countyscore
36.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.3Health 78.4Property Tax 58

County Report Card

About Solano County, California

Solano trails the national livability median

Solano's composite score of 36.4 falls well below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 18th percentile nationally. Strong incomes fail to offset severe safety concerns and housing affordability challenges.

Below California's state average

At 36.4, Solano underperforms California's state average of 40.9, ranking among the state's weaker performers despite its Bay Area proximity. The county's challenges are significant despite some economic strengths.

Solid incomes and health services

Solano scores 95.3 for income with a median household income of $99,994, and 78.4 for health, reflecting good access to Bay Area employment and medical resources. Tax burden scores of 58.0 provide modest relief.

Safety crisis and severe housing unaffordability

Solano's safety score of just 6.1 is among California's worst, reflecting serious crime or violence concerns. Housing affordability is also grim with a cost score of 1.3, median home values of $589,600, and rents of $2,088/month—expensive for the income and safety trade.

For commuters accepting elevated safety risk

Solano serves as a commute corridor for Bay Area workers seeking slightly lower housing costs than core tech hubs, but only those willing to navigate significant personal safety challenges. Families or safety-conscious individuals should prioritize other Bay Area or inland options.

Score breakdown

Tax58Cost1.3Safety6.1Health78.4Schools44.2Income95.3Risk3Water49.9Weather46.8
🏛58
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠1.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼95.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.1
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

Contra Costa County
California
40.1
Napa County
California
43.6
Sacramento County
California
38.3
Yolo County
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Alameda County
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San Francisco County
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Marin County
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San Joaquin County
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Deep Dives

Solano County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Solano County

via TaxByCounty

Solano taxes 64% above national median

Solano County residents pay a median of $4,408 in property taxes—64% higher than the national median of $2,690. At an effective rate of 0.748%, Solano stands above California's state average of 0.714%, reflecting a growing county with homes valued near $590,000.

Above-average rate, moderate taxes

Solano County's 0.748% effective rate ranks above California's 0.714% state average, placing it in the upper half of counties. At $4,408 median annual taxes, residents pay slightly above the state average of $4,045.

Between Sacramento Valley and Bay Area

Solano County homeowners pay $4,408 annually on median homes worth $589,600—more than rural northern counties but far less than Bay Area titans. The county's 0.748% rate exceeds Santa Barbara (0.662%) and matches pressure from nearby rapidly-growing areas.

A $590K home costs $4,408 yearly

The typical Solano County homeowner pays $4,408 in annual property taxes on a median home valued at $589,600. With mortgage-related assessments factored in, residents typically see totals near $4,789.

Growing counties often have assessment lags

Solano County's rapid growth can create gaps between assessed and actual market values—sometimes overvaluing, sometimes undervaluing properties. Filing a property tax appeal costs nothing and could adjust your bill to match current conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Solano County

via CostByCounty

Solano stretches budgets in the Bay Area

Solano County renters spend 25.1% of their income on housing—2.7 points above California's average—despite median income of $99,994. At $2,088 for monthly rent, Solano offers Bay Area proximity at somewhat lower costs than its coastal neighbors.

Above-average burden in the Bay Area

Solano ranks among California's less affordable counties with a 25.1% rent-to-income ratio and median home values of $589,600. The county sits between affordable inland regions and pricey coastal counties, acting as a buffer zone for Bay Area commuters.

The commuter's compromise

Solano renters pay $2,088 monthly—nearly identical to Santa Barbara ($2,050) but $805 less than San Mateo—while homes cost $146,100 less. For workers priced out of core Bay Area counties, Solano offers reasonable access with a 45-minute commute to job centers.

Solano household economics

A household earning $99,994 dedicates $2,088 to rent (25.1% of income) or $2,202 for ownership. This relatively high housing cost ratio leaves limited flexibility for savings, childcare, or emergency funds—typical of Bay Area satellite counties.

Solano County: the Bay Area gateway

If you need Bay Area jobs but can't afford core counties, Solano offers $141K-$800K cheaper homes with reasonable commutes to Sacramento and San Francisco. You'll trade urban amenities for suburban sprawl and still dedicate one-quarter of income to housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Solano County

via IncomeByCounty

Solano earns solidly above U.S. average

Solano County's median household income of $99,994 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 34%, positioning it among America's higher-earning counties. Per capita income of $44,139 runs well above national norms. The county's proximity to Bay Area economic centers drives strong wages.

Upper-middle tier in California

Solano's $99,994 median household income runs 15% above California's state average of $87,001, placing it in the state's upper-middle tier of counties. Per capita income of $44,139 also exceeds the state average of $43,669 by 1%. The county captures Bay Area wealth spillover.

Outearns inland, trails Bay Area

Solano ($99,994) substantially outearns rural counties like Shasta ($71,931) and Sierra ($60,000), but trails coastal powerhouses Santa Clara ($159,674) and San Mateo ($156,000). Santa Cruz County ($109,266) edges Solano slightly higher. The county occupies a transitional income zone between rural and tech-hub regions.

