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San Bernardino County, California — County Report Card

CA

#54 in California

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
33.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 86Property Tax 62.7Water Quality 52.3

County Report Card

About San Bernardino County, California

San Bernardino well below national livability bar

San Bernardino County scores 33.7 out of 100, placing it 16.3 points below the national median of 50.0. The county ranks in the bottom 20% of all U.S. counties for overall livability.

Lowest scorer among these eight counties

San Bernardino's 33.7 trails the California state average of 40.9 by 7.2 points, ranking it among the state's least livable counties. The county faces significant structural challenges to improving resident outcomes.

Tax breaks and relative affordability shine

San Bernardino offers the lowest effective tax rate at 0.704% (tax score: 62.7) and one of the most affordable median home values at $475,000 among these eight counties. Gross rent of $1,706 monthly provides entry-level housing options for price-conscious families.

Health, schools, and safety all underperform

The health score of just 45.8 indicates serious gaps in healthcare access and wellness outcomes, while schools score only 48.9, signaling academic struggles. Most alarmingly, the safety score of 11.9 reflects elevated crime and security concerns that overshadow the county's affordability advantages.

Best for price-conscious renters accepting trade-offs

San Bernardino suits budget-conscious individuals and families willing to forgo strong schools and health services in exchange for lower housing costs. This county requires resilient residents prepared to manage safety concerns and seek healthcare resources beyond traditional county infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax62.7Cost3.9Safety11.9Health45.8Schools48.9Income86Risk0.2Water52.3Weather34.8
🏛62.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱8.7
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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Deep Dives

San Bernardino County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in San Bernardino County

via TaxByCounty

San Bernardino's tax rate stays moderate

San Bernardino's effective tax rate of 0.704% sits just below the national median of 0.714%, placing it near the middle of the national distribution. The median property tax of $3,346 is 24% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both the rate and the $475,000 median home value.

San Bernardino ranks below state average

At 0.704%, San Bernardino County's effective tax rate is slightly below California's state average of 0.714%, making it one of the state's lower-tax counties. The median property tax of $3,346 is notably below California's median of $4,045.

San Bernardino offers tax relief vs peers

San Bernardino's 0.704% rate is the lowest among inland California counties, below Riverside's 0.821% and Sacramento's 0.755%. This makes San Bernardino an attractive choice for homebuyers concerned with property tax burden.

Median San Bernardino home costs $3,346

A homeowner with San Bernardino's median property value of $475,000 pays approximately $3,346 annually in property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments included, the total reaches about $3,729.

Even moderate taxes deserve review

San Bernardino homeowners should still verify their assessments, as overvaluation exists across all tax brackets. A free assessment appeal request could uncover additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Bernardino County

via CostByCounty

San Bernardino's rents press household budgets

San Bernardino County's 24.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among California's highest, exceeding the national baseline of 22.4% by more than 2 percentage points. With median household income of $82,184—9% below the national average of $74,755—the county faces genuine affordability pressure.

San Bernardino struggles with affordability gap

At 24.9%, San Bernardino's rent burden stands well above California's state average of 22.4%, making it one of the state's least affordable counties. Only San Diego (25.3%) and Riverside (24.3%) show worse affordability ratios among the examined counties.

San Bernardino offers the lowest rents inland

San Bernardino's $1,706 median rent is the cheapest among inland counties Riverside ($1,814) and Sacramento ($1,702)—a tight competition for inland value. Home values of $475,000 represent the lowest among all examined counties, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

Nearly one-quarter of income goes to rent

San Bernardino renters pay $1,706 monthly while homeowners spend $1,791—among the lowest absolute costs in California but consuming an outsized share of income. At $82,184 median household income, the typical family dedicates nearly 25% of earnings to housing, limiting other financial flexibility.

San Bernardino: budget-friendly California entry point

Cost-conscious families seeking California should consider San Bernardino, offering the state's lowest median home values ($475,000) and cheapest inland rents at $1,706. While affordability ratios remain tight, absolute housing costs provide genuine value for price-sensitive movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Bernardino County

via IncomeByCounty

San Bernardino earns above the nation

San Bernardino County's median household income of $82,184 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by roughly $7,400. Despite lower California costs in some areas, the county demonstrates solid earning power within the Inland Empire economy.

Below California's average income

At $82,184, San Bernardino's median household income falls slightly below California's state average of $87,001. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among California's 58 counties, reflecting the Inland Empire's more affordable but economically developing character.

Lowest income in Southern California survey

San Bernardino's $82,184 median is the lowest among Southern California counties examined here, trailing Riverside ($89,672) and San Diego ($102,285). The county's affordability comes with lower wage growth, requiring households to be strategic about earning and saving.

Housing costs cut deep into earnings

San Bernardino's rent-to-income ratio of 24.9% is among the highest in this survey, straining household budgets despite lower housing values. With a median home value of $475,000, residents must carefully plan to transition from renting to homeownership.

