41
County Score
Health 81.1Lawn Care 66.4Property Tax 60.6

County Report Card

About Plumas County, California

Plumas hits California's state average exactly

Plumas County's composite score of 40.9 sits 9.1 points below the national median of 50.0, placing it around the 35th percentile nationally. This rural county faces livability pressures common to remote mountain regions.

Right at the California state average

At 40.9, Plumas matches California's state average exactly, ranking it squarely at the median among the state's 58 counties. It's neither an outlier nor a standout, representing typical rural California livability.

Health and relative affordability stand out

Plumas boasts a health score of 81.1—the third-highest among these eight counties—suggesting excellent health outcomes in this mountain community. Cost score of 22.4 and median home value of $327,400 make it among California's most affordable rural counties.

Income and school quality lag peers

Median household income of $64,946 with an income score of 54.3 reflects limited economic opportunity typical of remote rural regions. School score of 43.8 suggests educational resources trail those in more affluent counties.

Ideal for rural retirees and remote workers

Plumas suits retirees with fixed pensions and remote workers earning outside-county incomes who prioritize natural beauty and affordability. Families with school-age children should carefully evaluate educational options before relocating.

Score breakdown

Tax60.6Cost22.4Safety16.6Health81.1Schools43.8Income54.3Risk13.6Water27.8Weather41.3
🏛60.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠22.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼54.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡16.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
81.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓43.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
13.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧27.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤41.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱66.4
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
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Plumas County

Whether buying or refinancing in Plumas County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Deep Dives

Plumas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Plumas County

via TaxByCounty

Plumas County's taxes significantly below average

Plumas County's effective rate of 0.721% sits below the national median of 0.85%, and homeowners pay just $2,360 annually—a mere 88% of the national median property tax of $2,690. The county's modest median home value of $327,400 keeps tax bills manageable despite rates that closely match the state average.

Plumas slightly below California's average rate

At 0.721%, Plumas edges just above California's state average effective rate of 0.714%, placing it squarely in the middle tier of state counties. However, Plumas's median tax of $2,360 is the second-lowest among the eight counties surveyed, reflecting lower home values rather than tax rate advantage.

Plumas offers balanced tax burden in region

Plumas's 0.721% rate sits between modest Modoc (0.682%) and pricier Nevada County (0.741%), making it the middle ground for the northern Sierra region. At $2,360 in median taxes, Plumas homeowners benefit from both reasonable rates and affordable home prices compared to mountain communities.

Median Plumas home costs $2,360 yearly in taxes

With a median home value of $327,400 and an effective rate of 0.721%, Plumas County homeowners pay approximately $2,360 in annual property taxes. With mortgage impounds, taxes climb to $2,505; without them, the base tax is $2,151.

Even modest appeals matter in lower-value counties

In counties like Plumas where tax bills are already modest, homeowners sometimes overlook potential appeals, assuming savings would be negligible. But a 10% assessment reduction on a $327,400 home yields roughly $236 in annual savings—meaningful for working families over a decade.

Cost of Living in Plumas County

via CostByCounty

Northern Sierra offers true affordability

Plumas County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% sits well below the national affordability threshold, supported by modest median household income of $64,946. Renters spend $1,034 monthly—less than 20% of earnings—providing rare housing comfort for California households.

Second-most affordable California county

Plumas County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among California's most affordable markets, beating the state average of 22.4% by a significant margin. Only Modoc County outperforms Plumas, making this northern Sierra region an affordability bright spot in expensive California.

Mountain living on a smaller budget

Plumas County's median gross rent of $1,034 sits between Modoc's unbeatable $818 and Nevada County's $1,635, offering genuine value for mountain-county living. Its median home value of $327,400 is second-lowest in the eight-county set, undercut only by Modoc's $212,000.

Affordable housing frees up paychecks

Plumas renters commit just 19.1% of their $64,946 income to rent ($1,034/month), while homeowners spend 21.6% on ownership costs ($1,172/month). This leaves households substantially more room to save, invest, or manage other expenses compared to California averages.

Plumas for those valuing affordability

Plumas County trades a smaller income base for genuine housing affordability, making it ideal for retirees, remote workers, or anyone prioritizing lower living costs over urban job markets. If mountain living at reasonable prices appeals and you don't depend on local employment, Plumas delivers exceptional value.

Income & Jobs in Plumas County

via IncomeByCounty

Plumas lags behind national income

Plumas County's median household income of $64,946 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 13%, reflecting a rural, mountain-based economy with limited job diversity. The county faces income challenges typical of sparsely populated Sierra Nevada communities.

