countyscore
45.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.5Health 80.6Lawn Care 75

County Report Card

About Nevada County, California

Nevada County near the national middle

Nevada County's composite score of 45.2 sits 4.8 points below the national median of 50.0, placing it around the 45th percentile. The county performs solidly but faces headwinds common to California counties.

Above California average, solid performer

At 45.2, Nevada scores 4.3 points above California's average of 40.9, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It represents one of California's better livability profiles overall.

Health and water quality shine bright

Nevada County's health score of 80.6 is the second-highest among these eight counties, and its water score of 58.7 far exceeds state peers. Median household income of $84,905 with an income score of 88.5 also reflects solid earning potential.

Affordability and tax burden moderate

Nevada's cost score of 3.5 indicates housing constraints, with median home values of $602,800 and monthly rent of $1,635. Tax rate of 0.741% is above some rural counterparts, creating ongoing budget pressure.

Ideal for health-conscious mid-career professionals

Nevada County suits mid-career families and professionals valuing excellent health outcomes, clean water, and mountain living over maximum affordability. The county offers balance—better livability than most California peers without requiring extreme wealth.

Score breakdown

Tax58.6Cost3.5Safety35.4Health80.6Schools56.6Income88.5Risk10.1Water58.7Weather49.6
🏛58.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75
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

Placer County
California
46.5
Yuba County
California
37.7
Sierra County
California
52.4
El Dorado County
California
49.8
Sutter County
California
35
Butte County
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Plumas County
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Amador County
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41.8

Deep Dives

Nevada County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nevada County

via TaxByCounty

Nevada County's rates edge above national norm

Nevada County's effective rate of 0.741% exceeds the national median of 0.85%... actually sits below, but closely mirrors it, placing Nevada in the middle ground nationally. Homeowners pay $4,468 annually in median property taxes, 66% above the national median of $2,690, driven by a median home value of $602,800.

Nevada County ranks above state average taxes

At 0.741%, Nevada County's effective rate exceeds California's state average of 0.714%, landing it in the higher-taxed half of California counties. The median tax bill of $4,468 also surpasses the state median of $4,045, reflecting both above-average rates and strong home valuations.

Nevada County taxed higher than Placer, Modoc

Nevada's 0.741% rate trails the region's highest taxer, Placer County (0.850%), but exceeds nearby Plumas (0.721%) and substantially outpaces Modoc (0.682%). This places Nevada in the upper range for the northern Sierra Nevada foothills region.

Median Nevada County home costs $4,468 yearly

With a median home value of $602,800 and an effective rate of 0.741%, Nevada County homeowners pay roughly $4,468 in annual property taxes. With mortgage impounds, the figure rises to $4,695; without them, it drops to $3,986.

Mountain communities should verify assessment fairness

Nevada County's mix of mountain communities, rural properties, and foothill homes means assessment practices can vary—some homes may be valued using outdated comparables from slower market periods. Requesting your assessor's value and comparing it to recent local sales is the fastest way to identify overassessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nevada County

via CostByCounty

Sierra foothill housing strains budgets

Nevada County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.1% exceeds the national comfort threshold of 28-30%, despite a median household income of $84,905 that's 14% above the national average. Renters here spend $1,635 monthly—nearly a quarter of earnings—on housing in this Gold Country region.

Above average cost for California

Nevada County's 23.1% rent-to-income ratio tops California's state average of 22.4%, placing it among the state's moderately expensive housing markets. Its median home value of $602,800 reflects steady demand from residents seeking mountain living with reasonable access to urban centers.

Pricier than mountain neighbors

Nevada County's median gross rent of $1,635 sits between Mono's ($1,593) and Placer's ($1,991), while its home value of $602,800 undercuts both. For renters, Nevada offers more affordability than surrounding foothill and mountain counties, though ownership still requires substantial income.

Sierra living demands real income

Nevada County renters dedicate 23.1% of their $84,905 income to rent ($1,635/month), while homeowners commit 28.3% to ownership costs ($2,001/month). Homeownership here approaches the affordability ceiling, leaving limited budget flexibility for other expenses.

Nevada County for mountain-town seekers

Nevada County offers a middle path: Sierra Nevada beauty without the extreme prices of resort areas like Mono, yet with stronger housing affordability than Bay Area counties. If you earn above $85,000 and value mountain access with small-town character, Nevada County rewards exploration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nevada County

via IncomeByCounty

Nevada County earns above national median

Nevada County's median household income of $84,905 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 14%, reflecting a mixed rural-urban economy with strong remote work and small-business presence. The county ranks comfortably in the upper-income tier nationally.

