countyscore

San Francisco County, California — County Report Card

CA

#17 in California

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.7Health 97.5Weather & Climate 87.4

County Report Card

About San Francisco County, California

San Francisco slightly exceeds national livability median

San Francisco County scores 43.6 out of 100, surpassing the national median of 50.0 by only 6.4 points. The county ranks in the 47th percentile nationally, placing it in the middle tier for U.S. livability.

Outperforms California peers overall

San Francisco's 43.6 exceeds the California state average of 40.9, ranking it in the upper portion of the state's counties. Despite well-publicized challenges, the county performs better than most California regions on the composite livability index.

Unmatched income and health care define the county

San Francisco dominates with the nation's highest median household income of $141,446 (income score: 99.7) and the highest health score of 97.5, reflecting world-class healthcare and exceptional earning power. The water score of 86.0 and effective tax rate of 0.682% round out strong fundamentals.

Safety crisis and extreme housing costs plague residents

The safety score of just 1.1—lowest among these eight counties—signals severe crime and security concerns affecting daily life and neighborhood stability. Housing is catastrophically unaffordable with a cost score of 0.2, median home values at $1,380,500, and gross rent at $2,419, pricing out most households.

Best for wealthy professionals indifferent to safety

San Francisco suits ultra-high-income professionals, executives, and established entrepreneurs who can absorb extraordinary housing costs and accept elevated safety risks for world-class healthcare and prestige. Families with children or safety concerns should carefully weigh the county's crime challenges against its economic and health advantages.

Score breakdown

Tax65.1Cost0.2Safety1.1Health97.5Schools58.4Income99.7Risk0.5Water86Weather87.4
🏛65.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼99.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤97.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤87.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.8
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 Francisco County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in San Francisco County

via TaxByCounty

San Francisco's rate is the lowest regional

San Francisco's effective tax rate of 0.682% sits below the national median of 0.714%, making it one of the nation's lower-tax jurisdictions by rate. Yet the median property tax of $9,412 towers above the national median of $2,690—a 250% difference—because of San Francisco's $1,380,500 median home value.

San Francisco has California's lowest rate

San Francisco County's 0.682% effective tax rate is the lowest among all California counties, well below the state average of 0.714%. Despite this advantage, the median tax of $9,412 is the highest in the state, driven by the Bay Area's exceptional home values.

San Francisco leads in rate advantage

San Francisco's 0.682% rate is significantly lower than nearby California counties, including San Jose and the broader Bay Area. This rate advantage, however, is wholly eclipsed by San Francisco's median home value of $1,380,500, the highest in the sample.

Median SF home costs $9,412 yearly

With San Francisco's median home value of $1,380,500, homeowners pay approximately $9,412 in annual property taxes despite the county's low rate. With mortgage-related assessments, the total reaches approximately $10,001.

Assessments matter even at high values

San Francisco homeowners with multimillion-dollar properties should regularly verify assessments, as even small rate adjustments yield large dollar savings. A professional assessment appeal is free and can yield significant benefits in a high-value market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Francisco County

via CostByCounty

San Francisco incomes outpace its steep rents

San Francisco County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio remains the lowest among examined counties and beats the national average of 22.4%, a remarkable achievement given its extreme housing costs. Median household income of $141,446—nearly double the national average of $74,755—creates this apparent paradox.

San Francisco: high income shields affordability math

San Francisco's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks best among California counties examined, though this reflects exceptional incomes rather than affordable housing. The $2,419 median rent is California's highest, offset only by San Francisco's unmatched earning power.

San Francisco rents outpace all examined counties

San Francisco's $2,419 median rent is $265 higher than San Diego ($2,154) and $500 above Riverside ($1,814), the largest gap among any county pair examined. Yet San Francisco's median home value of $1,380,500 dwarfs all peers, reflecting unique Bay Area pricing.

Highest income masks highest absolute costs

San Francisco renters pay $2,419 monthly while homeowners face $3,200—a $781 gap revealing the county's split rental and ownership markets. The extraordinary median income of $141,446 means housing consumes just 20.5% of earnings, the only county where extreme costs feel proportionate.

San Francisco: for six-figure earners only

San Francisco offers the state's best affordability ratio (20.5%) but requires exceptional incomes ($141K median) to sustain $2,419 rents and $1.38M homes. High-earning tech professionals and finance workers thrive here; mid-income families should explore Sacramento, San Joaquin, or Riverside instead.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Francisco County

via IncomeByCounty

San Francisco earns nearly double nation

San Francisco County's median household income of $141,446 crushes the national median of $74,755—nearly double. This extraordinary income premium reflects the county's status as the heart of Silicon Valley and a global financial center.

California's top-earning county by far

At $141,446, San Francisco's median household income demolishes California's state average of $87,001 by 63%. No county in California comes close to San Francisco's income profile, cementing its position as the state's economic powerhouse.

