countyscore
35.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 83.5Property Tax 62Health 56.5

County Report Card

About Stanislaus County, California

Stanislaus trails the national livability median

Stanislaus County's composite score of 35.6 falls well below the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 28th percentile nationally. The county faces systemic livability challenges across multiple dimensions, though some metrics show resilience.

Below California's county average

At 35.6, Stanislaus scores below California's state average of 40.9, placing it in the lower half of the state's livability rankings. The county's challenges are particularly pronounced in safety and health, areas where statewide support could make a meaningful difference.

Affordability and tax relief lead the way

Stanislaus offers strong housing affordability with a median home value of $426,600 and rent at $1,528 monthly, combined with a favorable tax score of 62.0. Median household income of $79,661 provides reasonable earning potential for Central Valley workers.

Safety and health demand urgent attention

Stanislaus struggles with a safety score of just 11.6, indicating significant crime concerns that affect quality of life. Health outcomes at 56.5 and school performance at 49.1 suggest the county needs investment in public health infrastructure and educational resources.

For budget-conscious families tolerating trade-offs

Stanislaus County suits cost-conscious families and workers seeking affordable housing in the Central Valley who can navigate safety challenges and limited health resources. This is not a first-choice destination for families prioritizing safety and health, but it works for those with limited budgets and family ties to the region.

Score breakdown

Tax62Cost6.3Safety11.6Health56.5Schools49.1Income83.5Risk3.1Water42.9Weather44.1
🏛62
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.5
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

San Joaquin County
California
33.1
Merced County
California
35.3
Santa Clara County
California
42.2
Calaveras County
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43
Alameda County
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Contra Costa County
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Sacramento County
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Santa Cruz County
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Deep Dives

Stanislaus County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stanislaus County

via TaxByCounty

Stanislaus taxes slightly below state average

Stanislaus County's effective tax rate of 0.709% sits just below California's state average of 0.714%, keeping the county near the middle of national rankings. The median property tax of $3,025 exceeds the national median of $2,690, though Stanislaus homes average $426,600—well below the national median of $281,900.

Below-average tax rate for California

Stanislaus ranks slightly below the state median with an effective rate of 0.709% compared to California's 0.714%. The county's median tax of $3,025 falls below the state median of $4,045, making it one of California's more affordable counties for property taxes.

Lower taxes than San Joaquin Valley rivals

Stanislaus's 0.709% effective rate edges out neighboring Tulare County (0.730%) and sits well below Sutter County (0.779%). Among Central Valley peers, only Tehama (0.632%) and Trinity (0.539%) offer meaningfully lower effective rates.

A $426,600 home costs $3,025 yearly

The typical Stanislaus homeowner with a $426,600 property pays approximately $3,025 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, that figure rises to $3,313.

Appeal your assessment if valuation seems high

Even in a relatively affordable county like Stanislaus, property tax assessments can be challenged if they overvalue your home. A successful appeal could reduce your annual tax burden by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stanislaus County

via CostByCounty

Stanislaus approaches national affordability

Stanislaus County residents spend 23.0% of income on rent, just slightly above the California average of 22.4% and well below the national housing cost burden. At $1,528 per month, median rent is only 6% below the state median, making Stanislaus more affordable than much of California.

Middle ground among California counties

Stanislaus ranks as one of California's more moderately priced counties, with a median home value of $426,600 that reflects Valley location and lower land costs. The county offers a sweet spot between rural affordability and urban job access.

Stanislaus undercuts Bay Area spillover

Rent in Stanislaus ($1,528) costs 27% less than in nearby Sonoma ($2,093), yet median household income ($79,661) remains competitive. This positioning makes Stanislaus increasingly attractive to Bay Area workers seeking housing savings without sacrificing regional employment options.

Stanislaus housing as percentage of income

A typical Stanislaus household earning $79,661 annually dedicates $18,336 to rent (23% of income) or $19,500 to mortgage payments. This leaves more breathing room than coastal counties for other essentials and savings.

Stanislaus works for remote workers

If you're relocating with a remote job or flexible employment, Stanislaus delivers California affordability without severe Bay Area price shock. The county sits just 90 minutes from Silicon Valley, making it ideal for those seeking lower housing costs while maintaining urban access.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stanislaus County

via IncomeByCounty

Stanislaus income hits national mark

Stanislaus County's median household income of $79,661 runs 6.5% above the national median of $74,755. The county's Central Valley economy supports solid middle-class earnings, though growth has plateaued compared to coastal California regions.

Below California's income baseline

At $79,661, Stanislaus falls roughly 8% short of California's median household income of $87,001. The per capita income of $33,653 trails the state average of $43,669, indicating income concentration and earnings inequality within the county.

