countyscore
52.3
County Score
Safety 83.7Lawn Care 72.5Income & Jobs 71.3

County Report Card

About Shasta County, California

Shasta County exceeds the national median

Shasta's composite score of 52.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 53rd percentile—a strong result for a rural northern California county. The county punches above its weight through remarkable affordability and safety advantages.

Significantly above California average

At 52.3, Shasta substantially outperforms California's state average of 40.9, making it one of the state's highest-scoring counties overall. This reflects a fundamentally different livability profile from coastal and Bay Area peers.

Unbeatable affordability and exceptional safety

Shasta shines with a cost score of 12.1—among California's most affordable—with median home values of $347,200 and rents of just $1,267/month. Safety scores of 83.7 are extraordinary, and income scores of 71.3 reflect solid middle-class earnings.

Health outcomes and water resources need work

Health scores of 60.6 lag the state average, suggesting limited hospital capacity or health outcomes in this rural region. Water availability scores of 48.5 and school scores of 52.7 indicate moderate challenges.

For families seeking safety and space

Shasta attracts families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing, personal safety, and small-town values over urban amenities. Those requiring comprehensive health services or cultural attractions may find rural northern California isolating.

Score breakdown

Tax63Cost12.1Safety83.7Health60.6Schools52.7Income71.3Risk6.6Water48.5Weather47.5
🏛63
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.5
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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Nearby counties

Tehama County
California
36.7
Trinity County
California
48.3
Glenn County
California
41.8
Siskiyou County
California
37.9
Butte County
California
39.3
Humboldt County
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40
Plumas County
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41
Colusa County
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41.8

Deep Dives

Shasta County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shasta County

via TaxByCounty

Shasta taxes roughly match national median

Shasta County residents pay a median of $2,442 in property taxes—slightly below the national median of $2,690. At an effective rate of 0.703%, the county sits just below California's state average of 0.714%, reflecting much more affordable home values of $347,200 median.

Below state average rate and tax bill

Shasta County's 0.703% effective rate trails California's 0.714% state average by just 11 basis points. At $2,442 median annual taxes, residents pay roughly 40% less than California's state average of $4,045.

Cheaper than Sierra and Siskiyou

Shasta County homeowners pay $2,442 annually on a median home worth $347,200. Neighboring Sierra County charges a higher rate (0.775%) on similar home prices, while Siskiyou County to the north has even lower absolute taxes ($1,880) on comparable values.

A $347K home costs $2,442 yearly

The typical Shasta County homeowner pays $2,442 in annual property taxes on a median home valued at $347,200. With mortgage-related adjustments, the effective total rises slightly to $2,669.

Even small savings add up here

While Shasta County's tax bills are modest compared to coastal California, overassessments still happen. Filing a property tax appeal costs nothing and could save you hundreds—meaningful money in a county where the median tax is under $2,500.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shasta County

via CostByCounty

Northern California's affordability champion

Shasta County renters spend just 21.1% of income on housing—tracking the national norms despite a median income of only $71,931. This rare affordability comes from genuinely low rents ($1,267/month) rather than high wages, making it accessible to working-class families.

Most affordable in California

Shasta County ranks among California's most affordable regions, with rents 22% below state average ($1,267 vs. $1,618) and a median home value of just $347,200. The rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% beats the state average despite below-average incomes.

The north state deals

Shasta renters pay $1,267 monthly—$825 less than Santa Barbara and $1,547 less than San Mateo—while homes cost under $350K. Even nearby Sierra ($1,181 rent) and Siskiyou ($1,043 rent) counties are comparable, making this entire region a haven for budget-conscious Californians.

Making it work in Shasta

The typical household earning $71,931 annually pays $1,267 for rent or $1,399 for ownership—less than 20% of income. This leaves substantial room for savings, childcare, healthcare, and other essentials that squeeze families in coastal counties.

Shasta County: California's affordability secret

If you earn $70K and want to buy a home, Shasta's $347K median beats any coastal county and requires far less down payment. The tradeoff: smaller job market and distance from urban centers, but remote work, retirees, and rural families find tremendous value here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shasta County

via IncomeByCounty

Shasta slightly lags national average

Shasta County's median household income of $71,931 falls 4% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it just under national averages. Per capita income of $38,746 also runs slightly below national norms. This rural northern California county faces income challenges despite its natural assets.

Below-average earnings in California

Shasta's $71,931 income runs 17% below California's state average of $87,001, ranking it in the lower half of the state's 58 counties. Per capita income of $38,746 significantly underperforms the state average of $43,669, falling $4,923 short. The county struggles with income generation despite proximity to regional markets.

Slightly ahead of deepest rural poverty

Shasta ($71,931) outearns Sierra County ($60,000) and Siskiyou County ($55,499), but trails Santa Cruz ($109,266) and Solano ($99,994) by $37,000+ per household. These rural northern counties cluster together with significantly lower incomes than Bay Area and coastal regions. Geographic isolation and limited industry diversity constrain earning potential.

