countyscore
35
County Score
Income & Jobs 78Lawn Care 61.3Property Tax 55.1

County Report Card

About Sutter County, California

Sutter falls short of national livability standards

Sutter County's composite score of 35.0 ranks in the 27th percentile nationally, well below the 50.0 median. The county exhibits below-average livability across multiple critical dimensions, presenting substantial quality-of-life challenges for residents.

Among California's lower-ranked counties

With a score of 35.0 compared to California's 40.9 average, Sutter ranks in the bottom third of the state's counties. Neighboring Sacramento Valley communities offer somewhat stronger livability profiles, making regional comparisons stark.

Housing costs remain manageable for the region

Sutter County delivers housing affordability with a median home value of $399,400 and monthly rent at $1,364, among the state's more accessible options. The cost score of 9.7 reflects these savings relative to statewide housing burden.

Safety, health, and water quality lag significantly

Sutter's safety score of 16.5 indicates serious crime concerns, while health outcomes at 50.5 suggest limited access to quality medical services. Environmental challenges emerge in the risk score of 16.3 and water quality considerations, reflecting broader Sacramento Valley sustainability issues.

For those prioritizing low housing costs above all

Sutter County works best for retirees with fixed incomes and families who must minimize housing expenses despite accepting limited amenities and safety concerns. Younger families and those seeking robust health care and schools should explore stronger-scoring neighboring counties before committing to Sutter.

Score breakdown

Tax55.1Cost9.7Safety16.5Health50.5Schools43.3Income78Risk16.3Water47.2Weather48.6
🏛55.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡16.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨37.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.3
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

Yuba County
California
37.7
Yolo County
California
38
Colusa County
California
41.8
Placer County
California
46.5
Sacramento County
California
38.3
Butte County
California
39.3
Nevada County
California
45.2
Napa County
California
43.6

Deep Dives

Sutter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sutter County

via TaxByCounty

Sutter's tax rate tops California average

Sutter County residents pay an effective tax rate of 0.779%, notably above California's 0.714% average and well above national norms. The median property tax of $3,111 significantly exceeds the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value of $399,400.

Among California's highest tax rates

Sutter County ranks above the state average with an effective rate of 0.779%—one of the higher rates across California. Its median tax of $3,111 falls below the state median of $4,045 due to lower home values, but the effective rate remains significantly elevated.

Steepest effective rate in the region

Sutter's 0.779% effective tax rate substantially exceeds nearby Stanislaus (0.709%), Tehama (0.632%), and Trinity (0.539%). Only Sonoma (0.716%) and Ventura (0.693%) approach Sutter's burden, while Tulare (0.730%) comes close but still falls below.

A $399,400 home costs $3,111 yearly

The typical Sutter homeowner with a $399,400 property pays approximately $3,111 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate of 0.779%. Including mortgage assessments, the total rises to $3,323.

Sutter homeowners should review their assessments

With one of California's highest effective tax rates, Sutter residents have strong incentive to appeal potentially inflated property valuations. Even a modest reduction in assessed value can deliver meaningful savings given the county's elevated rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sutter County

via CostByCounty

Sutter offers below-average housing burden

Sutter County residents spend just 21.7% of income on rent, below both California's 22.4% average and the national norm. At $1,364 per month, median rent is 16% below the state median, positioning Sutter as one of California's more affordable rental markets.

Among California's most affordable counties

Sutter ranks in the lower-cost tier across California, with a median home value of just $399,400. This affordability reflects the county's rural-suburban character in the Sacramento Valley region.

Sutter undercuts neighboring Sonoma sharply

Renters in Sutter pay $1,364 monthly versus $2,093 in Sonoma County—a 35% savings—though Sutter's median income is also lower at $75,450. The trade-off is clear: Sutter offers rural affordability, while Sonoma delivers coast-access amenities and higher wages.

Sutter's modest housing costs

A Sutter household earning $75,450 annually spends approximately $16,416 on rent (21.7% of income) or $17,556 on mortgage payments. Housing takes up a smaller slice of income here, creating more room for other expenses and emergency savings.

Sutter appeals to budget-conscious families

If affordability is your priority, Sutter County delivers some of California's lowest housing costs without the rural isolation of mountain communities. Families or retirees on fixed incomes will find Sutter's $1,364 median rent and below-average housing burden genuinely livable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sutter County

via IncomeByCounty

Sutter matches national middle class

Sutter County's median household income of $75,450 slightly edges the national median of $74,755 by just under 1%. The county reflects typical American middle-class earnings, anchored by agriculture and healthcare sectors.