Slightly below California's income average

At $84,905, Nevada County's median household income trails California's state average of $87,001 by roughly $2,000 per household. The county sits near the state median, with incomes typical of many California counties outside major metros.

Nevada County's mountain-town advantage

Nevada's $84,905 income outpaces rural Modoc ($56,648) and Plumas ($64,946) but falls short of Napa ($108,970) and higher-earning counties to the south. The county benefits from proximity to Sacramento and appeal to remote workers seeking mountain living.

Housing costs rise with mountain appeal

Nevada's 23.1% rent-to-income ratio reflects median home values of $602,800, making housing a significant budget item for median-income households. The county's growing appeal to out-of-state buyers has driven values up faster than local incomes.

Build savings in an affordable pocket

Nevada County's near-state-average income combined with lower housing costs than many California metros creates space for household savings and investment. Residents should capitalize on this affordability window by establishing emergency funds and retirement accounts before home prices climb further.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nevada County

via CrimeByCounty

Nevada County Achieves Elite Safety Score

Nevada County is exceptionally safe, with a safety score of 97.6. The total crime rate of 1,500.1 per 100k is nearly 900 points lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in California

Nevada County significantly outshines the California average safety score of 96.3. Its total crime rate is also roughly 36% lower than the state average of 2,355.2.

The Gold Standard for Safety nearby

Compared to adjacent Sierra foothill counties, Nevada County remains a leader in public safety metrics. Its property crime rate of 1,015.4 is about half of the national average, showcasing its peaceful nature.

Violent Crime Remains a Small Factor

The violent crime rate of 484.7 is slightly above the national average of 369.8, but property crime is very low at 1,015.4. This means residents are much less likely to experience theft than in other parts of California.

Maintaining a Secure Haven

Low property crime should not lead to complacency; perimeter security is still recommended. Installing high-quality outdoor cameras helps keep Nevada County’s crime rates among the lowest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Nevada County

via HealthByCounty

Nevada County's healthy trajectory

Nevada residents live to 80.0 years on average, beating the U.S. average of 78.5 years by 1.5 years. At 17.0% reporting poor or fair health, Nevada shows a relatively healthy population with manageable chronic disease burden.

Nevada outperforms state average

Nevada's 80.0-year life expectancy surpasses California's 78.5-year average, positioning the county among the state's healthier regions. The 17.0% poor/fair health rate is below state patterns, indicating better-than-average wellness.

Nevada leads Sierra foothills

Nevada's 80.0-year life expectancy tops Plumas (78.2) and Modoc (74.6), reflecting strong regional health leadership. With 73 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Nevada has solid frontline access compared to rural peers.

Lowest uninsured rate in cohort

At just 6.2%, Nevada's uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties and below California's 7.2% average, ensuring most residents have coverage. Nevada also boasts 1,143 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—an exceptional resource that far exceeds all peers.

Nevada County coverage is strong

Nevada's high coverage rate means most residents already have health insurance, but if you're in the 6.2% uninsured, options exist. Covered California and local enrollment assistance are ready to help you get covered.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Nevada County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse School Landscape in Nevada County

Nevada County operates 46 public schools across 16 districts, serving a total of 13,148 students. The system includes 22 elementary schools and 11 high schools, plus a significant number of alternative and other programs.

Steady Results and Competitive Spending

The county's 87.3% graduation rate is on par with the national average and just shy of the California state average. Nevada County spends $8,898 per pupil, slightly outperforming the state average of $8,762 while maintaining a school score of 56.2.

A Hub for Charter School Innovation

Nevada County is a standout for choice, with 13 charter schools making up over 28% of all campuses. Tahoe-Truckee Unified is the largest traditional district, serving nearly 4,000 students across 11 schools.

Small Town Feel Across the Foothills

The educational experience is defined by town and rural settings, with 33 schools located in town locales and an average size of 321 students. Nevada Union High is the largest campus at 1,458 students, though many schools are significantly smaller.

Find Your Niche in Nevada County Schools

With a high density of charter schools and solid graduation rates, this county offers specialized options for every learner. Consider Truckee or Grass Valley for homes near some of the area's largest and most established campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nevada County

via RiskByCounty

Nevada County: Above-Average U.S. Risk

Nevada County's composite risk score of 89.89 ranks it as relatively moderate and exceeds the national average. This Sierra foothills region faces significant wildfire and seismic hazards typical of California's interior.

Moderate-to-High Within California

Nevada County scores 89.89—just above California's state average of 88.72—placing it squarely in the middle of the state's risk distribution. It sits near the threshold between moderate and high-risk counties.

Similar Risk to Gold Country Counties

Nevada County's score of 89.89 mirrors Placer County (93.07) and Plumas County (86.39), all sharing Sierra Nevada geography and wildfire exposure. The region's elevation and forest cover create consistent hazard patterns.

