countyscore
46.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.2Health 96Lawn Care 72.7

County Report Card

About Placer County, California

Placer slightly below the national median

Placer County's composite score of 46.5 trails the national median of 50.0 by just 3.5 points, placing it around the 46th percentile. It's one of the stronger California county performers relative to national benchmarks.

Beats California average, top-performing county

At 46.5, Placer scores 5.6 points above California's state average of 40.9, ranking it in the top third of the state's 58 counties. Placer is among California's best-performing communities by composite livability.

Health and income lead Placer's profile

Placer's health score of 96.0 is the highest among all eight counties, reflecting exceptional wellness outcomes and access to care. Income score of 98.2 and median household income of $114,678 reflect a prosperous, educated workforce.

Housing costs and taxes are genuine friction

Placer's cost score of 1.3 and median home values of $658,800 reflect California's broader affordability crisis, albeit somewhat mitigated by rent levels. Tax rate of 0.850% is the highest among these eight counties.

Best for health-focused professional families

Placer suits established professional families and dual-income households seeking outstanding health care, good schools, and proximity to job markets without relocating to coastal megacities. The county offers strong livability for those who can absorb California's housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax48.9Cost1.3Safety33Health96Schools59.9Income98.2Risk6.9Water69.8Weather54.5
🏛48.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠1.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤96
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.5
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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Montgomery County
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Ashtabula County
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Nearby counties

Nevada County
California
45.2
El Dorado County
California
49.8
Yuba County
California
37.7
Amador County
California
41.8
Sierra County
California
52.4
Sutter County
California
35
Calaveras County
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43
Carson City
Nevada
37.8

Deep Dives

Placer County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Placer County

via TaxByCounty

Placer County has highest tax rate surveyed

Placer County's effective rate of 0.850% matches the national median, making it the only county in this survey at parity with the national standard. Despite moderate home values—median of $658,800—Placer homeowners pay $5,600 annually, reflecting the county's notably higher tax rate relative to peers.

Placer significantly above California average

At 0.850%, Placer County's effective rate exceeds California's state average of 0.714% by nearly 20%, placing it among the highest-taxed counties statewide. This above-average rate is the primary driver of Placer's relatively high tax burden compared to other surveyed counties.

Placer taxed highest in northern region

Placer's 0.850% rate significantly outpaces all regional neighbors: Nevada County (0.741%), Modoc (0.682%), and Plumas (0.721%). This makes Placer the highest-taxed county in the northern Sierra Nevada and foothill region by a wide margin.

Median Placer home costs $5,600 yearly in taxes

With a median home value of $658,800 and an effective rate of 0.850%, Placer County homeowners pay approximately $5,600 in annual property taxes. With mortgage impounds, taxes rise to $5,917; without them, the base tax is $4,768.

High rates make appeals worthwhile in Placer

Because Placer's tax rate is the highest in this region, even modest reductions from a successful assessment appeal can save homeowners significant dollars annually. If your home was last assessed more than two years ago or property values in your neighborhood have declined, filing an appeal is worth the minimal effort required.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Placer County

via CostByCounty

Placer offers genuine affordability comfort

Placer County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% sits comfortably below the national threshold, bolstered by a county median household income of $114,678—second-highest in this eight-county set. Renters spend $1,991 monthly, but that represents just 21% of earnings, leaving substantial budget flexibility.

Below California's affordability line

Placer County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio beats California's 22.4% state average, making it one of California's most affordable markets among higher-income counties. This combination—strong incomes plus moderate housing costs—creates rare breathing room for residents.

Gold standard for Sacramento region

Placer County's median gross rent of $1,991 undercuts Orange County ($2,352) and Napa ($2,141), while its $658,800 median home value offers genuine value compared to coastal alternatives. Among northern counties, only Modoc beats Placer's affordability ratio, though Placer offers far higher incomes and job opportunities.

Best balance in the comparison set

Placer renters dedicate just 20.8% of their $114,678 income to rent ($1,991/month), while homeowners commit 24.3% to ownership costs ($2,326/month). This is among the most balanced housing-to-income relationship in the eight-county set, leaving families substantial resources for savings and other priorities.

Placer County: Smart money moves here

Placer County combines Sacramento region job access, Gold Country scenery, and genuinely balanced housing affordability—an increasingly rare California combination. If you're relocating for work or seeking to maximize income relative to housing costs, Placer County delivers on both fronts.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Placer County

via IncomeByCounty

Placer ranks among America's highest earners

Placer County's median household income of $114,678 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 53%, placing it among the nation's most affluent counties. Proximity to Sacramento, tech jobs, and quality of life attract high-earning households.