Sutter lags California's standard

At $75,450, Sutter County trails California's median household income of $87,001 by 13%. The per capita income of $34,330 also sits below the state average of $43,669, reflecting rural and agricultural economic patterns.

North State earning tiers

Sutter ($75,450) earns more than Tehama ($61,834) and Trinity ($53,498) but falls short of Sonoma ($102,840) and Stanislaus ($79,661). The county occupies the lower-middle position in its regional peer group.

Affordable housing, tight budgets

Sutter's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in California, easing housing cost burden for typical households. Median home values of $399,400 remain manageable relative to the $75,450 median income, supporting homeownership pathways.

Maximize modest income growth

With median household income at $75,450 and favorable housing ratios, Sutter residents can prioritize debt reduction and starter investment accounts. The county's affordability creates space to save for education and retirement without overextending household budgets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sutter County

via CrimeByCounty

Sutter County meets national safety benchmarks

Sutter County earns a safety score of 96.4, exceeding the state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,281.5 per 100,000 is lower than both the national and state averages.

Ranking well among California peers

Sutter ranks favorably among California counties, with its safety score just edging out the statewide benchmark. Local authorities report a total crime rate that remains roughly 3% lower than the state's typical figures.

Local safety in the Sacramento Valley

Sutter maintains a safer profile than several neighboring regions, though it remains close to the state average of 2,355.2. Four reporting agencies coordinate safety efforts across the county's agricultural and suburban zones.

Lower violent crime in Sutter

Violent crime is low at 378.4 per 100,000, while property crime makes up the bulk of reports at 1,903.1. These rates suggest a community where violent incidents are less frequent than in many California urban centers.

Simple steps for home protection

Maintaining well-lit exteriors is a proven way to reduce property crime risks in suburban neighborhoods. Residents can further enhance safety by joining local community alert networks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sutter County

via HealthByCounty

Sutter faces persistent health disparities

At 77.3 years, Sutter's life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years. However, nearly 1 in 4 residents (23%) report poor or fair health—far above the national average of 18%—signaling deeper health challenges.

High health burden across the county

Sutter's 77.3-year life expectancy falls below California's 78.5-year average, and the 23% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst. This suggests underlying health risks that extend beyond life expectancy alone.

Struggling compared to adjacent counties

Sutter's 77.3-year life expectancy lags Sonoma (80.6 years) significantly, though it exceeds Stanislaus (75.4 years). The county's 23% poor/fair health rate is the highest among regional peers, indicating serious population health challenges.

Provider access below regional standards

Sutter's 8.8% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.2%, and the county has only 76 primary care providers per 100,000—below regional averages. With 375 mental health providers per 100,000, behavioral care is more available than primary services, yet overall access remains constrained.

Closing the coverage gap matters here

Nearly 1 in 11 Sutter residents lack health insurance, above the state average. Reach out to Covered California or your county health department immediately to explore coverage options that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sutter County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Educational Network

Sutter County operates 44 public schools that serve 23,059 students across 20 distinct districts. The infrastructure consists of 22 elementary schools and 11 high schools, supplemented by several specialized learning centers. Despite its smaller size, the county maintains a complex organizational structure to support its diverse student body.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves a graduation rate of 86.4%, very close to the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure is lean at $7,699, which is more than $1,000 below the California state average. A school score of 53.1 indicates that the county is maintaining competitive results despite lower spending levels than its neighbors.

Charter Excellence in Yuba City

Yuba City Unified is the dominant district in the region, enrolling 11,677 students across 17 schools. Charter schools account for 15.9% of the total, with Feather River Charter and South Sutter Charter serving over 2,200 students each. These large-scale charter options provide families with flexible educational models outside of traditional classrooms.

Urban Hubs and Rural Outposts

Half of the county's schools are located within city centers, while 16 campuses serve rural populations. With an average school size of 549 students, campuses range from small rural elementary sites to large hubs like Yuba City High. The mix of city and rural locales ensures that students have access to education regardless of their distance from the urban core.

Settling Down in Sutter County

Proximity to the highly-rated schools of Yuba City Unified remains a top priority for local home buyers. Whether you are looking for a rural farmhouse or a suburban tract home, school district boundaries will significantly influence your property's long-term value. Explore homes in Sutter County to find the perfect match for your family's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sutter County

via RiskByCounty

Sutter carries moderate national risk profile

Sutter County's composite risk score of 83.72 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, placing it slightly below the national average. While serious hazards exist, Sutter faces lower overall exposure than many California counties.

Middle-tier risk in California

Sutter's 83.72 score sits below California's state average of 88.72, positioning it in the safer half of the state's counties. Earthquake risk at 94.08 remains the dominant hazard despite the moderate overall rating.