Below California's income average

At $64,946, Plumas's median household income ranks below California's state average of $87,001 by more than $22,000 per household. The county's rural character and reliance on timber, tourism, and seasonal work limit income potential.

Plumas earns more than isolated Modoc

Plumas's $64,946 median income exceeds only Modoc ($56,648) among these eight counties but trails all others significantly. The county's slightly larger population and tourism base provide modest income advantages over its even more rural neighbor.

Affordable housing supports households

Plumas's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio and median home values of $327,400 make it one of California's most affordable counties for housing. This affordability advantage allows median-income households to achieve homeownership without financial strain.

Affordability creates savings opportunity

Despite lower incomes, Plumas's low housing costs—the second-lowest median home value among these counties—allow households to save and invest in financial security. Residents should prioritize emergency funds and retirement savings, taking advantage of the county's affordability edge.

Safety in Plumas County

via CrimeByCounty

Plumas County Safety Profile

Plumas County holds a safety score of 96.4, which is slightly above the national average. Its total crime rate of 2,269.7 per 100k is just under the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Matches the California Safety Average

Plumas County aligns with the California state average safety score of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,269.7 is also very similar to the statewide average of 2,355.2.

Higher Violent Crime Than Peers

Compared to other rural Northern California counties, Plumas has a higher violent crime rate at 773.5 per 100k. This distinguishes it from more tranquil neighboring counties with lower rates of personal confrontation.

Violent Crime Exceeds National Marks

The violent crime rate of 773.5 is more than double the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is more moderate at 1,496.2, which is significantly lower than the national property crime rate.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Safety

Given the elevated violent crime rate, residents should prioritize comprehensive home security systems. Outdoor lighting and reliable surveillance provide essential protection in this mountain community.

Health in Plumas County

via HealthByCounty

Plumas life expectancy near national

Plumas residents live to 78.2 years on average, just slightly below the U.S. average of 78.5 years, indicating relatively typical life expectancy. At 15.4% reporting poor or fair health, Plumas shows manageable chronic disease prevalence.

Plumas slightly below state average

At 78.2 years, Plumas's life expectancy falls just below California's 78.5-year state average, positioning the county in the middle of state performance. The 15.4% poor/fair health rate is moderate and aligns with statewide patterns.

Plumas in middle of peer group

Plumas's 78.2-year life expectancy exceeds Modoc (74.6) but trails Nevada (80.0) and other mountain counties. With 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Plumas has moderate access compared to neighboring rural counties.

Moderate coverage and access

At 6.2%, Plumas's uninsured rate is below California's 7.2% state average, ensuring solid coverage across the county. With 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Plumas offers reasonable access for a rural mountain county.

Plumas residents: coverage is here

If you're among Plumas's uninsured, Covered California and Medicaid expansion have expanded affordable options significantly. Call your local health department or visit getcovered.ca.gov to find a plan that fits your budget.

Schools in Plumas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized Learning in Plumas County

Plumas County operates 15 public schools serving 2,104 students across 4 districts. The system is compact, featuring 5 elementary schools and 8 high schools, often serving geographically isolated communities.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

Plumas County hits the national 87% graduation rate benchmark exactly. Although its per-pupil spending of $7,580 and school score of 53.2 are slightly below state averages, the county provides consistent results for its rural population.

Plumas Unified Anchors the Region

Plumas Unified is the primary district, managing 10 of the county's schools and 1,749 students. Plumas Charter provides a flexible alternative, serving 346 students and making up about 6.7% of the school landscape.

Quiet Rural and Town Campuses

With 9 rural schools and 6 in town locales, the average enrollment is just 150 students per campus. Schools like Quincy Junior/Senior High provide a small-town atmosphere where the largest campuses barely exceed 340 students.

Enjoy Small-Town Living in Plumas

For families who prefer small class sizes and a rural pace, Plumas County offers a unique educational environment. Consider a home in Quincy or Portola to enjoy a community-focused school experience away from the urban bustle.

Disaster Risk in Plumas County

via RiskByCounty

Plumas: Above Average U.S. Risk Profile

Plumas County's composite risk score of 86.39 ranks it as relatively moderate and exceeds the national average. This remote northeastern Sierra county faces significant natural hazards typical of high-elevation, forested terrain.

Moderate-Risk Within California

Plumas scores 86.39—just below California's state average of 88.72—positioning it near the midpoint of state risk distribution. It represents a moderate profile compared to the state's highest-risk coastal and urban counties.

Similar Risk to Sierra Nevada Region

Plumas' score of 86.39 aligns with Modoc (39.69, much lower) and sits between Mono (46.50) and Nevada County (89.89) in the range. The Sierra region shows varied risk based on location and exposure.

