countyscore
38.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.4Health 73.3Water Quality 69

County Report Card

About Sacramento County, California

Sacramento trails national livability benchmarks

Sacramento County scores 38.3 out of 100, falling 11.7 points short of the national median of 50.0. The county ranks in the bottom 30% nationwide, indicating substantial livability challenges relative to most U.S. counties.

Slightly below California's average standing

Sacramento's 38.3 score places it below the state average of 40.9, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of California counties. The county faces headwinds compared to other regions in California seeking to improve resident quality of life.

Health and income stand out as assets

Sacramento shines with a health score of 73.3 and a median household income of $88,724 (income score: 91.4), reflecting robust healthcare access and economic stability. The effective tax rate of 0.755% also provides reasonable relief on resident tax burdens.

Safety and schools demand urgent attention

The safety score of just 8.2 signals serious crime and security concerns that overshadow economic strengths. Schools also underperform with a score of 54.4, and housing remains tight with median values at $498,900 and rents at $1,702—limiting affordability despite middle-tier incomes.

Good for health-focused professionals seeking value

Sacramento appeals to working adults and families prioritizing healthcare access and willing to accept moderate safety and school trade-offs. Those relocating should be prepared for safety precautions and may want to consider private schools or move toward safer neighborhoods within the county.

Score breakdown

Tax57.1Cost3.7Safety8.2Health73.3Schools54.4Income91.4Risk1.9Water69Weather49.5
🏛57.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.4
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 →
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Deep Dives

Sacramento County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sacramento County

via TaxByCounty

Sacramento taxes exceed national average

Sacramento's effective tax rate of 0.755% runs higher than the national median of 0.714%, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. At $3,768, the median property tax bill is 40% above the national median of $2,690.

Sacramento sits near state average

Sacramento County's 0.755% effective rate is above California's state average of 0.714%, positioning it in the middle-to-upper range among the state's counties. The median tax of $3,768 remains slightly below the state median of $4,045.

Sacramento compares to nearby inland

Sacramento's 0.755% rate falls between San Joaquin County's 0.765% and San Bernardino County's 0.704%, making it a moderate-tax county in the inland region. Home values here are similar to nearby counties, keeping tax bills relatively competitive.

Median Sacramento home costs $3,768

With a median home value of $498,900, Sacramento homeowners pay approximately $3,768 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages may see total property-related taxes reach $4,070.

Check if you're overassessed

Sacramento County residents should review their property assessments, as many homeowners discover their properties are valued above fair market. Filing an assessment appeal is free and could yield significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sacramento County

via CostByCounty

Sacramento's rents slightly above national norm

Sacramento County's 23.0% rent-to-income ratio edges above the national baseline of 22.4%, though just barely. Median household income of $88,724 exceeds the national average of $74,755, giving Sacramento workers some cushion despite slightly-elevated housing costs.

Sacramento near California's affordable middle

At 23.0%, Sacramento's rent burden sits closest to California's state average of 22.4%, making it one of the state's most balanced housing markets. The county ranks well below pricier coastal regions while remaining more accessible than sprawling Riverside.

Capital city outpaces San Joaquin on value

Sacramento's $1,702 median rent undercuts Riverside by $112 monthly but runs $69 higher than neighboring San Joaquin County. Home values in Sacramento ($498,900) nearly match San Joaquin ($494,500), placing both as Central Valley affordability champions.

Housing consumes less than one-quarter in Sacramento

Sacramento renters average $1,702 monthly while homeowners spend $1,869—a tight $167 margin reflecting balanced ownership costs. The median household income of $88,724 means housing expenses claim just 23% of typical earnings, leaving breathing room for other costs.

Sacramento: California's balanced housing bet

Seeking California living without coastal sticker shock? Sacramento delivers near-state-average affordability at 23.0% rent-to-income with median rents $452 below San Diego. As the state capital, the county combines job diversity with manageable housing markets ideal for mid-income movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sacramento County

via IncomeByCounty

Sacramento's income outpaces the nation

Sacramento County's median household income of $88,724 beats the national median of $74,755 by nearly $14,000. The county, home to California's capital and a growing tech sector, demonstrates solid economic strength above the national average.

Sacramento matches California's average

Sacramento's $88,724 median household income sits just above the state average of $87,001. The county ranks in California's middle tier, driven by stable government employment, healthcare, and increasingly by tech and startup activity.

Competing with Central Valley income

Sacramento's $88,724 income edges out neighboring San Joaquin County ($88,531) by a small margin. Both counties reflect similar economic profiles as inland hubs, though Sacramento benefits from state government payroll and growing private-sector diversification.

