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San Luis Obispo County, California — County Report Card

CA

#21 in California

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
42.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.1Health 83.1Weather & Climate 74.5

County Report Card

About San Luis Obispo County, California

San Luis Obispo approaches national livability median

San Luis Obispo County scores 42.9 out of 100, trailing the national median of 50.0 by 7.1 points. The county ranks in the 41st percentile nationally—below average but competitive with many U.S. counties.

Exceeds California's average standing

San Luis Obispo's 42.9 surpasses the California state average of 40.9, placing it in the upper half of the state's counties. The county outperforms most California peers on overall livability metrics.

Health and income anchor strong quality of life

San Luis Obispo excels with a health score of 83.1—highest in this group—and a median household income of $93,398 (income score: 93.1), supporting both wellness and economic stability. Schools also perform well at 64.2, offering solid educational options for families.

Water scarcity and housing costs constrain growth

The water score of just 21.3 reflects serious regional resource constraints and drought vulnerability, a growing concern for long-term sustainability. Housing remains expensive with a cost score of 2.0, median home values at $777,200, and gross rent at $1,899, limiting affordability despite solid incomes.

Perfect for health-conscious affluent families

San Luis Obispo suits affluent families and retirees prioritizing excellent healthcare, strong schools, and quality of life despite premium housing costs. Prospective residents should understand water sustainability challenges and be prepared for premium real estate prices while enjoying the county's health and educational advantages.

2040608010062.7216.383.164.293.14.121.374.5Tax62.7Cost2Safety16.3Health83.1Schools64.2Income93.1Risk4.1Water21.3Weather74.542.9/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

San Luis Obispo County DNA

Foverall

How San Luis Obispo County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

San Luis Obispo County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (93.1/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
62.7+10.700000000000003
Cost
2-46
Safety
16.3-38.7
Health
83.1+33.099999999999994
Schools
64.2+10.200000000000003
Income
93.1+42.099999999999994
Risk
4.1-42.9
Water
21.3-36.7
Weather
74.5+18.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$777,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,899/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$777,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$75,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum8.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $93,398/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.4

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Deep Dives

San Luis Obispo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in San Luis Obispo County

via TaxByCounty

San Luis Obispo's rate is near national

San Luis Obispo's effective tax rate of 0.705% sits just below the national median of 0.714%, placing it squarely in the middle of the national distribution. The median property tax of $5,475 is 104% higher than the national median of $2,690, due to the county's $777,200 median home value.

San Luis Obispo slightly undercuts state

San Luis Obispo County's 0.705% effective rate is just below California's state average of 0.714%, making it one of the state's lower-tax counties by rate. The median tax of $5,475 exceeds the state median of $4,045, reflecting the region's higher home values.

San Luis Obispo is competitive regionally

San Luis Obispo's 0.705% rate is nearly identical to San Diego's 0.700% and lower than San Benito's 0.809%, though the county's higher median home value drives larger absolute tax bills. It sits in the middle of coastal California's property tax range.

Median SLO home costs $5,475 yearly

With San Luis Obispo's median home value of $777,200, homeowners pay approximately $5,475 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total can reach $5,901.

Review your property valuation

San Luis Obispo homeowners should verify that their assessments reflect current fair market value, as overvaluation affects both rural and urban properties. A free assessment appeal request could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Luis Obispo County

via CostByCounty

San Luis Obispo rents exceed national norms

San Luis Obispo County's 24.4% rent-to-income ratio surpasses the national baseline of 22.4% by 2 full percentage points, indicating elevated housing burden. Median household income of $93,398—25% above the national average of $74,755—provides some relief, though housing costs remain steep.

San Luis Obispo sits above California average

At 24.4%, San Luis Obispo's rent-to-income ratio exceeds California's state average of 22.4%, placing it among less affordable counties examined. The coastal county's appeal comes with affordability tradeoffs compared to inland alternatives.

San Luis Obispo commands coastal premium

San Luis Obispo's $1,899 median rent exceeds inland peers Sacramento ($1,702) and San Joaquin ($1,633) while remaining below San Diego ($2,154). Home values of $777,200 rival San Benito ($751,500) and approach San Diego ($791,600), reflecting strong coastal demand.

Housing takes nearly one-quarter of income

San Luis Obispo renters pay $1,899 monthly while homeowners face $2,048—a modest $149 gap suggesting balanced options for different buyers. At $93,398 median income, housing consumes 24.4% of earnings, leaving less than San Joaquin or Sacramento for other expenses.

San Luis Obispo: coastal living with tradeoffs

San Luis Obispo offers coastal charm and reasonable incomes, but at 24.4% affordability ratio, renters and homeowners face above-average housing burdens. Budget-conscious coastal seekers should compare San Luis Obispo ($1,899 rent) against inland alternatives offering 15-25% lower costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Luis Obispo County

via IncomeByCounty

San Luis Obispo earns 25% above nation

San Luis Obispo County's median household income of $93,398 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by nearly $19,000. The county's strong earnings reflect its appeal as both a tourist destination and a growing tech hub with Cal Poly influence.