Strategic saving overcomes income gaps

San Bernardino residents earning $82,184 face tighter budgets but can build wealth through disciplined saving and employer benefits. Maximizing 401(k) matches, using HSAs, and investing in lower-cost index funds helps overcome the county's modest income-to-cost-of-living ratio.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in San Bernardino County

via CrimeByCounty

San Bernardino County Safety Overview

San Bernardino County reports a safety score of 95.9, reflecting a generally secure environment. The total crime rate of 2,604.0 per 100,000 residents is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This vast county faces a wide range of safety challenges across its urban and desert landscapes.

State Rankings and Comparisons

The county's safety score of 95.9 is nearly identical to the California average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,604.0 is slightly higher than the state average of 2,355.2 per 100,000 people. 44 different reporting agencies collaborate to manage public safety in this region.

Regional Crime Rate Comparison

San Bernardino’s crime rate of 2,604.0 is lower than Riverside’s 2,678.5, making it the slightly safer neighbor in the Inland Empire. However, it sees more crime than San Diego County, which records 2,080.5 per 100,000 residents. These numbers show a localized pocket of higher activity compared to the coast.

Violent vs. Property Crime Realities

Violent crime in San Bernardino is 582.9 per 100,000, which is significantly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more typical, sitting at 2,021.1, nearly matching the national rate of 2,015.7. Residents should be aware that person-to-person crimes are more frequent here than in neighboring counties.

Home Security in San Bernardino

Given the higher-than-average violent crime rate, integrated security systems are highly recommended for local homes. Motion sensors and monitored alarms provide crucial early warnings for families. Coordination with one of the 44 local agencies can help address specific neighborhood concerns.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in San Bernardino County

via HealthByCounty

San Bernardino faces steep health gaps

San Bernardino residents live 75.4 years on average, nearly 5 years below the U.S. average of 80.2 years—one of the largest gaps in the nation. About 21.8% report poor or fair health, the highest rate in this group and well above the national average of 15%. These numbers signal urgent, systemic health challenges.

Worst health outcomes in California

At 75.4 years, San Bernardino's life expectancy is 3.1 years below California's 78.5-year average, the lowest in this cohort. The 8.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.2%, and the 21.8% poor/fair health rate is the worst statewide. San Bernardino ranks among California's most health-challenged counties.

Dramatically worse than regional peers

San Bernardino's 75.4-year life expectancy lags all neighboring counties: Riverside (77.8), San Luis Obispo (80.7), and San Diego (80.3). The 8.7% uninsured rate is the highest in the region, and the 21.8% poor/fair health rate is 5+ points above neighbors. The disparities underscore concentrated disadvantage.

Access barriers compound health crises

San Bernardino has 59 primary care providers and 311 mental health providers per 100,000—below state norms. The 8.7% uninsured population lacks routine preventive care access, likely driving higher rates of chronic disease and poor health. Expanding both coverage and provider capacity is essential for recovery.

Enrollment is a life-or-death choice

With the county's 8.7% uninsured rate and significant health disparities, getting covered through Covered California or Medi-Cal at coveredca.com is urgent. Preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health support are game-changers for San Bernardino's health trajectory. Your enrollment matters for your family's future.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in San Bernardino County

via SchoolsByCounty

California's largest county by school volume

San Bernardino County manages 573 public schools, including 109 high schools, serving a total of 394,196 students. With 82 districts, it maintains one of the most complex educational infrastructures in the state.

Competitive scores amidst funding challenges

The county maintains a 54.3 school score and an 85.1% graduation rate, slightly below national benchmarks. At $8,572 per student, spending is roughly 34% lower than the $13,000 national average, yet it remains close to the California state average.

Major districts serving the high desert

San Bernardino City Unified is the largest district, serving 45,852 students across 76 schools. The county also supports 51 charter schools, including Granite Mountain Charter which enrolls over 3,400 students.

Suburban hubs and massive high schools

The county's schools are primarily suburban, but it also supports 60 rural and 46 town-based campuses. Large high schools define the landscape, with Etiwanda High and Chaffey High each serving more than 3,300 students.

Diverse opportunities for student success

From Chino Valley to the High Desert, the county's 82 districts offer diverse neighborhood choices for families. The mix of large suburban high schools and specialized charters provides plenty of options for prospective residents.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Bernardino County

via RiskByCounty

San Bernardino faces extreme nationwide disaster risk

San Bernardino County's composite risk score of 99.84 represents "Very High" risk and approaches the absolute maximum, far exceeding typical U.S. county hazard levels. This score surpasses California's average of 88.72 by a massive margin, indicating exceptional multi-hazard exposure.