Rent remains manageable for most

At 23.0% of median income, Sacramento's rent-to-income ratio is healthier than many California counties. With a median home value of $498,900, housing affordability is more attainable here than in coastal markets, though savings remain important for homeownership.

Leverage government stability for wealth building

Sacramento's mix of secure government jobs and emerging tech opportunities creates a platform for consistent wealth building. Residents earning $88,724 should prioritize retirement savings and investment diversification to take advantage of Sacramento's economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sacramento County

via CrimeByCounty

Sacramento County Safety Rankings

Sacramento County holds a safety score of 95.3, placing it just below the national average for total safety. The total crime rate of 2,966.7 per 100,000 people is roughly 24% higher than the national average of 2,385.5. These figures reflect the unique challenges faced by California's capital region.

Positioning Within the Golden State

Sacramento's safety score of 95.3 trails the California average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,966.7 is also higher than the state average of 2,355.2 per 100,000 residents. Data from 29 reporting agencies highlights a more active criminal landscape than many surrounding agricultural counties.

Sacramento vs. Central Valley Neighbors

Sacramento County’s total crime rate of 2,966.7 is higher than neighboring San Joaquin County, which sits at 2,695.6. It also sees significantly more activity than coastal neighbors like San Luis Obispo. This regional disparity underscores Sacramento's role as a major urban hub with higher transit and density.

Understanding Violent and Property Risks

The violent crime rate in Sacramento is 565.4 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime also exceeds national norms, coming in at 2,401.3 compared to 2,015.7 nationwide. These numbers translate to a higher frequency of both theft and person-to-person incidents for residents.

Fortifying Your Sacramento Home

Local statistics suggest that enhancing physical security is a prudent move for Sacramento homeowners. Consider reinforced locks and alarm systems to mitigate the risk of property crime. Active participation in neighborhood watch programs helps 29 local agencies monitor and reduce crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sacramento County

via HealthByCounty

Sacramento matches national life expectancy

Sacramento residents live 78.0 years on average, nearly matching the U.S. average of 80.2 years but still 2.2 years below. About 19.0% report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 15% by 4 percentage points. These figures reveal room for improvement in population health.

Slightly below California's average

At 78.0 years, Sacramento's life expectancy trails California's 78.5-year state average by half a year. The county's 5.4% uninsured rate is notably better than the state average of 7.2%, suggesting stronger coverage infrastructure. Sacramento ranks in the middle tier of California counties for health outcomes.

Better coverage, mixed health outcomes

Sacramento's 5.4% uninsured rate beats San Bernardino County's 8.7% but trails San Francisco's 4.2%. Life expectancy is competitive with Riverside (77.8 years) but lags San Luis Obispo (80.7 years) and San Diego (80.3 years). Strong insurance coverage hasn't fully translated to longevity gains.

Strong provider network supports access

Sacramento offers 89 primary care providers and 463 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—well above Riverside and San Bernardino. The 5.4% uninsured rate is among California's lowest, giving most residents a pathway to preventive care. Provider availability and coverage create a foundation for better outcomes.

Maintain or upgrade your coverage

Sacramento's strong health infrastructure means enrollment in Covered California or Medi-Cal opens doors to preventive screenings and mental health care. If you're uninsured, visiting coveredca.com takes just minutes and could add years to your life. Don't leave coverage on the table.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sacramento County

via SchoolsByCounty

Sacramento's diverse capital region school system

The county operates 382 public schools serving 248,726 students through 50 districts. This infrastructure includes 235 elementary schools and 80 high schools, reflecting a heavily developed urban and suburban landscape.

Performance metrics near state benchmarks

Sacramento's 88.7% graduation rate edges past the national 87% average, though the $8,138 per-pupil spending remains well below the $13,000 national benchmark. The county's school score of 55.3 sits just below the California state average of 56.0.

Elk Grove and Sacramento City lead the way

Elk Grove Unified is the largest district by enrollment, serving 61,886 students. Charter schools are a major factor here, making up 13.1% of all schools and including massive programs like Highlands Community Charter with over 6,700 students.

Balanced urban and suburban school settings

Most students attend one of the 191 suburban or 165 city-based schools, where the average campus size is 663 students. Large high schools like Folsom High and Franklin High anchor their communities with enrollments exceeding 2,500 students each.

Education options for every lifestyle

The county's robust mix of traditional and charter schools makes it a prime target for education-focused homebuyers. Prospective residents can find everything from high-performing Folsom campuses to innovative city charters.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sacramento County

via RiskByCounty

Sacramento faces above-average national disaster risk

Sacramento County's composite risk score of 98.12 places it in the "Relatively High" category, well above the typical U.S. county baseline. This score exceeds California's average of 88.72, signaling serious multi-hazard exposure across the state capital region.

