countyscore
43.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.3Health 73.3Lawn Care 69.8

County Report Card

About Napa County, California

Napa slightly underperforms national livability

Napa County's composite score of 43.7 trails the national median of 50.0 by 6.3 points, placing it around the 42nd percentile. While better than many California peers, it still reflects real trade-offs in livability.

Above California average, among top tier

At 43.7, Napa beats California's state average of 40.9 by 2.8 points, ranking in the upper third of the state's counties. This positions Napa as one of the stronger California communities by composite score.

Wealthy, educated, and health-conscious

Napa's median household income of $108,970 with an income score of 97.3 reflects one of California's wealthiest communities. Health score of 73.3 and school score of 64.8 indicate strong public services and wellness outcomes.

Housing costs and public safety concerns

Napa's cost score is just 1.0, with median home values of $838,800 and monthly rent of $2,141—putting ownership and rental far out of reach for typical workers. Safety score of 25.8 also signals moderate public safety concerns in this otherwise affluent region.

Premium living for established wealth

Napa suits affluent families and professionals already established in high-income careers, offering exceptional schools, health care, and wine country lifestyle. The county is inaccessible to first-time buyers and wage workers seeking affordability.

2040608010063.7125.873.364.897.34.733.465.5Tax63.7Cost1Safety25.8Health73.3Schools64.8Income97.3Risk4.7Water33.4Weather65.543.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Napa County DNA

Foverall

How Napa County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Napa County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (97.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
63.7+11.700000000000003
Cost
1-47
Safety
25.8-29.2
Health
73.3+23.299999999999997
Schools
64.8+10.799999999999997
Income
97.3+46.3
Risk
4.7-42.3
Water
33.4-24.6
Weather
65.5+9.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$838,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$2,141/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$838,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$85,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum7.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $108,970/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.0

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
Compare Napa County with San Francisco County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Solano County
California
36.4
Yolo County
California
38
Sonoma County
California
44.8
Marin County
California
47.4
Contra Costa County
California
40.1
Sacramento County
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38.3
Lake County
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31.6
Colusa County
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41.8

Deep Dives

Napa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Napa County

via TaxByCounty

Napa's high taxes reflect premium home values

Napa County's effective rate of 0.696% sits below the national median of 0.85%, yet homeowners pay $5,840 annually—more than double the national median of $2,690. This apparent paradox reflects Napa's wine country cachet: median homes run $838,800, nearly three times the national median.

Napa just below California's average tax rate

At 0.696%, Napa edges slightly below California's state average effective rate of 0.714%, placing it in the lower-tax tier despite its upscale reputation. However, Napa's median tax bill of $5,840 exceeds the state median of $4,045 by 44%, driven entirely by ultra-premium home valuations.

Napa higher-taxed than coastal Monterey peers

Napa's 0.696% rate exceeds Monterey County's 0.661% and roughly matches Orange County's 0.666%, though Napa's median home values ($838,800) are steeper than Monterey's ($723,100). Napa homeowners trade favorable rates for expensive property, generating the region's highest median tax bills.

Median Napa home costs $5,840 yearly in taxes

A median home valued at $838,800 in Napa County generates approximately $5,840 in annual property taxes at the 0.696% rate. With mortgage impounds factored in, annual taxes climb to $6,856; without them, the base tax is $3,758.

Vineyard properties deserve close assessment scrutiny

Napa's unique wine country character means some agricultural and vineyard properties may be assessed using outdated comparable sales or incorrect use classifications. Landowners should verify their assessor's value reflects current agricultural-use valuations, not speculative development potential, as this can yield substantial appeal savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Napa County

via CostByCounty

Wine country commands wine country prices

Napa County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.6% sits above the national comfort zone, even though the county's median household income of $108,970 is 46% higher than the national average. The county's median home value of $838,800 and monthly rent of $2,141 reflect sustained demand from affluent residents and wine industry workers alike.

Premium among California counties

Napa County's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds California's 22.4% state average, ranking among the state's pricier housing markets. Its median home value of $838,800 stands as one of the highest in the eight-county set, signaling exceptional demand.

Wine country outprices mountain towns

Napa's median gross rent of $2,141 exceeds all comparable counties except Orange County ($2,352), and its median home value of $838,800 is surpassed only by Orange County's ($915,500). Napa's affluent resident base and global wine reputation drive costs above even Monterey County's coastal premium.

Luxury housing for high earners

Napa renters commit 23.6% of their $108,970 income to rent ($2,141/month), while homeowners spend 24.8% on ownership costs ($2,141/month). Even with the county's highest median incomes, housing absorbs nearly a quarter of earnings—substantial by any measure.

