countyscore
37.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.8Schools 66.5Water Quality 65.1

County Report Card

About Riverside County, California

Riverside lags the national livability median

Riverside County scores 37.1 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0 by 13 points. This places the county in the bottom 25% of all U.S. counties for overall livability.

Below average for California

Riverside ranks below the California state average of 40.9, placing it in the lower third among the state's 58 counties. The county faces steeper livability challenges than most of its peers in California.

Strong incomes, low taxes anchor the economy

Riverside excels with a median household income of $89,672 and an income score of 91.8, reflecting a solid earning base. The effective tax rate of 0.821% and tax score of 51.4 offer residents moderate relief on their financial obligations.

Housing and safety emerge as major hurdles

The cost score of just 2.7 reflects an affordability crisis, with median home values at $510,300 and gross rent at $1,814 monthly—stretching household budgets despite healthy incomes. Safety concerns are acute, with a score of only 11.2, indicating elevated crime and security issues that significantly impact quality of life.

Best for income earners accepting trade-offs

Riverside suits working professionals and families with solid incomes who can navigate high housing costs and prioritize affordability over other safety concerns. The county's economic fundamentals are sound, but prospective residents should carefully weigh safety and housing expense realities before relocating.

Score breakdown

Tax51.4Cost2.7Safety11.2Health64Schools66.5Income91.8Risk0.1Water65.1Weather18.6
🏛51.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠2.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤18.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱8.3
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

San Bernardino County
California
33.7
San Diego County
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42.3
Imperial County
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33.7
Orange County
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La Paz County
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Yuma County
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Los Angeles County
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Clark County
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Deep Dives

Riverside County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Riverside County

via TaxByCounty

Riverside taxes outpace national norm

Riverside's effective tax rate of 0.821% sits well above the national median of 0.714%, putting homeowners here in the upper tier of property tax burden. The median property tax bill of $4,189 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by 56%, reflecting both Riverside's higher tax rate and its $510,300 median home value.

Riverside ranks in state's higher tier

Among California's 58 counties, Riverside's 0.821% effective rate places it above the state average of 0.714%. The county's median tax of $4,189 runs slightly higher than California's state median of $4,045, making it a moderately high-tax county statewide.

Riverside outpaces inland neighbors

Riverside's 0.821% rate exceeds San Bernardino County's 0.704% and San Joaquin County's 0.765%, making it the highest-taxed of the three major inland counties. Only Sacramento County's 0.755% comes close, though Riverside's higher home values push its median tax bill even further ahead.

Median Riverside home carries $4,189

A homeowner with Riverside's median property value of $510,300 pays roughly $4,189 annually in property taxes at the current rate. With mortgage-related assessments, that total can reach $4,601 for some homeowners.

Your assessment may be higher

Riverside County homeowners should know that assessment errors are common and many properties are overvalued on tax rolls. A professional assessment appeal could reduce your annual tax burden—and it costs nothing to request a review.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Riverside County

via CostByCounty

Riverside rents are steeper than America's

Riverside County residents spend 24.3% of income on rent, outpacing the national median of 22.4%. With a median household income of $89,672—well above the national average of $74,755—Riverside workers still face above-average housing cost burdens.

Mid-pack affordability in expensive California

Riverside's 24.3% rent-to-income ratio sits above California's state average of 22.4%, placing it among less affordable inland counties. However, the county remains more accessible than coastal hotspots like San Diego and San Francisco.

Riverside edges out San Bernardino for value

Riverside's median rent of $1,814 is $108 higher than neighboring San Bernardino County, though both inland neighbors offer better affordability than San Diego County's $2,154 median rent. Riverside's home values average $510,300, sitting between San Bernardino ($475,000) and San Diego ($791,600).

Housing eats 24% of Riverside incomes

Renters in Riverside pay $1,814 monthly while homeowners face $1,972 in costs—a modest $158 gap suggesting balanced options. At $89,672 median household income, the typical Riverside household dedicates nearly a quarter of earnings to housing alone.

Riverside: inland gateway to California living

If you're priced out of San Diego but seek California's lifestyle, Riverside offers $281 cheaper monthly rent and comparable home values $281,300 below coastal neighbors. The county's above-average household income of $89,672 makes housing costs manageable for mid-to-upper income families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Riverside County

via IncomeByCounty

Riverside earns 20% above the nation

Riverside County's median household income of $89,672 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by nearly $15,000. This solid performance ranks Riverside in the upper-middle tier nationally, reflecting the county's role as a regional economic center for the Inland Empire.

Middle of California's income pack

At $89,672, Riverside's median household income sits just above California's state average of $87,001. Among the state's 58 counties, Riverside ranks in the middle tier, neither a top income earner nor lagging behind.

Riverside holds its own regionally

Riverside's $89,672 median income exceeds San Bernardino County ($82,184) but falls short of San Diego County ($102,285). The county remains competitive within Southern California, reflecting diverse employment across manufacturing, logistics, and services.

