countyscore
49.7
County Score
Cost of Living 67Property Tax 65.2Disaster Risk 60.3

County Report Card

About Modoc County, California

Modoc scores right at the national median

With a composite score of 49.6, Modoc County sits nearly dead center against the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 50th percentile nationwide. This is a solid middle-ground performance—neither an outlier for livability nor a struggling community.

Outperforming most of California

Modoc's 49.6 score beats California's state average of 40.9 by a notable 8.7 points, ranking it above the midline among the state's 58 counties. For a rural California county, this represents stronger-than-average livability metrics.

Low taxes and affordable housing anchor Modoc

Modoc excels in affordability, with an effective tax rate of just 0.682% and median home values of $212,000—among the most accessible in the state. Its cost score of 67.0 and tax score of 65.2 reflect real relief on the household budget.

Income and safety need attention

Median household income of $56,648 lags significantly behind state and national norms, reflecting limited economic opportunity in this rural region. Safety and water quality scores of 33.4 and 31.1 respectively also indicate areas where residents face real challenges.

Best for cost-conscious, established families

Modoc suits retirees and established families prioritizing affordability and low tax burdens over wage growth and urban amenities. The county offers stability and low living costs, but prospective residents should expect limited job markets and rural services.

Score breakdown

Tax65.2Cost67Safety33.4Health52.8Schools39.1Income29.2Risk60.3Water31.1Weather40.3
🏛65.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.7
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

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Klamath County
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36.7
Lassen County
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Siskiyou County
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Deep Dives

Modoc County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Modoc County

via TaxByCounty

Modoc's tax rate lags national average

At 0.682%, Modoc County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.85%, making it one of the more affordable counties for homeowners nationally. Modoc homeowners pay a median of $1,445 annually—roughly half the national median of $2,690—despite the national median home being valued 33% higher.

Among California's lowest property tax rates

Modoc ranks among the lowest taxed counties in California, where the state average effective rate is 0.714% and median tax bill is $4,045. At 0.682%, Modoc undercuts the state average and is one of just a handful of counties below 0.70%.

Modoc taxes lowest in rural northeast region

Compared to neighboring mountain counties like Plumas (0.721%) and Nevada County (0.741%), Modoc offers the most favorable tax rate in the region. Modoc's median property tax of $1,445 is also the lowest among its peers, reflecting both lower home values and lower effective rates.

Median home here costs $1,445 yearly in taxes

With a median home value of $212,000 and an effective tax rate of 0.682%, Modoc homeowners pay approximately $1,445 in annual property taxes. Without mortgage impounds, taxes run $1,222; with them factored in, the total rises to $1,976 annually.

Don't assume your assessment is correct

Even in lower-taxed counties like Modoc, some homeowners discover their properties are overassessed relative to recent comparable sales. Filing a property tax appeal—typically every 3-4 years—takes little time and can reduce your annual bill if your home's assessed value doesn't match market reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Modoc County

via CostByCounty

Modoc beats the national affordability test

Modoc County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% sits well below the national sweet spot of 28-30%, making it genuinely affordable for renters. With a median household income of $56,648, residents spend far less on housing than the typical American household relative to what they earn.

Most affordable rent in California

Modoc County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among California's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 22.4% by a substantial margin. Its median gross rent of $818 per month is roughly half the state's median of $1,618, offering rare relief in an expensive state.

A pocket of affordability in the north

Modoc's rents are roughly half those of neighboring Plumas County ($1,034/month) and a third of Nevada County's ($1,635/month). Among the eight-county comparison set, Modoc stands alone as the most affordable place to rent, making it an outlier in California's housing market.

Housing takes a modest bite here

Renters dedicate 17.3% of their $56,648 median income to rent ($818/month), while homeowners commit 14% to ownership costs ($659/month). This leaves most Modoc households substantial room in their budgets—a luxury increasingly rare across California.

Consider Modoc for true affordability

If housing costs are eating your paycheck, Modoc County offers one of California's last genuinely affordable housing markets. The trade-off is location and amenities, but your $56,648 median income stretches dramatically further here than anywhere else in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Modoc County

via IncomeByCounty

Modoc lags behind national income

Modoc County's median household income of $56,648 sits 24% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-income counties nationally. This gap reflects the rural character of the region and limited job diversity compared to major metropolitan areas.

Below California's income average

At $56,648, Modoc's median household income ranks well below California's state average of $87,001—a difference of $30,353 per household. The county faces income challenges typical of rural, agricultural communities in the state.