Napa for high-income wine country seekers

Napa's world-class wineries, culinary scene, and natural beauty attract affluent residents who accept premium housing costs as the price of entry. If your household income exceeds $100,000 and wine country living justifies the expense, Napa delivers on amenities—but budget accordingly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Napa County

via IncomeByCounty

Napa ranks among nation's highest earners

Napa County's median household income of $108,970 towers 46% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the nation's top-earning counties. The wine industry and affluent communities drive these exceptional income levels.

Napa leads California income rankings

At $108,970, Napa's median household income outpaces California's state average of $87,001 by more than $21,000, ranking it among the state's highest-income counties. The county's wealth concentration supports this premium position.

Napa rivals top earners in region

Napa's $108,970 income ranks third among these eight counties, trailing only Orange ($113,702) and Placer ($114,678). The county's proximity to San Francisco Bay and wine industry prestige support incomes competitive with California's most affluent regions.

High incomes offset high housing costs

Napa's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio reflects median home values of $838,800, among the state's priciest markets. Even premium incomes face affordability pressures in this wine-country hotspot.

Napa's wealth goes beyond mortgages

With median per capita income of $57,795—the highest among these eight counties—Napa households have substantial capacity to invest beyond primary residences. High earners should maximize retirement contributions and diversify investments to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Napa County

via CrimeByCounty

Napa County is Safer Than Average

Napa County earns a safety score of 97.1, placing it among the more secure regions in the nation. Its total crime rate of 1,821.1 per 100k is roughly 24% lower than the national average.

Napa Leads California in Safety Metrics

The county's safety score of 97.1 beats the California average of 96.3. Furthermore, Napa's violent crime rate of 329.7 is significantly lower than the state's average of 469.1.

Comparing Napa to the Bay Area

Napa maintains lower crime rates than many of its more urbanized neighbors in the North Bay. The property crime rate of 1,491.4 reflects a relatively secure environment for the county's residents and businesses.

Low Violent Crime Defines Local Safety

Violent crime is low at 329.7 per 100k, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for most reports at 1,491.4, though this still remains below national levels.

Protecting the Vineyard Lifestyle

Homeowners should focus on securing valuables in vehicles and using smart lighting around the home. These simple habits help maintain Napa's reputation as a safe and peaceful community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Napa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Napa's Unified Approach to Education

Napa County features 40 public schools across 8 districts, serving a student population of 18,604. The landscape is primarily elementary-focused with 22 schools, supported by 5 middle and 10 high schools.

High Graduation Rates in Wine Country

Napa County achieves an impressive 90.2% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national benchmarks by over 3 percentage points. The composite school score of 57.5 also beats the California average, despite per-pupil spending of $8,785 remaining near the state mean.

The Power of Napa Valley Unified

Napa Valley Unified is the dominant force here, managing 26 schools and 16,162 students, or 87% of the entire county enrollment. Charter schools are rare, with only 1 campus currently operating in the county.

Urban Hubs with an Average Size of 490

Over half of the county's schools are located in city locales, providing a concentrated learning environment with an average size of 490 students. Major high schools like Napa High and Vintage High each serve over 1,750 students, offering a large-campus experience.

Move Near Napa's Top-Performing Schools

Families looking for high academic performance should explore the residential areas within the Napa Valley Unified boundaries. With graduation rates among the best in the region, a home here represents a solid investment in your children's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Napa County

via RiskByCounty

Napa: Well Above National Disaster Risk

Napa County's composite risk score of 95.26 ranks it as relatively high and significantly exceeds the national average. This wine-country region and Bay Area gateway faces major exposure across multiple natural hazard types.

High-Risk Status Within California

Napa's score of 95.26 sits well above California's state average of 88.72, reflecting its exposure to seismic, wildfire, and flood hazards. It ranks among the state's most-at-risk counties.

Comparable Risk to Other Bay Area Counties

Napa's score of 95.26 aligns closely with Sonoma and Contra Costa counties, all sitting in the 90+ range. These Bay Area neighbors share seismic vulnerability and wildfire exposure.

Earthquake, Wildfire, and Flood Dominate

Napa's earthquake risk reaches 98.38, wildfire risk scores 95.96, and flood risk comes in at 95.83—a triple threat. Tornado risk is lower at 18.29 but still notable for the region.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Strategy Required

Napa residents should purchase separate earthquake and flood insurance, as neither is covered by standard homeowners policies. Given wildfire risk of 95.96, verify your fire coverage is adequate and consider defensible space improvements around your home.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Napa County

via WaterByCounty

Napa County Drinking Water Fails Standards

Napa County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance, recording 67 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 52.1 per 100,000 people sits just above the California state average of 49.1.

Napa Watersheds Show Moderate Impairment

Only 19.5% of Napa’s 41 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards, according to 2022 data. This is better than many neighbors, though pathogens, mercury, and nutrients remain the top concerns.