Housing costs press affordability limits

Solano residents spend 25.1% of their $99,994 income on rent, with median home values of $589,600 pushing toward affordability constraints. The ratio approaches the 30% threshold where housing becomes unaffordable. Households need careful budgeting to preserve wealth-building capacity.

Leverage transitional income position

With $100,000 household income and manageable housing ratios, Solano residents can comfortably fund retirement accounts and supplemental investments. Consider real estate strategies in nearby affordable counties or diversified stock portfolios to accelerate wealth growth. The county's income level provides a solid springboard for long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Solano County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Trends Exceed National Average

Solano County’s total crime rate of 3,226.6 per 100K is roughly 35% higher than the national average. This results in a safety score of 94.9, the lowest in this regional group.

Below the State Safety Average

With a safety score of 94.9, Solano trails the California state average of 96.3. The county faces higher pressure from both property and violent crimes compared to its coastal neighbors.

Comparing the I-80 Corridor

Solano sees more crime per capita than adjacent Napa or Sonoma counties. Its property crime rate of 2,671.2 reflects the challenges of being a high-traffic urban corridor.

Both Crime Categories See Increases

Property crime (2,671.2) and violent crime (555.4) rates in Solano both exceed national averages. These numbers indicate a higher frequency of theft and physical confrontations than the state norm.

Prioritizing Comprehensive Home Safety

High local crime rates make monitored alarm systems a necessity for Solano residents. Professional monitoring can provide a critical layer of defense and faster emergency response times.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Solano County

via HealthByCounty

Solano slightly above national average

Solano County residents live to 78.8 years, edging slightly above the U.S. average of 78.3 years. However, 17.7% report poor or fair health, above the national 18% rate, signaling health vulnerabilities despite comparable longevity.

At state average on longevity

Solano's 78.8-year life expectancy nearly matches California's 78.5 average, ranking it in the middle of this county comparison. The county's 5.6% uninsured rate sits notably below the state average of 7.2%, indicating solid coverage access.

Moderate health standing regionally

Solano's 78.8-year life expectancy trails Bay Area counties like San Mateo (84.1) and Santa Clara (83.8) but exceeds rural northern counties. At 17.7% poor/fair health and 5.6% uninsured, Solano ranks mid-tier among this diverse eight-county group.

Balanced primary and mental health access

Solano supports 84 primary care providers and 464 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, providing moderate-to-good capacity. With 5.6% uninsured, most residents hold coverage, though those without face barriers in an industrial-suburban county with mixed economic conditions.

Build your healthcare foundation

Solano County's 5.6% uninsured rate is an improvement over state average, but that means thousands remain without coverage. Visit coveredca.com to enroll or update your plan, particularly if you work in fluctuating industries where coverage gaps can emerge.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Solano County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Systems in the North Bay

Solano County supports a significant population of 61,060 students across 109 public schools and 15 districts. The infrastructure is primarily built around 61 elementary and 28 high schools, catering to the region's expanding family population. Charter schools are an available option, representing 11% of the total school count.

Efficient Delivery and Stable Outcomes

The county's 87.1% graduation rate is nearly identical to the national average of 87.0%. Solano achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,541, which is notably lower than the California state average of $8,762. The composite school score of 53.2 indicates steady performance across its many suburban districts.

Fairfield, Vacaville, and Vallejo Lead

Fairfield-Suisun Unified is the largest district with 20,519 students across 31 schools, followed by Vacaville Unified with 12,574. Individual high schools are quite large; Angelo Rodriguez High leads with 2,081 students, while Vacaville High serves 1,994. These districts form the core of the county's educational identity.

Suburban Living with Robust High Schools

With 68 schools located in suburban areas, the county offers a classic residential learning environment. The average school size is 582 students, but major high schools frequently host over 1,600 students, offering a broad range of extracurriculars. This suburban focus makes it a popular choice for families moving from more congested urban cores.

Explore Homes Near Fairfield and Vacaville Schools

Solano County offers a balance of suburban comfort and dependable school performance, making it a target for Bay Area commuters. Focusing on the Fairfield-Suisun or Vacaville Unified districts can provide families with access to some of the region's largest and most established high schools. Buying a home here offers a blend of relative affordability and consistent educational quality.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Solano County

via RiskByCounty

Solano ranks among highest-risk counties

Solano County's composite risk score of 97.01 places it well above the national average with a 'Relatively High' rating. The county faces significant multi-hazard exposure across earthquakes, floods, and wildfires affecting both urban and rural areas.

Among California's top 10 riskiest counties

Solano's 97.01 score substantially exceeds California's average of 88.72, reflecting the county's position at the intersection of multiple seismic zones. The Bay Area-Central Valley interface creates compounded risk from both tectonic and climatic hazards.