Most dangerous county in California

San Bernardino ranks as California's highest-risk county overall, with near-maximal scores in four major hazard categories: earthquakes (99.84), wildfires (99.90), and floods (99.84). Only Riverside County rivals its overall threat level.

Equally dangerous as Riverside, deadlier than most

San Bernardino (99.84) matches Riverside County's extreme risk and dramatically exceeds San Benito (85.24) and San Luis Obispo (95.90). The Inland Empire's two largest counties form California's most disaster-prone region.

Earthquakes, wildfires, floods all extreme

San Bernardino residents face nearly identical threats in three major categories: earthquakes (99.84), wildfires (99.90), and floods (99.84)—all scoring at or near maximum. The county has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years while remaining on major earthquake fault lines.

Triple insurance: earthquake, wildfire, and flood

San Bernardino homeowners absolutely must add earthquake and wildfire riders to standard policies, then verify flood coverage—these three hazards alone require comprehensive protection. Given the county's extreme exposure, these additions are not optional but essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Bernardino County

via WeatherByCounty

A massive county with high heat

San Bernardino County averages 64.8°F, placing it well above the national median temperature. It is a dry region, receiving less than 10 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer than the California average

The county's average of 64.8°F outpaces the state average of 58.7°F by several degrees. However, it is slightly cooler on average than its neighbor, Riverside County.

Drier than coastal counterparts

The county receives just 9.7 inches of rain, which is much lower than San Diego's 14 inches. Despite the heat, it averages 10.4 inches of snow annually due to its high-altitude mountain ranges.

Intense heat and mountain snow

With 111 extreme heat days a year, summers are demanding as July averages 83.9°F. Winter brings a sharp contrast, featuring a 48.4°F January average and significant mountain snowfall.

Manage heat and mountain winter

Residents need high-efficiency cooling for the 111 days of extreme heat. Those in higher elevations must also maintain snow removal equipment and winter vehicle kits.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Bernardino County

via SoilByCounty

Vast Landscapes with Varied Chemistry

Official soil pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable for San Bernardino County. The region's diverse landscape ranges from high desert to alpine peaks, suggesting varied local chemical signatures. Testing your specific plot is the best way to compare your soil to the national 6.5 pH median.

Testing for Texture in the Inland Empire

Missing data for sand and clay percentages means local home testing is your most valuable tool. Knowing whether your soil is sandy or silty helps determine how much water your landscape actually needs. Observation of drainage after a storm can give you a quick estimate of your soil's clay content.

Comparing Local Growth to State Averages

We lack specific county-wide measurements for organic matter and available water capacity. Compare your local test results to the California state average of 3.30% organic matter to gauge your garden's health. Adding organic compost is a reliable way to boost fertility regardless of your starting point.

A Diverse Terrain Requires Local Checks

Hydrologic group data is not formally recorded for the county as a whole. Because the terrain is so vast, drainage can shift from rapid in sandy desert washes to very slow in mountain basins. Always check local drainage patterns before starting any major landscaping or building project.

Drought-Tolerant Success in Zone 10a

Zone 10a provides a long, frost-free season for growing everything from cacti to avocados. Despite the missing data, the warm nights make it a fantastic place to start a drought-tolerant garden. Plant native species today to create a beautiful, water-wise outdoor space.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Bernardino County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme hurdles for desert landscapes

San Bernardino County presents a high-difficulty environment with a lawn score of 8.7, well below the national average of 50.0. Maintaining turf in Hardiness Zone 10a requires intense management due to the arid conditions and extreme temperature swings.

Wrestling with 111 days of heat

Your lawn must survive 111 extreme heat days each year with only 9.7 inches of natural rainfall. These conditions mean your grass will likely enter dormancy or suffer heat stress without a robust, daily irrigation plan.

Adapting to localized soil needs

Specific soil metrics are not available for this vast county, but local textures vary from mountain loams to valley sands. You should perform a percolation test to see how quickly your soil drains before investing in expensive sod or seed.

Enduring a full year of drought

The county spent 38 weeks in drought over the past year, highlighting the need for xeriscaping or drought-tolerant turf. If you keep a lawn, ensure your sprinklers are adjusted to avoid runoff and water only when the grass shows signs of wilt.

Building a heat-ready lawn

Buffalograss or Bermuda grass are the smartest bets for surviving the intense San Bernardino sun. The window for growth opens after the February 19 frost, providing a short period of cooler weather for roots to take hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Bernardino County's county score?
San Bernardino County, California has a composite county score of 33.7 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 San Bernardino County rank among counties in California?
San Bernardino County ranks #54 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 San Bernardino County, California?
The median annual property tax in San Bernardino County is $3,346, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns San Bernardino County a tax score of 62.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Bernardino County?
The median household income in San Bernardino County, California is $82,184 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Bernardino County earns an income score of 86/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Bernardino County, California a good place to live?
San Bernardino County scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in California. The best way to evaluate San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County with other counties side by side.

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