Wildfire Risk Dominates the County

Plumas County's wildfire risk is exceptionally high at 98.63, driven by extensive forests and dry summers. Earthquake risk follows at 92.21, while flood and tornado risks remain in the moderate range.

Wildfire and Earthquake Insurance Essential

With wildfire risk at 98.63, Plumas homeowners should maintain comprehensive fire coverage and create defensible space around structures. Add earthquake insurance to protect against the county's second-highest hazard; standard policies exclude seismic damage.

Weather & Climate in Plumas County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Snowy Mountains

Plumas County’s 48.4°F annual average is below the national median. It experiences a mountain climate characterized by high precipitation and distinct seasonal shifts.

Cooler and Wetter Than Average

The county sits 10 degrees below the California average temperature of 58.7°F. Its 36.1 inches of annual precipitation is well above the 25.8-inch state average, often falling as heavy snow.

Similar Temperature, More Rain

Plumas shares an identical 48.4°F average with Modoc County but is more than twice as wet. This extra moisture supports denser forests and more significant winter snowpack.

Winter Snow and Summer Sun

Plumas sees 64.5 inches of annual snow and a January average of 32.8°F. Despite the cold winters, the county still endures 28 days of extreme heat over 90°F in the summer months.

Winter and Wildfire Readiness

Snow removal tools are essential for the 64.5 inches of winter snowfall. Residents should also plan for dry, hot summers that bring nearly a month of extreme heat and increased fire risk.

Soil Quality in Plumas County

via SoilByCounty

The Mountain Soils of Plumas County

Current federal records do not list a dominant taxonomic order or pH for the soils in Plumas County. Using the national median pH of 6.5 as a reference can help you plan your initial gardening amendments. A local test is the only way to truly understand the chemical makeup of your mountain soil.

Composition Data for Northern Terrains

Data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is not included in the current federal dataset for this region. These textures determine how well the soil holds up during the heavy snow and rain cycles of the North State. Knowing your soil's composition is vital for choosing plants that can survive local conditions.

Assessing Fertility in High Altitudes

Organic matter and available water capacity values for this county are not currently specified in federal records. California averages 3.30% organic matter and 0.141 in/in available water capacity. High-altitude gardeners often use compost to build up fertility in these rugged mountain environments.

Hydrology in a High-Rainfall Region

There is no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group recorded for Plumas County in this survey. These classifications are essential for understanding how water infiltrates the soil or runs off during storms. Local expertise is the best guide for managing water on the steep slopes of the Sierras.

Cold-Hardy Gardening in Zone 7b

Plumas County falls into hardiness zone 7b, making it ideal for cool-weather vegetables and hardy perennials. The crisp air and reliable seasons offer a unique environment for a beautiful and resilient landscape. Start your garden with plants that love mountain summers and can withstand the winter chill.

Lawn Care in Plumas County

via LawnByCounty

High Success in Plumas County

Plumas County boasts a solid lawn difficulty score of 66.4, making it easier to grow grass here than in 75% of the state. The USDA Hardiness Zone 7b environment is cooler than the valley but provides a steady growing season. This score reflects a climate where nature does a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

Perfect Rain and Crisp Summers

The county's 36.1 inches of annual precipitation falls perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range. While the 1,904 growing degree days are lower than the state average, the 28 days of extreme heat are manageable for most turf. Be mindful of the short window between the May 28 last frost and September 28 first frost.

Mountain Soil Requires Local Prep

We currently lack specific soil texture and pH data for Plumas County's mountain terrain. Because these soils can be acidic due to pine needles and forest cover, testing your pH is a vital first step. Adding lime or compost can help balance the soil before you seed your lawn after the spring thaw.

Maintaining Lushness Without Drought

Plumas County has experienced zero weeks of drought in the last year, allowing lawns to stay green with minimal effort. Currently, 0% of the area is abnormally dry, which is much better than the historic California average. Capitalize on this moisture by keeping your lawn well-fed with slow-release nitrogen.

Seeding for the 7b Zone

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best fits for the cool nights and 7b hardiness of Plumas County. Plan to seed after the final frost on May 28 to give your grass the best chance to establish before winter. Your lawn will benefit greatly from the abundant 36.1 inches of natural rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Plumas County's county score?
Plumas County, California has a composite county score of 41 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 Plumas County rank among counties in California?
Plumas County ranks #30 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 Plumas County, California?
The median annual property tax in Plumas County is $2,360, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Plumas County a tax score of 60.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Plumas County?
The median household income in Plumas County, California is $64,946 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Plumas County earns an income score of 54.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Plumas County, California a good place to live?
Plumas County scores 41/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in California. The best way to evaluate Plumas 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 Plumas County with other counties side by side.