Modest income, affordable housing

Shasta's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% indicates affordability, with median home values of just $347,200 remaining accessible on the county's income levels. Housing costs consume less than one-quarter of income, leaving room for other expenses and savings. However, the absolute income level limits overall wealth-building capacity.

Maximize affordable housing advantage

With $71,931 household income and moderate housing costs at 21.1% of income, Shasta residents can prioritize emergency savings and retirement accounts ahead of many higher-cost regions. Investigate employer retirement programs and tax-advantaged savings options to build wealth despite lower absolute income. The county's affordability provides a foundation for disciplined, long-term accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shasta County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the Nation's Safest

Shasta County boasts an incredible safety score of 99.4, far surpassing national norms. Its total crime rate of 383.3 per 100K is roughly six times lower than the national average.

Outperforming the Golden State

This county is a standout performer in California, significantly exceeding the state average safety score of 96.3. Local crime rates are among the lowest in the entire region.

Leading the Region in Safety

Shasta enjoys much lower crime rates than neighboring Tehama or Butte counties. Its total crime rate of 383.3 marks it as a clear leader for public safety in Northern California.

Low Crime Across All Categories

Violent crime is rare in Shasta, occurring at a rate of only 39.6 per 100K residents. Property crime is also minimal at 343.7, creating a very secure environment for families.

Maintaining a Safe Community

While crime rates are exceptionally low, basic home security helps preserve this safe reputation. Staying vigilant and knowing your neighbors remains the most effective defense in this quiet county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Shasta County

via HealthByCounty

Shasta faces mortality challenge

Shasta County residents live to 74.3 years, nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years, marking the lowest life expectancy in this county comparison. With 16.1% reporting poor or fair health, the county shows patterns of health vulnerability.

Significant gap from state average

Shasta's 74.3-year life expectancy trails California's 78.5 average by 4.2 years, among the widest gaps in the state. The county's 7.5% uninsured rate slightly exceeds California's 7.2%, adding pressure to already stressed health outcomes.

Healthiest of northern rural counties

Compared to Siskiyou County (73.1 years), Shasta performs slightly better on life expectancy. However, both northern counties significantly underperform coastal and Bay Area peers, indicating regional health disparities tied to rural access and economic factors.

Limited primary care capacity

Shasta supports only 78 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below levels in wealthier counties—while 7.5% of residents remain uninsured. With 539 mental health providers per 100K, behavioral health services exist, yet overall healthcare capacity strains in this rural county.

Coverage is your first step

In Shasta County, securing health insurance is critical to accessing limited local providers and managing travel to specialty care. Head to coveredca.com to enroll or re-enroll, and check for emergency Medi-Cal eligibility if you're uninsured and in need of immediate care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shasta County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Infrastructure Across the North State

Shasta County supports 26,428 students across 94 public schools and 39 districts. The network features 49 elementary schools and 26 high schools, providing broad coverage for the region's spread-out population. Charter schools are a prominent choice here, making up 17% of all available public schools.

Steady Results Near National Benchmarks

The county's graduation rate of 87.1% aligns almost perfectly with the national average and closely tracks the California state average. Spending per pupil is $8,378, which is slightly below the state's typical $8,762 allocation. The composite school score of 55.0 indicates a performance level consistent with much of the state.

Key Districts Serving Redding and Beyond

Enterprise Elementary and Redding Elementary are the largest districts by student count, together serving over 6,400 students. Shasta Union High manages the largest individual campuses, including Foothill High with 1,398 students and Shasta High with 1,333. The University Preparatory charter district also serves a significant 6-12 population of over 1,000 students.

Small-Town Feel with Urban Amenities

Schools in Shasta County are split almost evenly between city and rural locales, reflecting the balance of Redding's urban core and the surrounding wilderness. The average school size is relatively small at 300 students, allowing for more personalized attention than in many coastal counties. This rural-urban mix defines the educational experience for Shasta families.

Finding Your Place in Shasta Schools

For families looking for a Northern California lifestyle, Shasta County offers reliable graduation rates and a high number of charter school options. Homes within the Enterprise and Redding districts provide access to the area's largest educational networks. Choosing a home near top high schools like Foothill or Shasta ensures proximity to the region's best academic resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shasta County

via RiskByCounty

Shasta faces moderate to high disaster risk

Shasta County scores 93.38 on composite risk, placing it above the national average with a 'Relatively Moderate' rating. The county's risk is concentrated in wildfire and flood hazards, rather than the seismic threats dominating coastal California.

Above average for California overall

Shasta's 93.38 score exceeds California's average of 88.72, reflecting significant exposure to fire and flood. However, the county ranks lower than most coastal counties due to moderate earthquake risk relative to the state's seismically active regions.

Slightly riskier than northern peers

Shasta (93.38) faces higher overall risk than Siskiyou County (89.03) but lower risk than more seismically active regions to the south. The county's wildfire risk (99.49) is among the state's highest, reflecting its position in California's fire-prone north.