Nutrient Tracking Dominates Napa Monitoring

Monitoring efforts at 14 local sites have generated 5,284 measurements over the last five years. Most of these records focus on physical attributes and nutrient levels to maintain the delicate balance of the river ecosystem.

Napa River Flows at Record Lows

The Napa River near the city of Napa is currently discharging 38 cfs, which is just 19% of its 201 cfs long-term mean. These low flows reduce the river's capacity to flush out pathogens and nutrient buildup.

Managing Risks in the Napa Watershed

With the Napa River running low and pathogens present, residents should be wary of nutrient runoff. Maintaining high-quality filtration is essential to mitigate the county's higher-than-average drinking water violation rate.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Napa County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Mediterranean

Napa County enjoys a warm 59.5°F annual average, placing it well above the national median temperature. This climate provides the ideal heat accumulation for world-class viticulture.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

Napa is slightly warmer than the 58.7°F state average and notably wetter, receiving 31.2 inches of rain annually. This exceeds the California average of 25.8 inches, fueling its lush valley floor.

Hotter Summers Than Monterey

Compared to coastal Monterey, Napa is significantly warmer in the summer with a July average of 71.0°F. It also receives about 11 inches more rain per year than its southern coastal counterparts.

A Season of Sun and Rain

The county experiences 49 extreme heat days annually, marking a punishing summer season. Winters are wet but mild, with no recorded snowfall and a January average of 48.2°F.

Manage the Summer Heatwaves

Robust HVAC systems are a must to handle the 49 days of temperatures over 90°F. Homeowners should also maintain clear gutters to handle the 31.2 inches of concentrated winter rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Napa County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Foundation of Napa Valley

Napa's dominant Entisols show a pH of 6.15, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. These young, mineral-rich soils provide the specific chemistry that fuels the county's world-class vineyards. This acidic profile is a key component of the region's unique terroir.

Balanced Texture for Silty Clay Loam

The county's silty clay loam consists of 34.7% sand, 37.5% silt, and 24.7% clay. This balanced distribution offers excellent structure and moisture retention for deep-rooted crops. It provides a stable environment that is easy to work while still providing enough body for plant support.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Napa boasts an organic matter content of 5.28%, far exceeding the California state average of 3.30%. The available water capacity of 0.140 in/in stays competitive with the state average of 0.141 in/in. These high carbon levels translate to superior nutrient availability and soil health.

Navigating Poorly Drained Lands

The soil is classified as very poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group C/D. This indicates slow water movement and high runoff potential, especially during heavy winter rains. Proper drainage infrastructure is vital for protecting both agricultural yields and residential foundations.

Premier Growing in Zone 9b

Hardiness zone 9b combined with rich soil makes Napa a haven for wine grapes, olives, and citrus. The high organic matter provides a natural head start for any home vegetable garden or professional vineyard. Dig in today to take advantage of some of the most fertile ground in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Napa County

via LawnByCounty

Napa's Premium Growing Environment

With a high lawn difficulty score of 69.8, Napa County is one of the most lawn-friendly areas in the nation. This score far exceeds both the California average of 51.3 and the national median of 50.0. The mild 9b hardiness zone provides an ideal temperate foundation for high-quality turf.

Ideal Rainfall and Warm Summers

Napa receives 31.2 inches of annual precipitation, placing it right in the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. Despite 49 extreme heat days, the massive 3,820 growing degree days ensure vigorous grass development. Your mowing schedule will be busy from the first spring thaw in early March through the late December frost.

Managing Dense Silty Clay Loam

The soil is a silty clay loam with 24.7% clay, which can lead to drainage issues in this 'very poorly drained' region. While the pH of 6.15 is ideal for grass, you may need to aerate regularly to prevent soil compaction. Adding gypsum or coarse sand can help improve the structure of these dense, moisture-holding soils.

Robust Resilience to Drought

Napa has experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, a rare feat in California. While current conditions are perfect, always plan for the future by keeping your grass height at 3 inches to shade the soil. The county's healthy rainfall levels currently provide a significant buffer against water stress.

Start Your Lawn in March

Tall Fescue is a top performer here, handling the heat days well while staying green in the winter. Aim to seed or sod after March 5 to avoid any late-season frost damage. With such high growing degree days, your new lawn will establish quickly and thrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Napa County's county score?
Napa County, California has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Napa County rank among counties in California?
Napa County ranks #16 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 Napa County, California?
The median annual property tax in Napa County is $5,840, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Napa County a tax score of 63.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Napa County?
The median household income in Napa County, California is $108,970 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Napa County earns an income score of 97.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Napa County, California a good place to live?
Napa County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in California. The best way to evaluate Napa 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 Napa 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.