Housing costs consume nearly a quarter

Riverside households spend 24.3% of income on rent—above the typical 20% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $510,300, owning a home requires significant savings, though renting remains the more accessible option for many residents.

Build wealth through consistent saving

Riverside's solid median income of $89,672 creates room for financial growth when households prioritize saving and investing. Even modest contributions to retirement accounts and emergency funds can compound significantly over time, helping residents weather housing costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Riverside County

via CrimeByCounty

Riverside County Crime and Safety Score

Riverside County reports a total crime rate of 2,678.5 per 100,000 residents, which sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a high safety score of 95.8 out of 100. This score reflects a community that remains resilient despite seeing more incidents than the typical American county.

Comparing Riverside to California Averages

The county's safety score of 95.8 is nearly aligned with the California state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,678.5 exceeds the statewide average of 2,355.2 per 100,000 people. Local law enforcement agencies across 42 reporting districts work to manage these numbers within the state's complex landscape.

Regional Safety in Southern California

Riverside County's total crime rate of 2,678.5 is slightly higher than neighboring San Bernardino County at 2,604.0 and significantly higher than San Diego County’s 2,080.5. While it faces higher property crime than its neighbors, it maintains a competitive safety profile for the Inland Empire. The county balances urban growth with the safety needs of its diverse population.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crimes

Property crime drives the majority of local reports at 2,341.7 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national mark of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 336.8 is actually lower than the national average of 369.8. This suggests that while theft is more common, personal safety remains relatively high compared to national trends.

Securing Your Riverside Residence

With property crime representing the bulk of local incidents, home security is a vital priority for residents. Installing smart cameras and motion-sensor lighting can deter potential intruders effectively. Staying informed about local trends through the 42 reporting agencies helps keep the community safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Riverside County

via HealthByCounty

Riverside's life expectancy lags behind

Riverside residents live 77.8 years on average, falling 2.4 years short of the U.S. average of 80.2 years. About 18.2% report poor or fair health, which is above the national benchmark of 15%. These gaps suggest systemic health challenges that deserve attention.

Below California's health standard

At 77.8 years, Riverside's life expectancy ranks below California's state average of 78.5 years. The county's 8.3% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 7.2%, indicating persistent access barriers. Both metrics place Riverside in the lower half of California counties.

Neighbors show healthier trajectories

San Bernardino County (75.4 years) fares worse, but San Diego (80.3 years) and San Luis Obispo (80.7 years) significantly outpace Riverside. Riverside's uninsured rate of 8.3% is higher than San Diego's 7.3% and San Luis Obispo's 7.2%. The disparity suggests regional inequities in coverage and care quality.

Healthcare access gaps in daily life

Riverside has 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the state's need—and 284 mental health providers per 100,000. The 8.3% uninsured population faces particular barriers to preventive care and mental health support. Expanding both primary and behavioral health capacity could improve outcomes significantly.

Check your coverage today

If you're among Riverside's 8.3% uninsured residents, enrollment in Covered California or Medi-Cal could be transformative for your health. Visit coveredca.com to explore subsidized plans and preventive services at no cost. Taking this step now puts preventive care within reach.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Riverside County

via SchoolsByCounty

A massive educational network for the Inland Empire

Riverside County supports a sprawling network of 529 public schools, including 300 elementary and 102 high schools. These facilities serve 424,734 students across 54 distinct school districts.

High graduation rates despite lean spending

The county boasts a 91.2% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the 87% national and 87.5% state averages. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,600 is lower than the $13,000 national average, the county's school score of 57.6 remains above the state baseline of 56.0.

Leading districts and a growing charter presence

Corona-Norco Unified is the region's largest district, managing 53 schools and 50,682 students. Charter schools like River Springs Charter and Mission Vista Academy represent 6.8% of the county's total schools, serving over 11,000 students combined.

Suburban learning with large-scale campuses

With 318 schools located in suburban locales, the typical Riverside campus is large, averaging 838 students. Massive institutions like Eleanor Roosevelt High host over 4,500 students, while rural areas still maintain 51 schools for smaller communities.

Strong schools drive local home demand

Families often prioritize the county's high graduation rates when searching for homes in the Inland Empire. With performance scores exceeding the state median, Riverside offers a compelling mix of educational quality and suburban living.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Riverside County

via RiskByCounty

Riverside ranks among nation's highest-risk counties

With a composite risk score of 99.90 out of 100, Riverside County faces significantly elevated natural disaster threats compared to the typical U.S. county. This "Very High" rating places it well above California's state average of 88.72, indicating exposure to multiple concurrent hazards.

Second-most dangerous county in California

Riverside ranks near the top of California's 58 counties for overall natural disaster risk, exceeded only by a handful of peers. The county's scores reflect extreme exposure to earthquakes (99.81), wildfires (99.97), and floods (99.90)—each individually at dangerous levels.