Above California's average income

At $93,398, San Luis Obispo's median household income outpaces California's $87,001 state average. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier among California's 58 counties, driven by education, tourism, wine production, and increasingly by remote tech workers.

Solid performer among Central Coast

San Luis Obispo's $93,398 income exceeds San Joaquin County ($88,531) and Sacramento County ($88,724). The county ranks second in this survey only to San Francisco, San Benito, and San Diego, reflecting its desirable Central Coast location.

Housing costs consume significant share

San Luis Obispo's rent-to-income ratio of 24.4% is above the typical 20% threshold, with a median home value of $777,200. The county's desirability drives housing costs, requiring households to allocate more than typical to secure stable housing.

Invest in quality-of-life wealth building

San Luis Obispo's $93,398 median income and strong local economy create opportunities for thoughtful wealth building. Residents should combine retirement savings with investments in the county's appreciating real estate and local business growth tied to tourism and education sectors.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in San Luis Obispo County

via CrimeByCounty

San Luis Obispo County Safety Overview

San Luis Obispo County earns a safety score of 96.4, placing it slightly above the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 2,295.6 per 100,000 is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This region maintains a reputation as one of California's more peaceful coastal areas.

Comparing to the California Average

The county's safety score of 96.4 is practically identical to the California average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,295.6 is slightly better than the state average of 2,355.2 per 100,000 people. 18 reporting agencies contribute to a consistent and transparent safety record for the area.

Safety Along the Central Coast

San Luis Obispo County is safer than its urban neighbor, Sacramento, which sees 2,966.7 crimes per 100,000. However, it experiences more activity than the exceptionally quiet San Benito County at 1,122.8. It offers a balanced safety profile that appeals to those avoiding major metropolitan crime rates.

Breakdown of Local Incident Types

Violent crime stands at 444.8 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime, however, is lower than the national average, recording 1,850.8 compared to 2,015.7. Residents generally face less risk of theft but should remain aware of person-to-person crime trends.

Ensuring a Secure Coastline Home

To maintain the county's lower-than-average property crime rate, homeowners should use basic security deterrents like smart locks. Being proactive about personal safety is also important given the local violent crime statistics. 18 local agencies are available to provide specific safety tips for different coastal communities.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in San Luis Obispo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate school settings on the Central Coast

San Luis Obispo County manages 83 public schools serving 32,598 students through 12 districts. The system is characterized by smaller campuses, including 45 elementary and 22 high schools.

Top-tier graduation rates and solid scores

The county excels with a 91.5% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87% national average. Its school score of 56.8 also beats the California state average, despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,172 that is lower than state and national benchmarks.

Lucia Mar and San Luis Coastal leads

Lucia Mar Unified is the largest district, serving 9,590 students across 19 schools. Charter schools are rare here, making up less than 4% of the county's total educational infrastructure.

Small-town feel with mid-sized high schools

The average school size is just 398 students, the smallest among its neighbors, fostering a tight-knit community feel. While Paso Robles High serves 2,093 students, most of the county's 29 suburban and 17 rural schools are much smaller.

High-performing schools in a coastal paradise

The county's 91.5% graduation rate is a major draw for families looking to buy homes along the Central Coast. With a higher-than-average school score and small class sizes, it offers one of the strongest educational profiles in California.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Luis Obispo County

via RiskByCounty

San Luis Obispo faces elevated national disaster risk

San Luis Obispo County's composite risk score of 95.90 places it in the "Relatively High" category, above the typical U.S. county but among California's lower-risk areas. The score slightly exceeds California's average of 88.72.

Mid-tier risk among California's 58 counties

San Luis Obispo ranks in California's lower-middle range for overall disaster risk, benefiting from minimal tornado exposure (6.11) but facing substantial earthquake (97.90) and wildfire (98.31) threats. The Central Coast's geography offers some protection while maintaining seismic vulnerability.

Safer than Bay Area, riskier than inland valleys

San Luis Obispo (95.90) is less risky than San Francisco (99.52) and Riverside (99.90), but slightly exceeds San Benito (85.24). Its coastal location moderates some hazards while maintaining significant earthquake and wildfire exposure.

Wildfire and earthquake risks dominate

San Luis Obispo's wildfire risk (98.31) and earthquake risk (97.90) are nearly equally severe, with the county experiencing destructive fire seasons and remaining on major fault lines. Flood risk (96.66) rounds out the triple threat, though less acute than in some neighboring counties.

Wildfire and earthquake coverage strongly recommended

San Luis Obispo homeowners should prioritize wildfire and earthquake insurance riders—both hazards are extreme for the region. Verify flood coverage if you're near creeks or mapped flood zones, though earthquake and wildfire protection are the county's critical gaps.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in San Luis Obispo County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Violations in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo County earns an 'F' grade for drinking water, with 316 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 117.4 per 100,000 residents is more than double the California state average of 49.1. This indicates widespread and frequent failures to meet federal safety standards across the county's water systems.

