810 students across 11 schools. The county also features a significant charter presence, with 11 schools representing 16.7% of the total educational landscape. Fort Bragg Unified and Mendocino Unified also serve as key providers for their respective coastal communities.

A Balance of Town and Rural Schools

Mendocino's school locales are split evenly, with 33 schools in towns and 33 in rural settings. The average school size is 207 students, fostering an environment where teachers and students know each other well. Ukiah High is the largest campus in the county, with an enrollment of 1,679 students.

Settling in the Mendocino School Districts

Whether you are looking for a home in the redwoods or near the Pacific, Mendocino's districts provide localized education. Schools like Ukiah High or Fort Bragg High often serve as the heartbeat of these towns. Consider the county's high charter school availability if you are looking for non-traditional educational options.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mendocino County

via RiskByCounty

Mendocino's high composite risk

Mendocino County scores 94.3 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively High" rating that exceeds California's state average of 88.7. The North Coast county faces substantial exposure to earthquakes, wildfires, and floods.

Fourth highest risk in California

Mendocino County ranks 4th in composite disaster risk among California's 58 counties, surpassed only by Los Angeles, Madera, and Merced. This placement reflects the county's significant vulnerability across multiple hazard categories.

Higher risk than nearby counties

Mendocino County's 94.3 risk score exceeds neighboring Lake County (93.0) and Marin County (96.4 ties it), positioning the county among the North Coast's highest-risk communities. Its remote geography doesn't reduce natural hazard exposure.

Wildfire and earthquake dominate

Mendocino County faces extreme wildfire risk (97.8 out of 100) and serious earthquake risk (98.3), making these the county's primary natural hazards. Flood risk (95.1) adds a substantial third vulnerability.

Multi-hazard insurance essential

Mendocino County homeowners should carry dedicated wildfire and earthquake insurance alongside standard homeowners policies. Ensure your property meets defensible-space standards and review coverage annually given the county's high composite risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mendocino County

via WaterByCounty

Mendocino County records failing water grade

With 28 health violations over five years, the county receives a grade of F. Its violation rate of 45.9 per 100,000 residents is slightly better than the state average of 49.1, yet it still reflects systemic failures. Frequent violations indicate a need for infrastructure investment in local water districts.

Temperature and sediment impair over half of waters

Mendocino County reports that 53.0% of its water bodies are impaired, significantly higher than the state average of 37.2%. The 2022 assessment cites high water temperatures, sedimentation, and pathogens as the top causes. These issues are often linked to land use patterns and reduced riparian cover.

Broad monitoring network tracks physical changes

The county maintains 113 monitoring sites that have generated 26,053 measurements in the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical and microbiological characteristics to track the impact of sedimentation. This network provides essential data for ongoing watershed restoration efforts.

Middle Fork Eel River faces low flow conditions

The primary USGS gauge on the Middle Fork Eel River currently shows a discharge of 318 cfs. This is only 21% of the long-term mean, indicating a significant deficit in current streamflow. Such low levels can exacerbate temperature impairments and threaten local fish populations.

Protect watersheds from sediment and heat

Because over half of the county's water bodies are impaired by sediment and temperature, residents should support streamside restoration. The failing compliance grade suggests that users of smaller water systems should use appropriate filtration. Low river flows mean that pathogen concentrations may be higher than usual in stagnant areas.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mendocino County

via WeatherByCounty

Comfortable and temperate coastal air

Mendocino County's 56.4°F annual average is slightly higher than the national median. It offers a stable, maritime-influenced climate that avoids the harshness of continental weather.

Slightly cooler than the state average

Mendocino's 56.4°F average is just below the California state average of 58.7°F. This makes it a temperate middle ground between the cold north and the hot south.

One of California's wettest regions

The county receives 42.7 inches of annual precipitation, dwarfing the state average of 25.8 inches. This heavy rainfall is paired with minimal snowfall, averaging only 1.2 inches per year.

Fifty-four days of summer heat

The July average reaches 69.7°F, but the county still experiences 54 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter remains mild with an average of 45.9°F, providing a relatively narrow temperature range.

Invest in serious rain gear

The 42.7 inches of annual rain define the lifestyle here, making waterproof clothing and sturdy roofing essential. Residents should also be prepared for the 54 days of extreme heat that occur mostly inland.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mendocino County

via SoilByCounty

Forest Soils and Coastal Acidity

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Mendocino County are not present in this dataset. Coastal forest soils are frequently more acidic than the national median of 6.5. A local soil test is the best way to determine your specific acidity level.

Diverse Textures of the North Coast

Data on sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently limited for this region. These components determine whether your soil is light and easy to dig or heavy and prone to compaction. Local knowledge of river valleys versus coastal bluffs will guide your gardening approach.

Potential for Rich Organic Content

Organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable, but the region's lush forests suggest high potential fertility. The California state average organic matter is 3.30%, a level that supports diverse plant life. Adding mulch can help maintain this natural richness in your own backyard.

Natural Hydrology of the Emerald Triangle

Dominant drainage classes are not listed, but the region's high rainfall makes drainage planning essential. Proper water movement is critical for both agricultural health and the stability of coastal properties. Observe how water flows through your land during winter storms to plan effectively.

Thriving in the Mist of Zone 9b

USDA Hardiness Zone 9b is famous for supporting world-class vineyards and majestic redwoods. This climate is ideal for berries, specialty greens, and cool-weather flowers. Start your coastal garden today to enjoy the unique growing conditions of the north.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mendocino County

via LawnByCounty

Accessible Lawn Care in Mendocino

Lawn care is notably accessible in Mendocino County, which holds a high difficulty score of 72.7. Homeowners in this Zone 9b region find it much easier to maintain turf than the typical American resident.

Abundant Rainfall for Natural Health

Rainfall of 42.7 inches annually nearly eliminates the need for heavy irrigation in many seasons. While 54 extreme heat days occur, the moderate average temperatures keep growth patterns productive.

Managing High-Moisture Soil

Local soil data is currently unavailable, so testing for pH and drainage is a smart move before planting. Given the high rainfall, ensuring your soil doesn't become waterlogged is a key management priority.

Consistent Water Availability

Drought has been non-existent over the past year, with zero weeks of restricted water conditions. This consistency allows for steady growth and predictable maintenance schedules for local lawns.

Seize the Spring Window

Warm-season grasses like Seashore Paspalum or standard Bermudagrass are great for this coastal climate. Wait for the April 8 frost date to pass before starting your spring lawn renovation.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mendocino County's county score?
Mendocino County, California has a composite county score of 44.1 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 Mendocino County rank among counties in California?
Mendocino County ranks #14 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 Mendocino County, California?
The median annual property tax in Mendocino County is $3,376, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Mendocino County a tax score of 63.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mendocino County?
The median household income in Mendocino County, California is $64,688 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mendocino County earns an income score of 53/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mendocino County, California a good place to live?
Mendocino County scores 44.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in California. The best way to evaluate Mendocino 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 Mendocino County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.