Lower risk than Stanislaus and Tehama

Sutter's 83.72 score is substantially lower than Stanislaus (96.88) and Tehama (88.90) to the south and east. The county's relative advantage stems primarily from lower flood and wildfire exposure.

Earthquakes pose your primary hazard

Earthquake risk at 94.08 drives Sutter's overall score, though flood risk (71.41) and wildfire risk (77.13) remain notable. The county's location along Sacramento Valley flood zones makes water management critical.

Prioritize earthquake coverage first

Earthquake insurance is your essential add-on, covering damage standard homeowners policies won't touch. Also obtain flood insurance—Sutter's valley position and aging levee systems create baseline flood exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sutter County

via WeatherByCounty

A classic dry-summer climate

While specific annual temperature data is limited, Sutter’s 18.8 inches of rain is below the state average, indicating a dry profile typical of the West. It avoids the heavy precipitation seen in many eastern U.S. counties. The region follows a traditional Mediterranean precipitation pattern.

Drier than the California norm

Sutter County receives 18.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is 7 inches less than the state average of 25.8 inches. This lack of rain is common for the Sacramento Valley floor. The climate is characterized by its clear skies and limited moisture.

Wetter than southern valley neighbors

Though dry by state standards, Sutter's 18.8 inches of rain is higher than the 12.3 inches seen in Stanislaus County. It sits in a middle ground between the wet northern forests and the parched southern valley. This allows for a unique mix of valley agriculture.

Snow-free and sun-drenched

Snowfall is effectively zero, consistent with its low-elevation valley position. While seasonal temperature specifics are unavailable, the region follows the typical pattern of hot summers and cool winters. The lack of snow makes winter travel reliable and easy.

Focus on water management

The 18.8 inches of rain requires careful water planning for both gardens and local agriculture. Because specific heat data is missing, residents should prepare for the high heat typical of the neighboring Sacramento region. Sun protection and efficient irrigation are the most practical investments here.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sutter County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline sands define the region

Sutter County features slightly alkaline soil with an average pH of 6.96, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. This pH level can influence the availability of certain micronutrients like iron and zinc. Growers should monitor these levels to ensure optimal plant health.

Bouldery texture offers unique challenges

The dominant texture is classified as very bouldery sand, consisting of 40.8% sand and 25.3% clay. This high sand content mixed with coarse fragments makes for a rugged soil that is difficult to till. However, it provides a stable foundation for deep-rooted perennials.

Lower organic matter requires attention

Organic matter content is low at 1.54%, falling well below the California average of 3.30% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this, the available water capacity is 0.142 in/in, which is slightly better than the state average. This suggests that while nutrients are lean, the soil holds onto moisture effectively.

Excessive drainage for rapid drying

The soil is classified as excessively drained, meaning water moves through the profile very rapidly. This prevents waterlogging but may lead to drought stress if irrigation is not managed precisely. For builders, this drainage class is generally favorable for stable foundations.

Harnessing the potential of zone 9b

Sutter County's zone 9b climate is ideal for heat-loving crops like rice, walnuts, and peaches. While the organic matter is low, the soil's moisture retention provides a strong foundation for a dedicated gardener. With a bit of compost, your backyard can become a highly productive oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sutter County

via LawnByCounty

Better Than Average Growing Conditions

Sutter County earns a 61.3 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the state average of 51.3. Hardiness zone 9b allows for a long, productive season if water is managed correctly.

Managing the Valley Dry Season

Annual precipitation averages 18.8 inches, which falls below the national ideal of 30-50 inches. You will need to rely on irrigation to keep grass lush during the dry summer months.

Perfect pH and Fast Drainage

The soil pH of 6.96 is nearly perfect for nutrient uptake in grass. However, the very bouldery sand texture means water drains excessively fast, requiring more frequent watering.

Currently Clear of Drought

The county saw zero weeks of drought over the past year, providing a stable foundation for new lawns. No part of the county currently reports abnormally dry conditions.

Focus on Moisture Retention

Heat-tolerant warm-season grasses are the most successful choice for this region. Because the soil drains so quickly, incorporating compost can help your lawn stay hydrated between waterings.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sutter County's county score?
Sutter County, California has a composite county score of 35 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 Sutter County rank among counties in California?
Sutter County ranks #52 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 Sutter County, California?
The median annual property tax in Sutter County is $3,111, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Sutter County a tax score of 55.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sutter County?
The median household income in Sutter County, California is $75,450 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sutter County earns an income score of 78/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sutter County, California a good place to live?
Sutter County scores 35/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in California. The best way to evaluate Sutter 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 Sutter County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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