Bacteria Dominates Local Watershed Impairment

Federal data from 2022 shows that 46.0% of the county's 124 assessed water bodies are impaired. Fecal coliform, low dissolved oxygen, and E. coli are the primary threats to water health. This impairment rate is significantly higher than the statewide average of 37.2%.

Microbiological Tracking at Coastal Sites

A network of 57 monitoring sites has collected 15,446 measurements in the last five years. Most measurements focus on microbiological and physical characteristics to identify the source of bacterial contamination. While the number of sites is modest, the focused testing is vital for tracking E. coli spikes.

Estrella River Stops Flowing Completely

The Estrella River near Estrella is currently at 0 cubic feet per second, compared to its 24 cfs long-term mean. This 0% typical flow for the 922 square mile drainage area is common in dry seasons but poses severe risks for water quality. Stagnant water can rapidly accumulate bacteria and suffer from dangerously low oxygen levels.

Urgent Need for Water Quality Vigilance

Due to the 'F' grade and high violation rate, residents should use high-quality water filtration and stay informed on their local utility's performance. The high presence of E. coli and fecal coliform in the watershed means you should avoid contact with local streams, especially during low-flow periods. Annual testing for private wells is essential in this high-risk environment.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Luis Obispo County

via WeatherByCounty

San Luis Obispo's temperate coast

San Luis Obispo County averages 59.8°F, offering a mild climate slightly above the national median. It receives 20.7 inches of rain, mostly during the winter season.

Matching the California climate norm

The county's 59.8°F average is remarkably close to the California state average of 58.7°F. Its rainfall of 20.7 inches is slightly drier than the state average of 25.8 inches.

More moderate than inland neighbors

San Luis Obispo is cooler and wetter than San Benito County. While it only averages 32 heat days, San Benito experiences 54, showing the cooling influence of the Pacific.

Mild summers and no snow

The county sees just 32 extreme heat days a year, with July averaging 66.8°F. Winters are very mild, with a January average of 52.4°F and zero inches of snowfall.

Embrace the coastal mildness

Mild clothing works year-round for the 52-to-66 degree range. While 32 heat days occur, the primary concern for residents is managing the 20.7 inches of winter rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Luis Obispo County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Complexity on the Central Coast

Standardized data for pH and soil taxonomy is currently missing for San Luis Obispo in central records. This coastal county features a mix of rugged mountains and fertile valleys with varied chemical signatures. A local soil test will help you determine if your land meets the national 6.5 pH median.

Identifying Your Local Soil Texture

We lack specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay in the primary data sets. Local gardeners should check for 'grittiness' or 'stickiness' to estimate their soil's unique composition at home. Knowing your texture helps you tailor your watering schedule to the needs of your plants.

Building Resilience with Compost

Organic matter levels are not recorded, so aim to build your soil toward the 3.30% California average. Adding compost will help improve the water capacity, which is also unlisted for this region. Improving fertility is the best way to ensure your garden survives the dry summer months.

Evaluating Slope and Drainage

No dominant drainage class or hydrologic group is specified in current records. Proper site assessment is essential for preventing erosion on the county's many sloped and coastal landscapes. Always observe how water drains after a storm to identify any potential problem areas on your property.

Mediterranean Staples in Zone 10a

Zone 10a is ideal for Mediterranean staples like olives, wine grapes, and lavender. Use the moderate coastal climate to your advantage and grow a diverse range of heat-loving plants. Begin your gardening journey this season and enjoy the unique beauty of the Central Coast.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Luis Obispo County

via LawnByCounty

A coastal challenge for SLO lawns

San Luis Obispo County scores 45.6 for lawn difficulty, making it slightly more work than the national average. In Hardiness Zone 10a, your success depends on how well you manage moisture during the dry summer months.

Manageable heat but high water needs

You enjoy a relatively mild climate with only 32 extreme heat days per year, well below the state average. However, the 20.7 inches of annual precipitation still requires supplemental watering to keep traditional grass green through the summer.

Navigating coastal soil variations

While specific data for pH and texture is unavailable for this county, coastal soils can range from sandy to heavy clay. Testing your soil before the growing season will help you determine if you need to add gypsum for drainage or lime for pH balance.

Recovering from 32 weeks of drought

The county spent 32 weeks in drought over the past year, which can take a toll on even established lawns. Recovering from this stress requires careful aeration and overseeding to fill in any patches that thinned out during the dry spell.

The best timing for central coast lawns

Kikuyu or Seashore Paspalum are great choices for coastal resistance to salt and drought. With the last spring frost typically on February 1, February and March are ideal months to start your new lawn projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Luis Obispo County's county score?
San Luis Obispo County, California has a composite county score of 42.9 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 Luis Obispo County rank among counties in California?
San Luis Obispo County ranks #21 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 Luis Obispo County, California?
The median annual property tax in San Luis Obispo County is $5,475, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns San Luis Obispo County a tax score of 62.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Luis Obispo County?
The median household income in San Luis Obispo County, California is $93,398 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Luis Obispo County earns an income score of 93.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Luis Obispo County, California a good place to live?
San Luis Obispo County scores 42.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in California. The best way to evaluate San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.