Placer leads all California counties

At $114,678, Placer's median household income surpasses California's state average of $87,001 by $27,677, ranking it among the state's highest-income counties. The county consistently attracts wealth and professional-class residents from the Bay Area and Sacramento.

Placer tops this eight-county group

Placer's $114,678 median income ranks highest among these eight counties, edging Orange ($113,702) and Napa ($108,970). The county's location between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe positions it as a destination for affluent professionals and retirees.

Best affordability among high-income peers

Placer's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among the state's higher-income counties, with median home values of $658,800. Even as a pricey market, Placer offers better housing-cost ratios than wealthier Orange County and Napa.

Placer's formula for wealth accumulation

With median per capita income of $56,902 and the best housing-cost ratio among high earners, Placer households have exceptional capacity to save and invest. Residents should maximize retirement contributions, build diversified portfolios, and consider real estate investments to compound wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Placer County

via CrimeByCounty

Placer County Sets a High Standard

Placer County is remarkably safe, with a total crime rate of 1,572.3 per 100k. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5, earning the county a safety score of 97.5.

Among the Safest in California

Placer easily beats the state average safety score of 96.3. Its violent crime rate of 222.1 is less than half of the California average of 469.1, highlighting its local security.

Leading the Foothills in Safety

Placer consistently reports lower crime rates than neighboring Sacramento County. The local property crime rate of 1,350.2 is far lower than the national average, making it a regional leader in safety.

Low Risk for All Crime Categories

Violent crime is very rare, occurring at a rate of only 222.1 per 100k. Property crime is also well-controlled at 1,350.2, ensuring that residents face much lower risks than the typical American.

Reinforce Your Home Security

Maintaining high safety standards starts with personal awareness and home security systems. Reinforced door frames and window sensors can further reduce the already minimal risk of burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Placer County

via HealthByCounty

Placer County tops national average

Placer residents live to 81.2 years on average, surpassing the U.S. average of 78.5 years by nearly 3 years. At just 13.6% reporting poor or fair health—the lowest rate in this group—Placer demonstrates exceptional population health outcomes.

Placer among California's healthiest

With a 81.2-year life expectancy, Placer beats California's 78.5-year state average and ranks among the state's top-performing counties. The 13.6% poor/fair health rate is significantly below state trends, reflecting sustained wellness and disease prevention.

Placer leads Sacramento region

Placer's 81.2-year life expectancy matches Napa's and outpaces neighboring El Dorado, Sacramento, and Sutter counties. At 122 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Placer offers the highest provider density among these eight counties.

Lowest uninsured rate in state

At just 3.7%, Placer's uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties and far below California's 7.2% average, ensuring excellent coverage. With 122 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Placer leads the group in frontline healthcare access.

Placer residents: stay covered

Placer's exceptional coverage means most residents already have health insurance, but if you're in the small uninsured minority, options exist. Covered California is ready to help you find an affordable plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Placer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Education in Placer County

Placer County serves 67,593 students through 118 public schools and 26 districts. The landscape is well-balanced, featuring 70 elementary schools, 17 middle schools, and 22 high schools to support a growing population.

Top-Tier Graduation Outcomes

Placer County leads the pack with a 92.4% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average. While per-pupil spending is lower than the state average at $7,358, the high graduation outcomes suggest a highly efficient school system.

Roseville and Rocklin Lead the Way

Roseville City Elementary and Rocklin Unified are the largest districts, combining to serve over 22,000 students. Choice is also prevalent here, with 16 charter schools representing 13.6% of the county's total school options.

Suburban Excellence and Mid-Sized Schools

The county features a mix of suburban (46) and city (30) locales, with an average school size of 578 students. Rocklin High is the largest traditional campus at 2,098 students, reflecting the area's popularity with growing families.

Invest in a Home Near Placer Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in California, Placer County is a premier destination for homebuyers with children. Areas like Roseville and Rocklin offer suburban comfort paired with proven academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Placer County

via RiskByCounty

Placer: Well Above National Risk Average

Placer County's composite risk score of 93.07 ranks it as relatively moderate and significantly exceeds the national average. This Sierra foothills and valley region faces substantial exposure to wildfires and seismic activity.

High-Risk Within California's Scale

Placer scores 93.07—well above California's state average of 88.72—placing it in the upper portion of the state's risk rankings. Its position bridging the valley and mountains amplifies multiple hazard exposures.

Riskier Than Most Regional Peers

Placer's score of 93.07 exceeds neighboring El Dorado (around 80s) and sits above the state average shared by Nevada County peers. Its wider geography and expanding wildland-urban interface increase overall exposure.