Wildfire and flood are primary threats

Shasta's wildfire risk reaches 99.49—among California's highest—while flood risk scores 94.85, affecting both forest and valley communities. Earthquake risk (96.53) is moderate but significant, particularly near active fault zones in the county's eastern areas.

Wildfire and flood insurance top priority

Shasta residents should secure wildfire insurance immediately, given the county's 99.49 risk score and history of large fires. Flood insurance is equally important, particularly for properties near the Sacramento River, creeks, or designated flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shasta County

via WeatherByCounty

A Northern County of High Extremes

Shasta's 56.0°F annual average is close to the national median, but the figure masks significant seasonal volatility. The county experiences much harsher swings than California's coastal regions.

Cooler and Wetter Than the State Average

Shasta is cooler than the 58.7°F California average. However, it receives a massive 45.6 inches of annual precipitation, nearly double the state's 25.8-inch average.

Wetter and Hotter Than Northern Neighbors

Shasta is much wetter than Siskiyou to the north, which receives only 22.8 inches. It also faces 70 days of extreme heat, far more than most coastal California counties.

Intense Summer Heat and Snowy Winters

The county faces a staggering 70 days over 90°F, yet also records 13.2 inches of annual snowfall. July averages reach a hot 75.1°F, while winter averages drop to 41.4°F.

Dual-Season Home and Vehicle Prep

Robust HVAC systems are mandatory to handle the 70 days of high heat and freezing winter lows. Homeowners must also prepare for heavy rainfall and occasional snow removal.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shasta County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Soil at the Edge of the Cascades

Shasta County currently lacks specific data for its soil pH and taxonomic order in this survey. While the state average pH is 6.34, the volcanic history of the region likely creates complex soil signatures. Local testing is the best way to determine if your soil is more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Rocky and Variable Compositions

There is no data available for sand, silt, and clay percentages in this county's profile. Given the mountainous terrain, residents may encounter everything from gravelly volcanic soils to silty valley floors. Digging a small test pit can help you identify the texture and drainage capacity of your land.

Building Fertility in Northern California

Specific organic matter and water capacity values for Shasta are not provided in this dataset. To optimize your garden, aim for the state's 3.30% organic matter benchmark through consistent mulching and composting. Improving your soil health will help you reach the California average water capacity of 0.141 inches per inch.

Managing Water in Mountain Terrain

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this region remain unspecified. Because Shasta features dramatic changes in elevation, water runoff and soil erosion are major considerations for any land use. Proper terracing or drainage channels can help protect your soil during heavy northern storms.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 9a

Shasta County is located in Hardiness Zone 9a, which supports a wide array of hardy vegetables and fruit trees. This zone experiences occasional frost, making it perfect for apples, pears, and cold-hardy greens. Embrace the local climate by planting a diverse orchard or a robust winter garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shasta County

via LawnByCounty

Abundant water but high heat

Shasta County scores a 72.5 for lawn difficulty, making it one of the easier regions to manage despite its intense summers. It ranks significantly better than the national median of 50.0 thanks to impressive rainfall totals. As a resident of Zone 9a, you enjoy a more favorable growing environment than the average Californian.

Navigating 70 days of heat

The county receives a robust 45.6 inches of precipitation, which is nearly perfect for lawn health. However, you must manage 70 extreme heat days per year, which is far higher than the state average of 59. This combination means you have the water you need, but the sun works hard to evaporate it quickly.

Nourishing your northern soil

Specific soil data is limited, but the high 45.6 inches of rainfall can sometimes lead to acidic conditions that require lime applications. You should aim for a pH balance between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure your lawn can withstand the 70 days of extreme heat. Focus on organic amendments to help your soil hold onto that plentiful northern rain.

Plenty of rain for now

Shasta County has recorded 0 weeks of drought in the past year, keeping the region at 0.0% abnormally dry levels. Because you face 70 days over 90°F, you should still practice water conservation to prepare for future cycles. Watering in the early morning is essential here to prevent evaporation and fungal growth during the hot afternoons.

Plan around the summer peak

In Zone 9a, heat-tolerant Tall Fescue or Hybrid Bermuda are excellent choices to survive the 70 extreme heat days. Your last spring frost on April 23 marks the start of the heavy growing season, while the November 21 fall frost signals the end. Early spring is the best time to seed, ensuring your grass is established before the July heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shasta County's county score?
Shasta County, California has a composite county score of 52.3 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 Shasta County rank among counties in California?
Shasta County ranks #2 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 Shasta County, California?
The median annual property tax in Shasta County is $2,442, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Shasta County a tax score of 63/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shasta County?
The median household income in Shasta County, California is $71,931 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shasta County earns an income score of 71.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shasta County, California a good place to live?
Shasta County scores 52.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in California. The best way to evaluate Shasta 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 Shasta County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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