countyscore
37.9
County Score
Property Tax 67.5Lawn Care 53.5Schools 47.2

County Report Card

About Siskiyou County, California

Siskiyou lags the national livability median

Siskiyou's composite score of 37.9 falls notably below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 20th percentile. This remote northern county struggles with income and health outcomes despite affordable housing.

Below California's state average

Siskiyou's 37.9 score trails California's state average of 40.9, ranking it among the state's lowest-performing counties overall. Economic and health challenges define the livability profile.

Exceptional affordability is the bright spot

Siskiyou's cost score of 35.0 is among California's best, with median home values of $284,500 and rents of just $1,043/month. Tax burden scores of 67.5 provide modest relief on state taxes.

Low incomes, weak health systems, safety concerns

Income scores of 26.5 reflect median household income of only $55,499—among California's lowest—while health scores of 46.4 suggest limited medical infrastructure. Safety scores of 14.7 and water/risk scores of 11.0 compound these challenges.

For retirees or remote workers on fixed income

Siskiyou suits retirees living on fixed income or remote workers with low salary requirements seeking maximum affordability in a rural setting. Those dependent on quality healthcare, higher income opportunities, or personal safety should avoid this region.

Score breakdown

Tax67.5Cost35Safety14.7Health46.4Schools47.2Income26.5Risk11Water27.9Weather38.7
🏛67.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.5
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

Trinity County
California
48.3
Del Norte County
California
39.9
Jackson County
Oregon
31.5
Shasta County
California
52.3
Josephine County
Oregon
35.7
Humboldt County
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40
Curry County
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41.9
Klamath County
Oregon
36.7

Deep Dives

Siskiyou County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Siskiyou County

via TaxByCounty

Siskiyou taxes well below national median

Siskiyou County residents pay just $1,880 in median property taxes—significantly below the national median of $2,690. At an effective rate of 0.661%, the county sits below California's state average of 0.714%, and home values of $284,500 make it one of California's most affordable counties.

Lowest absolute taxes in sample

Siskiyou County residents pay the lowest median property taxes in this sample at just $1,880 annually. The county's 0.661% effective rate sits comfortably below California's 0.714% state average.

Cheapest county in the north

Siskiyou homeowners pay just $1,880 annually on homes worth $284,500—the lowest absolute tax burden among neighboring northern counties. Both Shasta ($2,442) and Sierra ($2,590) charge significantly more, while Siskiyou's rate of 0.661% beats or matches both.

A $285K home costs $1,880 yearly

The typical Siskiyou County homeowner pays $1,880 in annual property taxes on a median home valued at $284,500. With mortgage-related adjustments, the total reaches approximately $2,253.

Even modest savings matter in rural areas

Though Siskiyou's tax bills are the lowest in this region, overassessments still occur and appeal filings cost nothing. Even recovering a few hundred dollars annually from an overstated assessed value makes a real difference for Siskiyou residents.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Siskiyou County

via CostByCounty

Far north California's greatest bargain

Siskiyou County renters spend just 22.6% of income on housing while earning only $55,499 annually—the lowest income in this group. Monthly rents of $1,043 are the cheapest here, reflecting a genuinely low-cost region where working families can afford housing.

California's most affordable county

Siskiyou ranks as California's most affordable county, with median rents 36% below state average ($1,043 vs. $1,618) and homes under $285,000. The favorable 22.6% rent-to-income ratio masks the reality: incomes here are simply the lowest in the state.

Cheapest rents in the north state

Siskiyou renters pay $1,043 monthly—the lowest of any county analyzed—compared to $1,181 in Sierra County and $1,267 in Shasta. Home prices follow suit at $284,500, making this the true bargain basement of California real estate.

Living on $55K in Siskiyou

The typical household earning $55,499 spends $1,043 on rent (22.6% of income) or $866 for ownership. This leaves roughly $3,600/month for all other living expenses—food, healthcare, utilities, transportation—a tight budget even by rural standards.

Siskiyou: cheapest but smallest opportunities

If you're seeking California's lowest housing costs, Siskiyou delivers—rent under $1,050 and homes under $285K. Be realistic: the low costs reflect limited job markets, extreme isolation, and harsh winters; this county suits retirees and remote workers, not those seeking career growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Siskiyou County

via IncomeByCounty

Siskiyou significantly underperforms nationally

Siskiyou County's median household income of $55,499 falls 26% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, marking it among America's lowest-earning counties. Per capita income of $34,074 ranks in the nation's bottom tier. This far northern county faces fundamental economic challenges.

California's income basement

Siskiyou's $55,499 median household income runs 36% below California's state average of $87,001, ranking it in the state's lowest-income quartile. Per capita income of $34,074 lags the state average by 22%. The county struggles with economic opportunity and wage generation.

Poorest county in northern cluster

Siskiyou ($55,499) underearns Sierra County ($60,000) and Shasta County ($71,931), making it the lowest-income county among its northern neighbors. The income gap exceeds $16,000 per household compared to Shasta. This remote region concentrates California's most economically challenged communities.