San Francisco's income gap is enormous

San Francisco's $141,446 median income outpaces San Diego County ($102,285) by nearly $40,000 and San Benito County ($108,289) by $33,000. The tech sector's concentration in San Francisco and Bay Area creates an unmatched wage premium.

Even high income struggles with housing

San Francisco's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% is the most favorable in this survey, yet the median home value of $1,380,500 is stratospheric. Even residents earning $141,446 must dedicate massive wealth to housing, illustrating the cost-of-living crisis in San Francisco.

Extraordinary income demands expert planning

San Francisco residents earning $141,446 have unmatched wealth-building capacity but face unique challenges from concentrated housing costs. High-income households should prioritize tax optimization, diversified investments beyond real estate, and long-term asset allocation with professional guidance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in San Francisco County

via CrimeByCounty

San Francisco’s Urban Safety Profile

San Francisco County holds a safety score of 89.9, reflecting significant urban challenges. Its total crime rate of 6,371.8 per 100,000 is nearly triple the national average of 2,385.5. These high numbers are largely driven by property-related incidents in the dense city center.

San Francisco vs. California Averages

San Francisco’s safety score of 89.9 is well below the California average of 96.3. The total crime rate of 6,371.8 per 100,000 vastly exceeds the state average of 2,355.2. Data from 8 reporting agencies indicates that the city experiences crime at a much higher frequency than the rest of the state.

A Bay Area Outlier

Compared to other California counties, San Francisco's crime rate of 6,371.8 is significantly higher than Sacramento's 2,966.7. Even San Joaquin County, which sees its own challenges, has a much lower rate at 2,695.6. The unique density of San Francisco creates a crime profile unlike any of its neighbors.

The Property Crime Surge

Property crime in San Francisco is a staggering 5,730.8 per 100,000, which is over 180% higher than the national average. Violent crime is also elevated at 641.0, compared to the national average of 369.8. This means theft and burglary are extremely frequent occurrences for those living and working in the city.

Safeguarding Your Urban Home

High property crime rates necessitate robust home security for all San Francisco residents. Use high-quality deadbolts, security films for windows, and monitored alarm systems to protect your property. Awareness of local surroundings is essential given the high volume of reported incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in San Francisco County

via HealthByCounty

San Francisco sets national health record

San Francisco residents live 82.4 years on average, exceeding the U.S. average of 80.2 years by more than 2 full years. Only 12.7% report poor or fair health, the best rate in this entire group and far below the national average of 15%. San Francisco's health profile rivals global leaders.

California's healthiest county

At 82.4 years, San Francisco's life expectancy far exceeds California's 78.5-year average by nearly 4 years, the highest in the state. The 4.2% uninsured rate is by far the lowest in this cohort and among the nation's best. San Francisco has achieved near-universal health coverage and exceptional longevity.

Dramatically outpaces all peers

San Francisco's 82.4-year life expectancy is 2+ years ahead of San Diego (80.3) and San Luis Obispo (80.7), and 7 years ahead of San Bernardino (75.4). The 4.2% uninsured rate is less than half of Riverside (8.3%) and San Bernardino (8.7%), showing unmatched coverage breadth. San Francisco stands alone in health achievement.

Unparalleled provider and coverage density

San Francisco boasts 164 primary care providers and an extraordinary 1,113 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—by far the highest in this comparison. The 4.2% uninsured rate is nearly universal coverage, ensuring nearly all residents access preventive care and mental health support. Investment in care infrastructure translates directly to outcomes.

Complete San Francisco's coverage story

San Francisco's health leadership rests on its 4.2% uninsured rate and dense provider network—but the remaining 4.2% still deserve coverage. If you're uninsured, enrolling in Covered California or Medi-Cal at coveredca.com closes the final gap to universal access. Help San Francisco reach 100% coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in San Francisco County

via SchoolsByCounty

Urban education in the heart of the city

San Francisco County operates 131 public schools serving a compact student body of 56,209. The system is highly focused, consisting of 81 elementary schools and 26 high schools concentrated within the city limits.

Higher investment and strong school scores

San Francisco invests more than its neighbors at $10,192 per student, and this reflects in a high school score of 58.4. Despite the high investment, the graduation rate of 86.1% sits slightly below the 87% national average.

San Francisco Unified's city-wide reach

San Francisco Unified dominates the landscape, managing 113 schools and 48,722 students. The county also hosts 13 charter schools, including Five Keys Independence High, which serves over 3,000 students.

Purely urban schools with historic roots

Every single school in the county is classified as a city locale, creating a dense and walkable educational environment. The average school size is 457 students, though prestigious hubs like Lowell High host over 2,600.

Academic excellence in an urban core

Families seeking high-scoring schools in a dense city environment will find San Francisco's 58.4 score particularly attractive. Choosing a home here means immediate access to a unified system with significant per-pupil investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Francisco County

via RiskByCounty

San Francisco faces extreme earthquake and flood risk

San Francisco County's composite risk score of 99.52 ranks it as "Very High" and among the nation's riskiest counties, substantially above the typical U.S. baseline. Though it exceeds California's 88.72 average, the city's lower wildfire exposure (28.66) partially offsets other hazards.