Modoc's income faces rural reality

Modoc's median income of $56,648 trails nearby Plumas County ($64,946) and Nevada County ($84,905), underscoring its position as one of the region's lower-income areas. The gap widens significantly when compared to Sierra Nevada communities that attract tourism and remote workers.

Housing remains affordable here

Modoc's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties, meaning housing costs consume less of household earnings than elsewhere in the region. With a median home value of $212,000, homeownership remains within reach for many families earning the county median.

Build wealth despite modest income

Modoc's affordability advantage—lower housing costs than state averages—creates an opportunity for households to save and invest beyond basic living expenses. Even with a median income below state levels, residents can build emergency funds and retirement savings through disciplined budgeting.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Modoc County

via CrimeByCounty

Modoc County Surpasses National Safety Benchmarks

Modoc County earns an impressive safety score of 97.5, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1,560.5 per 100k is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Above Average Safety in California

The county's safety score exceeds the California average of 96.3. Modoc's total crime rate of 1,560.5 also sits well below the state average of 2,355.2 per 100k.

Leading the Way Among Rural Neighbors

Modoc maintains a much lower property crime rate of 1,005.7 compared to more active tourism hubs like Mono County. This makes it one of the quietest rural regions in Northern California.

Low Property Crime vs High Violent Crime

While property crime is low at 1,005.7 per 100k, the violent crime rate of 554.8 actually exceeds the national average of 369.8. Residents are less likely to face theft but should remain aware of personal safety.

Practical Security for Modoc Residents

Low property crime rates are encouraging, but motion-activated lighting remains a vital deterrent for rural homes. Simple security upgrades ensure that Modoc remains a safe haven for all.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Modoc County

via HealthByCounty

Modoc life expectancy lags nation

Modoc residents live to an average of 74.6 years, nearly 4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.5 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, suggesting chronic conditions are prevalent in the county.

Among California's shortest lifespans

At 74.6 years, Modoc's life expectancy ranks well below California's state average of 78.5 years, a gap of 3.9 years that reflects significant health challenges. The 18.4% poor/fair health rate underscores persistent wellness barriers across the county.

Modoc faces steeper health challenges

Modoc's 74.6-year life expectancy trails neighboring Nevada County (80.0) and Plumas County (78.2) by meaningful margins. With only 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents compared to Nevada's 73, Modoc faces both health outcome and access disadvantages.

Healthcare access remains tight

An 8.0% uninsured rate, slightly above California's 7.2% average, means roughly 1 in 12 Modoc residents lack health coverage. With just 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, appointment availability is stretched thin across the county.

Finding coverage in Modoc

If you're among Modoc's uninsured, the Covered California marketplace and Medicaid expansion have created new pathways to affordable coverage. Even a brief online search can connect you to enrollment assistance in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Modoc County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Modoc County

Modoc County manages a focused education infrastructure with just 10 public schools serving 928 total students. This network includes 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 4 high schools spread across 4 distinct school districts.

Investment vs Local Graduation Outcomes

The county invests $8,750 per pupil, which aligns with the California average of $8,762 but remains below the national average of $13,000. While the graduation rate currently sits at 74.0%, significantly lower than the national 87% mark, the school score of 48.9 suggests the county is working toward academic parity.

Modoc Joint Unified Leads the Region

Modoc Joint Unified is the county's primary district, overseeing 6 schools and serving 832 students, or nearly 90% of the total enrollment. Notably, there are no charter schools currently operating in the county, emphasizing a traditional public school model.

Rural Roots and Close-Knit Classrooms

Schools here are intimate, with an average size of just 116 students per campus across 7 town and 3 rural locales. Alturas Elementary is the largest at 389 students, while Surprise Valley High offers a uniquely small experience with only 44 students.

Discover Rural Life Near Modoc Schools

Families seeking a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name should explore homes in Alturas or the Surprise Valley area. School quality and small class sizes remain key factors for those moving to this quiet corner of California.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Modoc County

via RiskByCounty

Modoc: Well Below National Risk Average

Modoc County's composite risk score of 39.69 places it in the very low category—far safer than the typical American county. This score reflects a region where natural disaster hazards are substantially less pronounced than what most U.S. communities face.

Among California's Safest Counties

Modoc ranks among the lowest-risk counties in California, with a score well below the state average of 88.72. In a state known for seismic and wildfire hazards, Modoc stands out as a relative haven.

Safer Than the Sierra Nevada Region

Modoc's risk profile is notably lower than neighboring Mono County (46.50) and the higher-risk counties to the west and south. Its isolation in northeastern California keeps it away from the state's major seismic zones and populated fire corridors.

Wildfire and Earthquake Remain Top Concerns

Wildfire risk scores highest at 92.94, reflecting the county's forested terrain and dry climate, while earthquake risk sits at 68.77. Tornado and flood risks are minimal, with scores below 45.