Affordable housing, tight budgets

Siskiyou residents allocate 22.6% of their $55,499 income to rent, with median home values of $284,500 remaining relatively affordable on these earnings. However, the absolute income of $55,499 leaves limited surplus after essential expenses. Households here operate with constrained financial flexibility.

Start small, stay consistent

With $55,499 household income, Siskiyou residents must prioritize building emergency savings before investing, aiming for 3-6 months of expenses. Contribute systematically to employer retirement programs and explore low-cost investment accounts as surplus emerges. Even modest, consistent saving habits compound into meaningful wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Siskiyou County

via CrimeByCounty

Siskiyou Meets National Standards

Siskiyou County’s total crime rate of 2,413.3 per 100K sits just above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 96.2.

Consistent with State Safety

The county matches the California state average safety score of 96.3 almost perfectly at 96.2. Its public safety profile is standard for a rural northern county with several small municipalities.

Regional Safety in the North

Siskiyou faces higher violent crime rates than neighbors like Shasta, though property crime remains moderate. The county's vast geography creates a unique safety landscape compared to its southern peers.

High Violent Crime, Lower Theft

The violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100K is nearly double the national average of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate of 1,686.8 is lower than both state and national figures.

Reinforcing Your Home Entryways

With violent crime rates higher than the national average, strengthening entry points is a smart move. Motion-activated lighting and sturdy locks provide essential protection for Siskiyou homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Siskiyou County

via HealthByCounty

Siskiyou mortality crisis deepens

Siskiyou County residents live to 73.1 years, nearly 5.2 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years—the lowest in this entire comparison. With 18.8% reporting poor or fair health, the highest rate in this dataset, Siskiyou faces a severe population health crisis.

Worst health outcomes in state

Siskiyou's 73.1-year life expectancy trails California's 78.5 average by 5.4 years, indicating acute health challenges. The county's 8.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.2%, compounding access barriers for vulnerable residents.

Significant disparity vs. all peers

Siskiyou's 73.1-year life expectancy ranks worst among all eight counties analyzed, trailing even Shasta (74.3) by 1.2 years. The 18.8% poor/fair health rate and 8.2% uninsured rate suggest Siskiyou faces systemic economic and health infrastructure challenges.

Healthcare access crisis evident

Siskiyou supports only 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest rate in this comparison—while 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The county's 550 mental health providers per 100K cannot fully compensate for physical healthcare scarcity and deep economic hardship.

Coverage saves lives here

In Siskiyou County, where health outcomes lag statewide, securing insurance is literally life-saving. If you're uninsured, visit coveredca.com immediately or call 1-800-300-1506 for assistance; emergency Medi-Cal may cover you if income-eligible regardless of immigration status.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Siskiyou County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast Rural Networks and Many Districts

Siskiyou County manages 49 public schools for 6,103 students, spread across a high number of 30 districts. This infrastructure includes 25 elementary and 17 high schools, designed to serve a large geographic area. The system is primarily traditional, with only 2 charter schools currently in operation.

Graduation Rates Facing Rural Challenges

The graduation rate stands at 84.7%, slightly below the state and national averages of approximately 87%. The county spends $8,461 per pupil, which is just below the California state average of $8,762. Despite these hurdles, the county maintains a school score of 53.9, reflecting a solid baseline for rural education.

Spotlight on Yreka and Scott Valley

Yreka Union High and Yreka Union Elementary anchor the county seat's education, with the high school serving 669 students. Scott Valley Unified is the largest overall district by school count, managing 6 campuses. The Golden Eagle Charter school provides a notable alternative, serving 431 students across grades KG-12.

Mountain Town and Rural Classrooms

Education in Siskiyou is a mix of town settings and deep rural locales, with 35 of the 49 schools classified as rural. Average school size is small at just 145 students, fostering close community ties. The largest campus, Yreka High, still maintains a manageable feel compared to the massive schools found in Southern California.

Home Ownership in a Tight-Knit School Community

For those who value small class sizes and a rural lifestyle, Siskiyou County provides a supportive educational environment. Families typically focus on homes near Yreka or in the Scott Valley area to take advantage of the county's most established school clusters. Proximity to these local hubs is a key factor for any homebuyer in the North State.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Siskiyou County

via RiskByCounty

Siskiyou faces moderate disaster risk

Siskiyou County scores 89.03 on composite risk, earning a 'Relatively Moderate' rating and hovering just above the national average. The county's risk profile reflects significant wildfire exposure combined with moderate flood and earthquake hazards.

Slightly above California's average risk

Siskiyou's 89.03 score marginally exceeds California's 88.72 average, positioning it near the state median. The county's northern location and mixed landscape create a more balanced hazard profile than coastal counties to the south.