Wildfire and Earthquake Are Primary Hazards

Nevada County's wildfire risk is exceptionally high at 99.43—the highest single hazard in the county. Earthquake risk follows at 92.11, while flood and tornado risks remain moderate to low.

Prioritize Wildfire Insurance and Preparedness

With a wildfire risk of 99.43, Nevada County residents should ensure comprehensive fire coverage and maintain defensible space around their homes. Add earthquake insurance to protect against the second-highest hazard; standard policies exclude seismic damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nevada County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Very Wet

Nevada County’s average temperature of 48.0°F is cooler than the national median. However, its 40.4 inches of annual precipitation is far higher than many other parts of the country.

A Northern Highland Climate

The county averages over 10 degrees cooler than the state’s 58.7°F mark. It is also one of the state's wetter regions, significantly exceeding the 25.8-inch California rainfall average.

Wetter Than Modoc

Nevada County is nearly three times as wet as Modoc County, despite having a similar average temperature. This moisture translates into massive snowpacks that its eastern neighbors lack.

California's Snow Capital

The county is defined by its 85.2 inches of annual snowfall and a winter average of 34.2°F. Summers remain pleasant with only 14 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Winterize for Deep Snow

High-clearance vehicles and snow tires are local essentials to navigate the 85.2 inches of annual snow. Indoor heating is the priority here, as extreme summer heat is relatively rare.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nevada County

via SoilByCounty

The Uncharted Sierras of Nevada County

Federal records do not currently list a dominant taxonomic order or pH for this foothill region. Understanding where your land falls relative to the national median pH of 6.5 is a great first step for local projects. Testing your own soil will unlock the secrets of its specific chemical makeup.

Exploring Local Soil Composition

This county lacks specific data for sand, silt, and clay percentages in the current federal dataset. These ratios define how the soil feels and functions, particularly in terms of drainage and air circulation. Many residents use local soil maps or site-specific tests to fill in these important data gaps.

Fertility Potential in the Foothills

No specific organic matter or water capacity data is recorded for this county at the federal level. For context, California's state average for organic matter is 3.30%. Adding local forest compost can be an effective way to improve the natural fertility of your foothill garden.

Water Movement in Rugged Terrain

The federal survey does not specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Nevada County. Understanding the slope and rock content of your land is crucial for managing seasonal runoff. Professional assessments are often recommended for large-scale landscaping or building projects.

Abundant Growth in Zone 9a

The county sits in hardiness zone 9a, which supports a wide range of fruit trees and summer vegetables. With warm days and cool nights, this climate is perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and lavender. Your Sierra garden can thrive with a little preparation and a focus on native soil health.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nevada County

via LawnByCounty

Nevada County Leads in Lawn Ease

A lawn difficulty score of 75.0 makes Nevada County a premier spot for home landscaping. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 51.3, indicating that grass grows here with minimal frustration. The 9a hardiness zone offers a perfect balance of cool nights and warm, but not oppressive, days.

Abundant Water and Gentle Heat

The county receives a generous 40.4 inches of annual precipitation, landing perfectly in the 30-50 inch 'sweet spot' for lawns. With only 14 days of extreme heat, your grass is less likely to scorch compared to the state average of 59 days. This natural irrigation and mild summer mean fewer hours spent with a garden hose.

Local Testing for Foothill Success

While specific regional soil data is unavailable, foothill gardens often feature diverse mineral compositions. We recommend a soil test to ensure your yard isn't too acidic for your chosen grass type. Well-draining soil is typical for this terrain, so adding compost can help lock in that abundant 40.4 inches of rain.

Zero Drought Weeks This Year

Nevada County has remained entirely drought-free over the last 12 months, with 0% of the area currently classified as dry. This consistent moisture allows for lush, dense growth that naturally resists weeds. Maintaining this health now will help the turf survive when the inevitable dry cycles return.

The Gold Standard for Growth

Fine Fescues and Ryegrasses perform beautifully in this 9a zone with high precipitation. While frost dates are variable in the hills, wait for the soil to hit 55 degrees before planting your seed. You have an elite environment for a beautiful lawn, so get growing today.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nevada County's county score?
Nevada County, California has a composite county score of 45.2 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 Nevada County rank among counties in California?
Nevada County ranks #10 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 Nevada County, California?
The median annual property tax in Nevada County is $4,468, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Nevada County a tax score of 58.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nevada County?
The median household income in Nevada County, California is $84,905 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nevada County earns an income score of 88.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nevada County, California a good place to live?
Nevada County scores 45.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in California. The best way to evaluate Nevada 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 Nevada County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.