Focus on Fire and Seismic Coverage

Even in low-risk Modoc, wildfire insurance and earthquake coverage are worth evaluating, especially for properties in forested areas. Standard homeowners policies may exclude earthquake damage, so check your policy for both fire and seismic protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Modoc County

via WeatherByCounty

A Chilly High-Desert Climate

Modoc County’s annual average temperature of 48.4°F is significantly cooler than the national median. This high-altitude region experiences a semi-arid climate that stays much crisper than the typical California image.

Far Below the State Average

With a yearly average over 10 degrees lower than California's 58.7°F mark, Modoc ranks among the state's coldest counties. It is also significantly drier, receiving only 14.6 inches of precipitation compared to the 25.8-inch state average.

The Dry Side of the North

While sharing a similar temperature with nearby Plumas County (48.4°F), Modoc is much more arid. It receives less than half the annual precipitation of its western and southern neighbors, making it a distinct desert-mountain hybrid.

Snowy Winters and Sharp Summers

Residents face 51.3 inches of annual snowfall as winter temperatures average 33.0°F. Summers are brief but intense, featuring 30 days where temperatures climb to or exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Swings

Winterizing pipes is a necessity here given the consistent sub-freezing January average of 32.4°F. High-altitude sun protection is also essential for the month-long stretch of extreme summer heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Modoc County

via SoilByCounty

Modoc's Uncharted High Desert Soils

Federal soil surveys do not currently record a dominant taxonomic order or pH for this county. Without a local average, residents can use the national median pH of 6.5 as a baseline for their own testing. Understanding these chemical traits is the first step toward successful high-altitude farming.

Evaluating Local Texture and Workability

Data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is missing from current federal records for this region. These ratios are essential for determining how easily the soil can be tilled and how well it retains water. Local gardeners often rely on physical feel tests to estimate their soil's unique composition.

Measuring Fertility Against State Averages

This county lacks specific data for organic matter and available water capacity in federal databases. For comparison, the California state average for organic matter sits at 3.30%. Improving your local soil with organic amendments can help reach or exceed these state-wide benchmarks.

Managing Water in Mountain Terrains

No dominant drainage class or hydrologic group is currently listed for Modoc County. These classifications are vital for planning irrigation systems and building stable foundations. Site-specific assessments are the best way to understand how water moves through your property.

Cultivating the Zone 6b Landscape

Modoc County lies in hardiness zone 6b, making it ideal for hardy perennials and short-season crops. The crisp mountain climate and distinct seasons offer a rewarding challenge for any dedicated gardener. Start with cold-tolerant varieties to make the most of the vibrant growing window.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Modoc County

via LawnByCounty

Modoc County's Uphill Lawn Battle

Maintaining a lawn in Modoc County is slightly more difficult than the national average, reflected in a lawn difficulty score of 48.7. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, the region faces colder winters than most of the state, requiring hardy grass varieties. The score sits just below the California state average of 51.3, signaling a need for careful seasonal planning.

Short Seasons and Dry Skies

Modoc County receives just 14.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half of the 30-50 inches ideal for lawns. With only 30 extreme heat days, temperature isn't the primary enemy, but a very short window between the June 1 last frost and September 18 first frost limits active growth. You must time your fertilization and mowing strictly within this brief summer period.

Unknown Soil Needs Local Testing

Local soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for this region. Before investing in sod or seed, homeowners should perform a private soil test to check for nutrient deficiencies. Amending the soil with organic matter can help compensate for the low 14.6 inches of annual rainfall by improving water retention.

Current Respite from Dry Conditions

Modoc County is currently enjoying a break from drought, with 0% of the area classified as abnormally dry and zero weeks in drought over the past year. This provides an excellent opportunity to establish deeper root systems before the next dry cycle. Even during wet years, the arid climate means deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy for long-term resilience.

Cool-Season Grasses Rule the Range

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are best suited for Zone 6b. Wait until the final spring frost around June 1 to start your seeding for the best results. A healthy lawn here provides a great backdrop for the 2,030 growing degree days available each year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Modoc County's county score?
Modoc County, California has a composite county score of 49.7 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 Modoc County rank among counties in California?
Modoc County ranks #5 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 Modoc County, California?
The median annual property tax in Modoc County is $1,445, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Modoc County a tax score of 65.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Modoc County?
The median household income in Modoc County, California is $56,648 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Modoc County earns an income score of 29.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Modoc County, California a good place to live?
Modoc County scores 49.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in California. The best way to evaluate Modoc 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 Modoc 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.