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.

Score breakdown

Tax63.8Cost12.6Safety61.4Health52Schools43Income53Risk5.7Water35.2Weather52.6
🏛63.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.7
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

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

Mendocino County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Health in Mendocino County

via HealthByCounty

Mendocino's health trails national average

Mendocino County residents live 76.8 years on average, about 2.1 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents report poor or fair health, reflecting health challenges across the coastal rural county.

Below California's health performance

At 76.8 years, Mendocino County's life expectancy falls 1.7 years short of California's 78.5-year average. The county's 10.3% uninsured rate is the state's highest among these eight counties, indicating coverage access challenges.

Strong provider density despite challenges

Mendocino County offers 78 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—comparable to or exceeding most neighboring rural counties. Mental health resources at 660 per 100,000 rank third among these eight counties, providing meaningful specialist availability.

Highest uninsured rate limits care access

Mendocino County's 10.3% uninsured rate is the highest among these eight counties, leaving roughly 1 in 10 residents without coverage. Despite having solid primary care infrastructure at 78 providers per 100,000, insurance gaps prevent many from accessing those providers.

Get covered today—one in ten lack coverage

With the state's highest uninsured rate at 10.3%, Mendocino residents face real barriers to accessing the primary care providers available locally. Visit Covered California now to find affordable plans and eliminate cost barriers to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

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.