Safer than most northern California peers

Siskiyou (89.03) faces lower overall risk than Shasta County (93.38) but significantly higher risk than nearby Sierra County (31.52). The county's position in the state's fire-prone north drives substantial wildfire exposure despite moderate overall vulnerability.

Wildfire dominates Siskiyou's hazard profile

Siskiyou's wildfire risk reaches 98.60—among California's highest—reflecting extensive forest lands and seasonal fire season severity. Flood risk (90.94) and earthquake risk (88.20) are moderate but significant, with flooding particularly affecting valley floor communities.

Wildfire and flood coverage recommended

Siskiyou residents should prioritize wildfire insurance, given the 98.60 risk score and the county's fire-prone geography. Flood insurance is also recommended for properties near the Klamath River and other flood-prone waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Siskiyou County

via WeatherByCounty

California's Rugged Northern Frontier

Siskiyou averages 51.5°F, making it significantly cooler than the national median. This reflects its high-latitude position near the Oregon border.

Deep Below the State Temperature Average

The county is 7.2 degrees cooler than the California state average of 58.7°F. It represents the colder, more mountainous side of the Golden State's climate.

Drier and Colder Than Its Neighbors

Siskiyou receives 22.8 inches of rain, which is less than half the amount Shasta receives. However, it still records 16.4 inches of snow, identifying it as a true alpine environment.

Freezing Winters and Intense Heat Days

Winters are harsh for California, averaging just 36.5°F with significant snow. Paradoxically, the county also sees 48 days of extreme heat with a July average of 71.2°F.

Winter Wood Stoves and Summer Cooling

Heating systems must be robust to handle the 36.5°F winter average and 16.4 inches of snow. Prepare for a true four-season cycle that includes nearly 50 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Siskiyou County

via SoilByCounty

Volcanic Soils of the Far North

Siskiyou County currently has no recorded data for its soil pH or taxonomic classification. Given the proximity to Mount Shasta, the soil identity is likely influenced by ancient volcanic activity. Residents should test their soil to see how it compares to the California average pH of 6.34.

Navigating Sand and Silt Mixes

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable for this county’s profile. In many parts of the region, volcanic ash can create unique textures that affect how water moves through the ground. A simple ribbon test can help you understand if your soil is dominated by sand or heavier clay.

Building Nutrient-Dense High Country Soil

Organic matter and available water capacity data are not specified for Siskiyou in this set. You can improve your garden's fertility by working toward the state average of 3.30% organic matter. This effort will also help your soil's ability to hold water, aiming for the state average of 0.141 inches per inch.

Regional Water Management Needs

This dataset does not provide a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Drainage can vary significantly from the high mountain slopes to the fertile valleys near the Klamath River. Proper irrigation planning is vital to keep your crops healthy in this diverse northern landscape.

Diverse Planting in Zone 8a

Siskiyou County sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, allowing for a wide variety of temperate fruits and vegetables. Garlic, potatoes, and hardy herbs like rosemary perform exceptionally well in this climate. Take advantage of the long summer days to start your northern California garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Siskiyou County

via LawnByCounty

Average conditions in the North

Siskiyou County holds a lawn difficulty score of 53.5, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. Living in Zone 8a, you face a more traditional four-season climate than coastal California. Your maintenance requirements are very close to the California state average of 51.3.

Dry air and cold nights

Annual precipitation is 22.8 inches, which is lower than the 30-50 inches preferred by most turfgrasses. You experience 48 extreme heat days, requiring careful irrigation management during the peak of summer. With 2,520 growing degree days, your grass has a slower, more deliberate growth cycle compared to the Central Valley.

Testing your northern terrain

County-specific soil data is unavailable, but the 22.8 inches of rain often means you'll need to monitor for alkalinity or mineral imbalances. Focus on building a deep soil base to protect roots from the 48 extreme heat days and the winter freezes of Zone 8a. Maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is the most effective way to keep your grass healthy and green.

A year of steady moisture

Siskiyou has seen 0 weeks of drought this past year, keeping local landscapes stable and hydrated. However, with only 22.8 inches of rain annually, you are never far from a dry spell. Focus on 'mowing high' to shade the soil and reduce evaporation during the 48 days when temperatures exceed 90°F.

Timing for the 8a zone

In Zone 8a, a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass often provides the best year-round look and durability. Your planting window is narrower than elsewhere, as the last frost is May 12 and the first frost arrives October 8. Aim to seed in late summer or early fall so the roots can establish before the October freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Siskiyou County's county score?
Siskiyou County, California has a composite county score of 37.9 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 Siskiyou County rank among counties in California?
Siskiyou County ranks #42 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 Siskiyou County, California?
The median annual property tax in Siskiyou County is $1,880, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Siskiyou County a tax score of 67.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Siskiyou County?
The median household income in Siskiyou County, California is $55,499 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Siskiyou County earns an income score of 26.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Siskiyou County, California a good place to live?
Siskiyou County scores 37.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in California. The best way to evaluate Siskiyou 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 Siskiyou 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.