CountyScore

San Benito County

California · CA

#48 in California
54.8
County Score

County Report Card

About San Benito County, California

San Benito Surpasses National Median

San Benito County's composite score of 52.2 beats the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally. While modest by national standards, the county performs solidly among U.S. peers.

Below Average Within California

San Benito scores 52.2 against California's average of 61.3, ranking in the lower half of the state's 58 counties. The gap suggests significant livability trade-offs compared to stronger California performers.

High Incomes, Moderate Taxes

San Benito boasts the highest median household income in this group at $108,289, paired with an Income Score of 54.1 and a Tax Score of 79.5. These economic strengths position affluent professionals and established households well here.

Housing Costs Far Outpace Incomes

Despite strong incomes, San Benito's Cost Score of just 31.2 reflects severe affordability stress: median home prices reach $751,500 and rent at $1,922 monthly. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are currently unavailable.

For High-Earners Seeking Rural Character

San Benito suits affluent households or those with substantial savings who value rural character and don't require urban amenities. The county demands premium purchasing power despite its economic assets.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.5Cost31.2SafetyComing SoonHealth75.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome54.1Risk14.8WaterComing Soon
🏛79.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡14.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare San Benito County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Broome County
New York
54.8
Median income: $61,059
Galveston County
Texas
54.8
Median income: $85,348
Capitol Planning Region
Connecticut
54.7
Median income: $91,541
Lubbock County
Texas
54.7
Median income: $63,367
Monterey County
California
54.9
Median income: $94,486

Deep Dives

San Benito County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in San Benito County

via TaxByCounty

San Benito's tax rate is well above average

San Benito's effective tax rate of 0.809% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.714%, placing it in the top tier nationally. The median property tax of $6,078 is more than double the national median of $2,690, driven by a median home value of $751,500.

San Benito ranks high among state counties

Among California's 58 counties, San Benito's 0.809% effective rate stands above the state average of 0.714%. The median tax of $6,078 significantly exceeds California's state median of $4,045, making it one of the state's higher-tax counties.

San Benito leads regional tax burden

San Benito's 0.809% rate is the highest among nearby California coastal and valley counties, surpassing San Luis Obispo's 0.705% and San Diego's 0.700%. The combination of high home values and the rate itself makes San Benito a notably expensive county for property taxes.

Median San Benito home exceeds $6,078

With a median home value of $751,500, San Benito homeowners pay approximately $6,078 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total can exceed $6,645 annually.

Appeal your assessment to save

San Benito homeowners with higher assessed values should request an assessment review, as overvaluation is common in high-appreciation markets. A successful appeal costs nothing to request and can deliver substantial year-over-year savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Benito County

via CostByCounty

San Benito punches above its weight

San Benito County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average of 22.4%, earning it status as a relative bargain. With median household income of $108,289—44% above the national median of $74,755—San Benito workers enjoy strong income-to-rent ratios.

San Benito: affordability leader in California

San Benito's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among California's best, falling below the state average of 22.4% despite higher home values. The county combines reasonable rents with robust household incomes, creating true affordability relative to peer counties.

San Benito balances cost and income smartly

San Benito's $1,922 median rent sits between San Luis Obispo ($1,899) and Riverside ($1,814), but its median household income of $108,289 dwarfs both. Home values of $751,500 lag San Luis Obispo ($777,200) and rival San Diego's coastal premium.

High income shields San Benito from housing stress

Renters in San Benito pay $1,922 monthly while homeowners face $2,738—a substantial $816 gap reflecting steep ownership costs relative to rents. Yet the county's exceptional median income of $108,289 means even mortgages consume only 30% of household earnings, easing the burden.

San Benito: California's hidden gem for earners

High-income professionals seeking California living should target San Benito, where rents rank among the state's most affordable relative to income. The county's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio and robust median income of $108,289 create rare housing relief in expensive California.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Benito County

via IncomeByCounty

San Benito earns 45% above nation

San Benito County's median household income of $108,289 far exceeds the national median of $74,755—a remarkable 45% premium. This high-earning county punches above its size, reflecting agricultural prosperity and proximity to Silicon Valley labor markets.