Middling earnings in the Valley

Stanislaus ($79,661) earns more than Sutter ($75,450) and Tulare ($69,489) but trails Tuolumne ($72,259) and lags far behind Sonoma ($102,840). As a Central Valley anchor, the county occupies a middle tier of California's income distribution.

Rents eat into middle-class budgets

Stanislaus's 23.0% rent-to-income ratio is slightly below state norms, offering modest relief to renters earning $79,661 annually. Median home values of $426,600 remain affordable relative to income, making homeownership more achievable than in coastal counties.

Build assets on Central Valley wages

Stanislaus residents with median household income of $79,661 have room to fund emergency savings, retirement accounts, and real estate investments. The lower home values compared to state averages create an opportunity to build equity through homeownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stanislaus County

via CrimeByCounty

Stanislaus faces higher than average crime

Stanislaus County carries a safety score of 95.8, placing it below the state average of 96.3. The total crime rate of 2,636.8 per 100,000 residents exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

Public safety trends in the Central Valley

This county ranks in the lower half of California for safety, as its total crime rate is about 12% higher than the state average. Fourteen reporting agencies work to manage public safety in this bustling regional hub.

Regional comparisons for Stanislaus County

Stanislaus sees higher crime rates than the state average of 2,355.2 per 100,000. Its total crime profile reflects the unique challenges of a rapidly expanding metropolitan area in the valley.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crimes dominate the data at 2,104.1 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 532.7. Both categories currently rank higher than the national benchmarks recorded in 2022.

Proactive security for Stanislaus residents

Enhanced home visibility and neighborhood watch participation can significantly deter property-related incidents. Staying proactive with security cameras helps residents protect their property in this active region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stanislaus County

via HealthByCounty

Stanislaus faces serious health challenges

At 75.4 years, Stanislaus residents live about a year shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.6%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%.

Among California's lowest life expectancy

Stanislaus's 75.4-year life expectancy lags California's 78.5-year average by 3.1 years, placing the county among the state's lower performers. The 19.6% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the state trend.

Lagging behind surrounding counties

Stanislaus's 75.4-year life expectancy trails Sonoma (80.6 years) by over 5 years and Tuolumne (76.4 years) by a full year. The county has only 66 primary care providers per 100,000—less than the regional leaders—straining access to basic healthcare.

Provider shortages limit healthcare access

With a 7.1% uninsured rate just below the state average, Stanislaus still faces significant access barriers due to only 66 primary care providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health services are similarly stretched thin at 283 providers per 100,000, contributing to gaps in preventive and behavioral care.

Don't delay on health coverage

About 1 in 14 Stanislaus residents lack health insurance, and with limited provider capacity, having coverage is critical. Visit Covered California or contact your local county health department to find affordable insurance options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stanislaus County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educating the Heart of the Valley

Stanislaus County supports a massive student population of 106,771 across 189 public schools. The system is managed by 38 districts and features a diverse mix of 109 elementary schools and 40 high schools. This infrastructure is designed to serve a rapidly growing region with significant educational demands.

Steady Performance on a Lean Budget

With a graduation rate of 84.9%, the county sits just below the state average of 87.5%. Funding remains efficient at $8,694 per pupil, nearly matching the California average but staying well below the national $13,000 benchmark. The county’s 54.5 school score reflects a performance level consistent with neighboring Central Valley regions.

Modesto and Ceres Lead the Way

Modesto City Elementary is the largest district, overseeing 26 schools and 14,030 students, closely followed by Ceres Unified with 13,867 students. Charter schools also play a role in the local mix, representing 13.8% of the county's total school count. These large districts manage massive high schools, including Modesto High which serves over 2,500 students.

Suburban Focus with Large Campus Feel

Most students attend schools in suburban or city locales, which account for 135 of the county's 189 campuses. The average school size is 574 students, significantly larger than many coastal California counties. Large high schools like Turlock High and James C. Enochs High dominate the landscape with enrollments exceeding 2,400 students each.

Move Near Your Ideal School

Choosing a home in Stanislaus County often means balancing commute times with access to specific school districts. Families frequently prioritize neighborhoods within the Turlock Unified or Ceres Unified boundaries for their comprehensive programs. Start your home search now to find a property that aligns with your family’s academic goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stanislaus County

via RiskByCounty

Stanislaus carries above-average national risk

Stanislaus County's composite risk score of 96.88 places it well into the Relatively High category nationally. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple overlapping hazards across the county.

Third-highest risk in Central Valley

Stanislaus scores 96.88—well above California's 88.72 state average—ranking it among the state's top five riskiest counties. The county faces notably higher earthquake risk (98.54) than most of its peers.