Similar risk to other Bay Area counties

Solano (97.01) faces comparable overall risk to Santa Clara (99.75) and San Mateo (99.24), though slightly lower threat from earthquakes. The three-county region represents the state's most hazard-vulnerable urban corridor.

Earthquakes and floods top the list

Solano's earthquake risk scores 98.95 while flood risk reaches 97.36, threatening both urban centers and agricultural valleys. Wildfire risk (94.50) is also substantial, particularly affecting foothill communities and open spaces in the county's northern and eastern areas.

Earthquake and flood insurance critical

Solano residents must secure earthquake insurance, as standard policies exclude seismic damage in this 98.95-risk county. Flood insurance is equally essential, particularly for properties in low-lying areas near the Sacramento River and Delta waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Solano County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Inland-Influenced Climate

Solano's average annual temperature of 62.6°F is significantly higher than the national median. This reflects its position where coastal air meets the heat of the Central Valley.

One of California's Warmer Counties

Solano is nearly 4 degrees warmer than the California state average of 58.7°F. Its precipitation of 25.0 inches almost perfectly aligns with the state's 25.8-inch norm.

Much Hotter Than Coastal Neighbors

Solano faces 88 days of extreme heat, a massive jump from San Mateo’s 14 days. It experiences a July average of 77.0°F, which is much hotter than the nearby Bay Area coast.

Extreme Heat and Snow-Free Winters

The county endures nearly three months of days over 90°F, though winters remain a mild 49.4°F. Snow is non-existent, and summer averages reach a high 75.4°F.

Maximize Cooling and Early Outdoor Plans

High-capacity air conditioning is a necessity to manage the 88 extreme heat days. Plan outdoor activities for the early morning to avoid the intense afternoon inland heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Solano County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Soils of the Delta Fringe

Solano County earns a soil score of 51.3, placing it slightly above the state average of 48.6. Its average pH is 6.12, making it more acidic than the state average of 6.34 and the national median of 6.5. This mild acidity is generally favorable for a wide variety of California native plants and crops.

A Substantial and Heavy Texture

The soil composition is 27.7% clay, 35.1% silt, and 30.3% sand. This relatively high clay content provides excellent nutrient retention but can make the soil heavy and harder to work when wet. Gardeners will find that this mix holds onto water longer than the sandier soils of the coast.

Meeting State Fertility Standards

Solano's organic matter sits at 3.28%, which is almost identical to the state average of 3.30%. The available water capacity is 0.139 inches per inch, nearly matching the state benchmark of 0.141. These figures indicate a reliable soil that, with moderate care, provides a stable environment for growth.

Slow Drainage and High Runoff

Falling into Hydrologic Group D, Solano soils have a very slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wetted. This high clay content means water may pool on the surface during intense rains. If you are building or farming, ensuring proper drainage is essential to prevent soil compaction and root rot.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 9b

Hardiness Zone 9b makes Solano County a prime location for stone fruits like apricots and plums. The warm, dry summers and mild winters are also perfect for Mediterranean herbs and hardy vegetables. Start your garden now to enjoy the high productivity of these well-balanced delta-region soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Solano County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting the California average

Solano County's lawn difficulty score of 51.1 sits almost exactly on the state average of 51.3. Located in Zone 9b, you have a long growing season but must contend with significant summer heat. While you are slightly above the national median of 50.0, the high heat days make this a high-effort region for grass.

Bracing for extreme heat

Solano experiences a massive 88 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average of 59. This heat, combined with 25.0 inches of annual precipitation, creates a thirsty environment for any lawn. With a high growing degree day count of 4,854, your grass will grow rapidly and require frequent mowing.

Managing heavy clay soils

Your soil is 27.7% clay, which holds onto water but can become compacted and hard during the 88 days of extreme heat. The pH is nearly perfect at 6.12, meaning your soil chemistry is ideal for nutrient absorption if you keep it aerated. Adding sand or organic matter can help improve the 30.3% sand content to better balance drainage.

Preparing for the next dry cycle

While there have been 0 weeks of drought in the past year, the 88 extreme heat days can create 'flash drought' conditions in your backyard. To protect your lawn, water deeply in the pre-dawn hours to ensure the 25.0 inches of rain isn't lost to evaporation. Creating a 3-inch tall grass canopy will help shade the soil and protect it from the baking sun.

The best time to plant

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the most resilient choices for Solano’s 88 extreme heat days. Your last spring frost on February 4 gives you a very early start, while the December 11 fall frost provides a long autumn for repair. Seed your lawn in late spring so it is fully established before the punishing July and August heat begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Solano County's county score?
Solano County, California has a composite county score of 36.4 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 Solano County rank among counties in California?
Solano County ranks #47 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 Solano County, California?
The median annual property tax in Solano County is $4,408, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Solano County a tax score of 58/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Solano County?
The median household income in Solano County, California is $99,994 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Solano County earns an income score of 95.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Solano County, California a good place to live?
Solano County scores 36.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in California. The best way to evaluate Solano 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 Solano 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.