Wildfire and Earthquake Lead the List

Placer County's wildfire risk reaches 98.70, one of the state's highest, while earthquake risk scores 95.23. Flood risk is also significant at 95.77, with tornado risk more moderate at 23.31.

Triple Coverage Strongly Recommended

Placer residents should secure earthquake insurance, flood insurance, and verified fire coverage, as the county faces top-tier risk in all three categories. Inspect your policy limits carefully; higher-value homes in this region often need coverage above standard homeowners caps.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Placer County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Precipitation Hub

Placer County’s average temperature of 54.1°F aligns with the national median. However, its 48.0 inches of annual precipitation makes it much wetter than most of the United States.

California's Wet Northern Interior

Placer receives nearly double the state's average rainfall of 25.8 inches. While its 54.1°F average is cooler than the state mean, it bridges the gap between the hot valley and cold peaks.

Wetter Than Neighbors

Placer is significantly wetter than Plumas County (36.1 inches) and Nevada County (40.4 inches). It serves as a major watershed for the region due to this high annual precipitation.

Snow and Heat in Equal Measure

The county faces 62.9 inches of annual snow in the mountains, yet sees 33 days of extreme heat in the lower elevations. This diversity creates a 69.2°F summer and 40.9°F winter average.

Dual-Season Home Preparation

Homeowners must prepare for both heavy mountain snow and valley heatwaves reaching over 90°F. Reliable drainage systems are critical to manage the 48.0 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Placer County

via SoilByCounty

Placer's Diverse Foothill Foundation

Specific data on the dominant taxonomic order and pH is not currently available for Placer County in this dataset. Knowing how your local soil compares to the national 6.5 pH median is essential for any serious gardening or farming effort. Local soil tests can provide the specific answers needed for your property.

Ratios of Sand, Silt, and Clay

Federal records do not currently specify the percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this area. These components are the main drivers of soil workability and how well the ground supports infrastructure. Understanding these ratios helps local residents manage the transition from valley floor to mountain peak.

Measuring Potential for Placer Gardens

Organic matter and available water capacity data are missing from the current records for this county. For reference, the California state average for organic matter is 3.30%. Residents can aim to match or exceed this benchmark by incorporating organic material into their local garden beds.

Managing Runoff in the Sierra Nevada

No dominant drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded for Placer County in this federal survey. These metrics are critical for understanding how water moves across the land, especially during the spring melt. Site-specific topographical knowledge is key for any successful local landscaping project.

Fruit and Flowers in Zone 9b

The county's hardiness zone of 9b is perfect for stone fruits and a wide variety of Mediterranean plants. The long, warm growing season provides a great environment for a productive and beautiful home garden. Placer's climate invites you to start your own backyard orchard or vegetable patch today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Placer County

via LawnByCounty

Placer County's Ideal Lawn Climate

With a lawn difficulty score of 72.7, Placer County offers an exceptionally friendly environment for home lawns. This score is significantly better than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 51.3. The 9b hardiness zone provides a long, productive season for many different grass types.

Abundant Rain and Active Growth

Placer receives 48.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is the high end of the ideal range for turf. Although it faces 33 extreme heat days, the 3,120 growing degree days provide a robust energy source for growth. The spring frost usually ends by May 4, opening up a solid window for seeding.

Test Your Sierra Foothill Soil

Specific soil metrics like pH and clay content are not available for this county in our current database. Homeowners in the foothills often deal with rocky or clay-heavy soils that require tilling and organic amendments. A local soil test will help you determine how to manage that plentiful 48 inches of rain effectively.

A Year of Plentiful Water

Placer County has enjoyed zero weeks of drought over the past year, keeping the soil moisture levels high. This lack of water stress is a major reason for the county's high lawn ease score of 72.7. Even so, installing a rain sensor on your irrigation system will help you save water during the wet winter months.

May Planting for Best Results

Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for Placer's 9b climate. Aim to start your project after the last frost on May 4 to ensure the young shoots aren't damaged by a cold snap. With such favorable conditions, your lawn will likely be the envy of the neighborhood.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Placer County's county score?
Placer County, California has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Placer County rank among counties in California?
Placer County ranks #9 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 Placer County, California?
The median annual property tax in Placer County is $5,600, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Placer County a tax score of 48.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Placer County?
The median household income in Placer County, California is $114,678 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Placer County earns an income score of 98.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Placer County, California a good place to live?
Placer County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in California. The best way to evaluate Placer 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 Placer 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.