Riskier than Merced, comparable to Tuolumne

Stanislaus's 96.88 score exceeds Merced County's risk profile but sits slightly below Tulare County's 97.04. All three Central Valley counties share elevated flood and earthquake vulnerabilities.

Earthquakes, floods, and wildfires converge

Earthquake risk (98.54), flood risk (95.96), and wildfire risk (95.04) all exceed state averages in Stanislaus. The county's agricultural base and aging infrastructure compound flood dangers in particular.

Bundle earthquake, flood, wildfire coverage

Your homeowners policy covers none of your three biggest hazards; you must buy earthquake and flood insurance separately. Wildfire-specific coverage varies by insurer—verify your policy includes wildland-urban interface protections.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stanislaus County

via WeatherByCounty

Significantly warmer than the U.S.

Stanislaus County’s 63.5°F average annual temperature is much higher than the national median. Its semi-arid climate delivers consistent heat that defines the Central Valley experience. This makes it one of the warmer agricultural hubs in the United States.

Warmer than the state average

The county’s 63.5°F average temperature exceeds the California state average of 58.7°F. It experiences more intense heat than the coastal regions to its west. This temperature profile places it among the state's hotter interior counties.

Drier than coastal counterparts

With only 12.3 inches of annual rain, Stanislaus is much drier than the state average of 25.8 inches. Nearby Sonoma receives triple this amount of moisture. The dry conditions necessitate heavy reliance on irrigation for local farming.

Intense summer heat peaks

The county endures 85 days per year over 90°F, concentrated during the 77.3°F summer average. Winters are cool but mild at 49.5°F, and snowfall is non-existent. The stark 31-degree swing between January and July highlights the seasonal range.

Plan for extreme summer cooling

A robust HVAC system is essential to handle the nearly three months of extreme heat. Residents should also prioritize drought-tolerant landscaping due to the low 12.3 inches of annual rain. Lightweight, breathable clothing is the standard for the long, hot summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stanislaus County

via SoilByCounty

Discovering the Central Valley's profile

Stanislaus County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in current regional records, making on-site testing essential for local growers. Most Central Valley soils aim for the national median pH of 6.5 to maximize nutrient availability. Understanding your specific plot's acidity is the first step toward a successful harvest.

Variable textures across the landscape

Local data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for this specific area. Texture can vary significantly from the sandy loams near the rivers to heavier clays on the valley floor. A simple jar test can help you identify your own soil's workability and drainage needs.

Fertility targets for local growers

While specific organic matter data is missing, the state average of 3.30% serves as a useful benchmark for Stanislaus farmers. Aiming to match or exceed the California available water capacity average of 0.141 in/in will ensure your crops survive the valley heat. Adding compost is a reliable way to boost these missing numbers.

Planning for valley water cycles

Hydrologic and drainage data is currently limited for this county, requiring careful observation of how your land handles irrigation. Effective drainage is critical in the Central Valley to prevent salt buildup and root rot. Watch how quickly puddles disappear after a storm to gauge your soil's natural permeability.

Plentiful sun in zone 9b

Stanislaus County sits in USDA zone 9b, offering a long growing season that supports everything from almonds to summer tomatoes. Even without detailed soil data, the warm climate provides a massive advantage for year-round production. Start small, test your soil, and enjoy the bounty of the valley.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stanislaus County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Central Valley Climate

With a lawn difficulty score of just 17.5, maintaining green space here is much tougher than the 51.3 state average. Zone 9b heat and low rainfall create a demanding environment for traditional turf.

Intense Heat and Minimal Rain

The county endures 85 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 59. Only 12.3 inches of rain falls each year, meaning heavy irrigation is necessary to supplement the 5215 growing degree days.

Prepare for Local Soil Needs

Specific soil data for this area is limited, so homeowners should perform a local test before planting. Focus on adding organic matter to improve moisture retention in this arid climate.

Navigating Chronic Water Stress

Stanislaus spent 32 weeks in drought over the past year, requiring careful water management. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy to help roots survive these dry spells.

Choose Heat-Hardy Grass Types

Drought-tolerant varieties like Hybrid Bermuda or Buffalo grass are essential for this zone. Plant after the January 31 frost to take full advantage of the exceptionally long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stanislaus County's county score?
Stanislaus County, California has a composite county score of 35.6 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 Stanislaus County rank among counties in California?
Stanislaus County ranks #48 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 Stanislaus County, California?
The median annual property tax in Stanislaus County is $3,025, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Stanislaus County a tax score of 62/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stanislaus County?
The median household income in Stanislaus County, California is $79,661 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stanislaus County earns an income score of 83.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stanislaus County, California a good place to live?
Stanislaus County scores 35.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in California. The best way to evaluate Stanislaus 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 Stanislaus 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.