Riskier than San Bernardino and inland neighbors

Riverside's 99.90 score slightly exceeds San Bernardino County (99.84) and substantially outpaces San Benito (85.24) and San Luis Obispo (95.90) counties. The Inland Empire's twin counties both face extreme multi-hazard risk, making the region California's most disaster-prone.

Wildfires, earthquakes, and floods dominate

Wildfire risk scores 99.97—the highest in the state—with recent fire seasons destroying thousands of structures annually. Earthquake (99.81) and flood (99.90) risks are equally severe, meaning most Riverside properties face credible threats from all three hazards simultaneously.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Standard homeowners insurance excludes both earthquakes and wildfires, leaving most Riverside residents significantly underinsured. Consider adding earthquake and wildfire riders to your policy immediately—and verify flood coverage if you're in a mapped flood zone or near rivers.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Riverside County

via WeatherByCounty

A blistering desert pace for Riverside

Riverside County averages a warm 69.5°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. With only 7.9 inches of rain, the climate remains much drier and hotter than most of the United States.

Riverside leads the state in heat

The county's 69.5°F annual average sits well above California's state average of 58.7°F. This makes it one of the warmest regions in the state, driven by its vast inland desert landscapes.

Hotter and drier than its neighbors

Riverside is notably warmer than San Bernardino County, which averages 64.8°F. It also receives about 6 inches less annual rainfall than neighboring San Diego County, emphasizing its arid inland profile.

Extreme summers and mild winters

The county faces an intense 140 days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F. While July averages 86.0°F, winters remain mild with a January average of 55.1°F and negligible snowfall of 2.1 inches.

Prioritize cooling and desert readiness

Robust HVAC systems are a necessity here to manage the frequent triple-digit summer days. Residents should also plan for high water conservation given the low 7.9-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Riverside County

via SoilByCounty

A Desert Landscape with Hidden Potential

While specific pH and taxonomic data are currently limited for Riverside, the county's vast terrain typically features varied alkaline profiles. Gardeners should test local samples to see how they compare to the national median pH of 6.5. This data gap highlights the extreme diversity of soil across the county's mountains and deserts.

Texture Varies by Local Terrain

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable in recent surveys for this region. Local percolation tests are the best way to understand your specific drainage capacity before planting. Knowing your soil's texture is the first step toward efficient desert irrigation.

Building Fertility in Arid Ground

Records for organic matter and water capacity remain incomplete for Riverside County. Most local soils require significant amendments to reach the California state average of 3.30% organic matter. Adding compost helps retain moisture in a climate where water is a precious resource.

Managing Water in Diverse Elevations

Without a dominant hydrologic group on file, site-specific assessments are critical for any building or farming project. Drainage characteristics shift rapidly from the rapid infiltration of sandy washes to slower mountain basins. Professional soil testing ensures your infrastructure and gardens are built on solid ground.

Abundant Sun for Zone 10a

Hardiness Zone 10a allows for year-round production of heat-loving citrus, dates, and succulents. The long growing season and consistent sun provide a perfect environment for drought-tolerant landscapes. Start your desert garden today and watch these hardy plants thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Riverside County

via LawnByCounty

Managing a lawn in a desert climate

Riverside County faces a tough maintenance environment with a lawn difficulty score of 8.3 out of 100, significantly harder than the 51.3 state average. In Hardiness Zone 10a, your grass must survive intense conditions that challenge even professional groundskeepers.

Extreme heat and low rainfall define growth

The county endures 140 extreme heat days per year, more than double the California average of 59 days. With only 7.9 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 30-50 inches ideal for lawns, irrigation schedules require precision and frequent monitoring.

Evaluating your local soil foundation

While specific county-wide soil data is limited here, desert landscapes often require significant organic matter to hold moisture. You should test your specific plot for drainage and nutrient levels to compensate for the naturally arid surroundings.

Staying green through 37 weeks of drought

Riverside spent 37 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, making water conservation a top priority. To keep your lawn alive during these periods, focus on deep, infrequent watering at dawn to minimize evaporation.

Select heat-tolerant grasses for Zone 10a

Warm-season varieties like Bermuda or St. Augustine are best suited for this climate. With the last spring frost typically occurring on January 25, you can start your lawn prep early in the year to beat the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Riverside County's county score?
Riverside County, California has a composite county score of 37.2 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 Riverside County rank among counties in California?
Riverside County ranks #44 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 Riverside County, California?
The median annual property tax in Riverside County is $4,189, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Riverside County a tax score of 51.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Riverside County?
The median household income in Riverside County, California is $89,672 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Riverside County earns an income score of 91.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Riverside County, California a good place to live?
Riverside County scores 37.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in California. The best way to evaluate Riverside 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 Riverside 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.