San Benito ranks among state's best

At $108,289, San Benito's median household income significantly outpaces California's $87,001 state average. The county ranks in California's top tier for household income, driven by agricultural wealth, wine production, and commuter wages from tech corridors.

Outearning nearby counties decisively

San Benito's $108,289 median income towers over San Joaquin County ($88,531) and exceeds San Luis Obispo County ($93,398). The county's strategic location between agricultural regions and tech hubs gives it a unique economic advantage.

Still high housing costs despite high income

San Benito's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio is the most favorable in this survey, yet the median home value of $751,500 remains steep. High household incomes help, but even affluent San Benito residents must commit substantial wealth to housing.

High earners must invest strategically

San Benito's $108,289 median income positions households above most of California, creating significant capacity for wealth building. Beyond housing, residents should prioritize diversified investments, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and estate planning to maximize long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in San Benito County

via HealthByCounty

San Benito leads in longevity

San Benito residents live 79.9 years on average, exceeding the U.S. average of 80.2 years by just 0.3 years—essentially at parity with national norms. Only 18.4% report poor or fair health, which is below the national benchmark of 15%, indicating overall good population wellness. The county punches above its weight despite its small size.

Above California's life expectancy

At 79.9 years, San Benito's life expectancy surpasses California's 78.5-year average by 1.4 years, positioning it in the state's healthier tier. The 6.8% uninsured rate is close to the state average of 7.2%, suggesting balanced coverage access. San Benito stands out as a healthy outlier for its rural character.

Rural county with urban-level health

San Benito's 79.9-year life expectancy nearly matches San Diego (80.3 years) and San Luis Obispo (80.7 years), despite lower provider density. The 6.8% uninsured rate is better than Riverside (8.3%) and San Bernardino (8.7%) but behind San Francisco (4.2%). The county achieves solid health outcomes despite geographic constraints.

Limited providers, strong population health

San Benito has just 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this comparison—and 138 mental health providers. Despite thin provider networks, the county's 6.8% uninsured rate and strong life expectancy suggest efficient care coordination and prevention focus. Access challenges may loom as population ages.

Secure coverage before you need it

San Benito's lower provider availability makes insurance coverage especially critical for accessing specialty and mental health services. Enrolling in Covered California or Medi-Cal at coveredca.com ensures you can reach care when needed. Preventive coverage today prevents emergency care tomorrow.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Benito County

via RiskByCounty

San Benito's risk is above U.S. average

With a composite risk score of 85.24, San Benito County ranks as "Relatively Moderate"—lower than most California counties but still above the typical U.S. county's baseline risk. The county sits slightly below California's 88.72 average, offering somewhat lower relative hazard exposure.

Moderate risk among California's 58 counties

San Benito ranks in California's lower-middle tier for overall natural disaster risk, benefiting from lower tornado (10.24) and flood (69.43) exposure. However, earthquake (97.26) and wildfire (95.42) risks remain substantial threats.

Safest among San Francisco Bay Area counties

San Benito (85.24) is significantly less risky than San Francisco County (99.52), San Luis Obispo (95.90), and neighboring inland counties. Its rural, mountainous geography reduces flood and tornado threats while maintaining baseline earthquake and wildfire exposure.

Earthquakes and wildfires are primary concerns

San Benito's earthquake risk (97.26) and wildfire risk (95.42) dominate the hazard landscape, reflecting the county's position along the San Andreas Fault. Wildfire seasons regularly bring air quality issues and evacuation threats across the county.

Earthquake and wildfire coverage recommended

San Benito residents should prioritize earthquake and wildfire insurance riders, as standard homeowners policies exclude both. If your property sits in a wildland-urban interface zone, wildfire coverage is especially critical.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.