Fifth-riskiest county in California overall

San Francisco ranks high statewide despite having California's lowest wildfire risk (28.66), because earthquake (99.78) and flood (98.60) risks are among the highest in the state. The city's dense, aging infrastructure magnifies disaster impacts.

Much riskier than rural inland Bay Area counties

San Francisco (99.52) vastly exceeds San Benito County (85.24) and approaches the extreme risk of Riverside and San Bernardino. Its urban concentration and proximity to the San Andreas Fault create concentrated hazard exposure unlike surrounding counties.

Earthquakes and flooding top the hazard list

San Francisco's earthquake risk (99.78) reflects the city's position on the San Andreas and Hayward faults—major seismic sources. Flood risk (98.60) is equally critical due to rising seas, aging levees, and bay flooding hazards affecting the urban core.

Earthquake insurance is critical; consider flood too

San Francisco homeowners must carry earthquake insurance given the city's extreme seismic risk and should evaluate flood coverage based on location—the Embarcadero and waterfront properties face particular inundation threats. Standard policies leave most residents dangerously exposed.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Francisco County

via WeatherByCounty

The cool maritime heart of California

San Francisco averages 56.9°F, which is cooler than many parts of the U.S. West Coast. Its 21.8 inches of rain is near the national average but concentrated in winter months.

Cooler than the California average

The county's 56.9°F annual average is lower than the California statewide average of 58.7°F. It is one of the most temperature-stable regions in the state.

The coolest in the region

San Francisco is significantly cooler than San Joaquin County, which averages 62.5°F. It also lacks the extreme heat seen in the nearby Central Valley.

Endless spring and zero snow

The county experiences only 2 extreme heat days per year. With a July average of 59.2°F and a January average of 52.3°F, the temperature rarely fluctuates more than a few degrees.

Layers are the local law

Forget the heavy parka or the tank top; light layers are essential for the constant 50-to-60 degree weather. Air conditioning is rarely needed since temperatures almost never hit 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Francisco County

via SoilByCounty

Urban Soils of the Peninsula

Detailed soil taxonomy and pH levels are unavailable for this highly urbanized county. Much of the surface layer consists of modified urban fill and historic sand dunes. Testing is recommended to see how your urban plot compares to the national 6.5 pH median.

Sandy Foundations and Urban Fill

Numerical data for silt and clay percentages is not currently on record for the city. Most San Francisco soils are naturally sandy, leading to rapid drainage and very low nutrient retention. This coarse texture means you will likely need to water and fertilize more frequently.

Boosting Organic Matter in the City

There is no specific data for organic matter or water capacity for the city's soils. To match the state's 3.30% organic matter benchmark, urban gardeners typically rely on compost and raised beds. Adding organic material is the best way to turn sandy fill into a productive garden.

Managing High Permeability

While a dominant hydrologic group is not assigned, the sandy nature of the peninsula implies high permeability. You must manage water use carefully to keep nutrients from leaching through the porous ground. Strategic planting can help stabilize sandy soil and prevent runoff in hilly neighborhoods.

Cool-Season Gems in Zone 10b

San Francisco's Zone 10b is famous for its unique 'fog belt' gardening conditions. Focus on cool-season crops like kale, chard, and fuchsias that thrive in the city's maritime air. Start a small container garden today to enjoy fresh greens year-round.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Francisco County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal conditions for urban greenery

San Francisco County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 68.8, the highest among its neighbors and far easier than the 51.3 state average. In Hardiness Zone 10b, the consistent maritime climate is exceptionally kind to growing grass.

Cooler summers and steady moisture

With only 2 extreme heat days per year, your lawn rarely suffers from sun scorch. The 21.8 inches of annual rainfall is nearly double that of Southern California, though it still falls short of the 30-50 inches ideal for most lawns.

Overcoming urban soil limitations

While specific county-wide soil metrics are missing, urban lots in San Francisco often deal with compacted earth and limited drainage. Aerating your lawn once a year is a critical step to ensure water and air can reach the roots in this dense environment.

A rare year without drought

San Francisco experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, making it a standout region for lush growth. You can maintain this advantage by using rain barrels to capture runoff for supplemental watering during the drier autumn months.

Green lawns all year long

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue thrive in the city's constant 50-to-60 degree temperatures. Because frost is extremely rare here, you have a flexible window for seeding almost any time the weather is mild.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Francisco County's county score?
San Francisco County, California has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Francisco County rank among counties in California?
San Francisco County ranks #17 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 Francisco County, California?
The median annual property tax in San Francisco County is $9,412, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns San Francisco County a tax score of 65.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Francisco County?
The median household income in San Francisco County, California is $141,446 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Francisco County earns an income score of 99.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Francisco County, California a good place to live?
San Francisco County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in California. The best way to evaluate San Francisco 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 Francisco 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.