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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
33.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 87Property Tax 60.3Water 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.

2040608010060.33.811.945.848.9870.252.334.8Tax60.3Cost3.8Safety11.9Health45.8Schools48.9Income87Risk0.2Water52.3Weather34.833.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

San Bernardino County DNA

Foverall

How San Bernardino County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

San Bernardino County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (87/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (0.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
60.3+8.299999999999997
Cost
3.8-44.2
Safety
11.9-43.1
Health
45.8
Schools
48.9
Income
87+36
Risk
0.2-46.8
Water
52.3
Weather
34.8-21.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in San Bernardino County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$505,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,801/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$505,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$72,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $85,478/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Montgomery County
Georgia
Median income: $51,941
33.4
Cascade County
Montana
Median income: $67,690
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Mecklenburg County
North Carolina
Median income: $87,005
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Pitt County
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Median income: $58,188
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Umatilla County
Oregon
Median income: $67,728
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Sumter County
Georgia
Median income: $42,653
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Thomas County
Georgia
Median income: $60,736
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Sangamon County
Illinois
Median income: $75,357
33.3

Nearby counties

Riverside County
California
37.3
Orange County
California
44.1
La Paz County
Arizona
36.4
Clark County
Nevada
31.3
San Diego County
California
42.2
Imperial County
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34.1
Los Angeles County
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36.7
Mohave County
Arizona
33.2

Deep Dives

San Bernardino County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 33.4 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 $3,538, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns San Bernardino County a tax score of 60.3/100 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 $85,478 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Bernardino County earns an income score of 87/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Bernardino County, California a good place to live?
San Bernardino County scores 33.4/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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