Fourth-riskiest county in California

Sacramento ranks among California's top five most disaster-prone counties, with particularly acute threats from earthquakes (98.86), floods (98.98), and wildfires (95.93). The Central Valley location compounds flood risk from seasonal storms and Delta overflow.

Higher risk than most inland Central Valley peers

Sacramento's 98.12 score exceeds San Joaquin County (98.60)—wait, that's slightly lower—and significantly outpaces San Benito (85.24). The capital's proximity to the San Andreas Fault and flood-prone Delta waterways create overlapping hazard zones.

Earthquakes and floods pose dual threat

Sacramento's earthquake risk (98.86) and flood risk (98.98) are among the state's highest, reflecting the county's location on the Delta and near major fault lines. Wildfire risk (95.93) is also substantial, with smoke and occasional structure losses affecting the region.

Don't skip earthquake and flood insurance

Sacramento homeowners need both earthquake insurance and flood coverage—standard policies cover neither. If you're in a flood zone or near levees, flood insurance is critical; for all Sacramento residents, earthquake coverage protects against the area's seismic vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sacramento County

via WeatherByCounty

Sacramento's warm Mediterranean climate

With an annual average of 62.1°F, Sacramento is warmer than the national median. It experiences a classic Mediterranean pattern defined by dry summers and wet winters.

Surpassing the California average temperature

The county's 62.1°F average temperature is higher than the California state average of 58.7°F. However, its 19.1 inches of rain falls short of the statewide average of 25.8 inches.

Consistent with Central Valley peers

Sacramento shares a nearly identical climate with San Joaquin County, which averages 62.5°F. Both counties receive roughly 19 inches of rain, though Sacramento is slightly cooler in the winter months.

Hot sun and snow-free winters

Residents experience 83 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures averaging 76.7°F. Snow is nonexistent, and winters are cool but manageable with a 47.6°F January average.

Be ready for dry summer heat

Air conditioning is essential during the 83 days of 90-plus degree weather. Since rain is scarce during summer, landscape irrigation planning is a top priority for local homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sacramento County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alluvial Soils of the Valley

Sacramento’s soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.33, which sits significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This variable texture reflects the complex history of the Central Valley's river deposits. Understanding this acidic profile is key for selecting the right nutrient supplements.

A Gritty Mix with Moderate Hold

The local soil contains 37.8% sand, 27.1% silt, and 17.2% clay. This balance provides a decent foundation for workability, though the high sand content leads to faster drying. Gardeners find this mix easy to till but must monitor moisture levels closely.

Trailing State Averages in Organic Wealth

Organic matter sits at 2.32%, trailing the California average of 3.30%. The available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is also below the state benchmark of 0.141 in/in. Regular mulching is essential here to boost nutrient retention and prevent water loss.

Navigating the Valley's Water Flow

While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the sandy loam characteristics suggest moderate infiltration across the county. Local growers should monitor for runoff during heavy winter rains typical of the Sacramento Valley. Proper site grading helps manage the variable drainage found in urban and rural lots.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 9b

Hardiness Zone 9b is perfect for heat-loving tomatoes, peppers, and winter leafy greens. With the right soil amendments, your Sacramento backyard can become a high-yield urban farm. Start your seedlings now to take full advantage of the long, warm summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sacramento County

via LawnByCounty

A moderate challenge for Sacramento lawns

Sacramento County holds a lawn difficulty score of 40.4, making it slightly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 9b, your grass benefits from a long growing season but must withstand hot, dry summers.

Hot summers meet moderate rainfall

The area sees 83 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the California average of 59. With 19.1 inches of annual precipitation, you will need to supplement your lawn with regular watering to bridge the gap during the dry months.

Amending acidic and sandy soils

Your soil pH of 5.33 is notably acidic compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf. With 17.2% clay and 37.8% sand, adding lime can help balance acidity and improve nutrient uptake for a healthier root system.

Capitalizing on recent drought-free conditions

Sacramento has experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, providing a great window for lawn establishment. Even so, practicing water-wise habits now will prepare your landscape for the inevitable return of dry cycles.

Timing your seeding for Zone 9b

Tall fescue and hybrid Bermuda are popular choices that can handle the heat. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on February 2 to give your lawn plenty of time to establish before the 90-degree days arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sacramento County's county score?
Sacramento County, California has a composite county score of 38.3 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 Sacramento County rank among counties in California?
Sacramento County ranks #39 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 Sacramento County, California?
The median annual property tax in Sacramento County is $3,768, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Sacramento County a tax score of 57.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sacramento County?
The median household income in Sacramento County, California is $88,724 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sacramento County earns an income score of 91.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sacramento County, California a good place to live?
Sacramento County scores 38.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in California. The best way to evaluate Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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.