countyscore
35.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 83.3Property Tax 58.5Health 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.

2040608010058.56.211.656.549.183.33.142.944.1Tax58.5Cost6.2Safety11.6Health56.5Schools49.1Income83.3Risk3.1Water42.9Weather44.135.1/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Stanislaus County DNA

Foverall

How Stanislaus County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Stanislaus County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (3.1/100), though Income (83.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
58.5
Cost
6.2-41.8
Safety
11.6-43.4
Health
56.5
Schools
49.1
Income
83.3+32.3
Risk
3.1-43.9
Water
42.9-15.100000000000001
Weather
44.1-11.899999999999999
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Compare mortgage rates in Stanislaus County

Whether buying or refinancing in Stanislaus County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$450,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,623/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$450,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$64,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,468/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Tulare County
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Nearby counties

San Joaquin County
California
32.9
Merced County
California
34.6
Santa Clara County
California
42.3
Calaveras County
California
42.3
Alameda County
California
40.1
Contra Costa County
California
39.8
Sacramento County
California
38.2
Santa Cruz County
California
41

Deep Dives

Stanislaus County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 35.1 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 #50 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 $3,216, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Stanislaus County a tax score of 58.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stanislaus County?
The median household income in Stanislaus County, California is $81,468 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stanislaus County earns an income score of 83.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stanislaus County, California a good place to live?
Stanislaus County scores 35.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.