countyscore
36.4
County Score
Lawn Care 70.9Property Tax 69.1Schools 59.8

County Report Card

About Tehama County, California

Tehama lags behind national livability benchmarks

Tehama County's composite score of 36.7 ranks in the 30th percentile nationally, falling short of the 50.0 median. The county faces multi-dimensional livability challenges, though tax benefits and school performance offer modest bright spots.

Below California average but not the lowest

At 36.7, Tehama scores below California's 40.9 state average, placing it in the lower portion of state rankings. The county's profile reflects rural Northern California constraints, with fewer resources than larger regions but better school outcomes than some peers.

Low taxes and affordable housing attract residents

Tehama delivers the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.632% with a tax score of 70.6, plus exceptional housing affordability with median home values of $315,600 and rent at $1,159. These economic advantages make Tehama attractive for budget-conscious families relocating from urban California.

Safety, income, and water resources need improvement

Tehama's safety score of 8.8 represents among California's worst crime challenges, while median household income of $61,834 limits economic opportunity. Water infrastructure and availability score just 15.7, reflecting serious regional drought and aquifer sustainability concerns.

For rural-minded families seeking tax relief

Tehama suits retirees and remote workers who value low taxes and housing affordability while accepting limited safety, minimal income growth, and rural isolation. Families with school-age children and those dependent on local employment should carefully weigh the county's economic constraints before relocating.

2040608010069.116.98.84959.845.211.115.746Tax69.1Cost16.9Safety8.8Health49Schools59.8Income45.2Risk11.1Water15.7Weather4636.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Tehama County DNA

Foverall

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

Tehama County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (8.8/100), though Property Tax (69.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.1+17.099999999999994
Cost
16.9-31.1
Safety
8.8-46.2
Health
49
Schools
59.8
Income
45.2
Risk
11.1-35.9
Water
15.7-42.3
Weather
46-10
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Compare mortgage rates in Tehama County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$339,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,184/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$339,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,784/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.7

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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Wexford County
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Lea County
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Nearby counties

Shasta County
California
51.7
Glenn County
California
41.7
Butte County
California
38.5
Trinity County
California
46
Colusa County
California
41.9
Plumas County
California
40.3
Lake County
California
31.1
Yuba County
California
37.4

Deep Dives

Tehama County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tehama County

via TaxByCounty

Tehama offers below-average tax burden

Tehama County's effective tax rate of 0.632% sits well below California's 0.714% average and ranks among the lowest in the nation. The median property tax of $1,996 falls below the national median of $2,690, making Tehama genuinely affordable for property tax purposes.

Second-lowest tax rate in California

Tehama ranks near the bottom of California counties with an effective rate of 0.632%, bested only by Trinity County's 0.539%. The median tax of $1,996 is among the lowest in the state, offering significant relief compared to California's $4,045 state median.

Lowest taxes among Northern California peers

Tehama's 0.632% effective rate undercuts Sonoma (0.716%), Sutter (0.779%), and Tuolumne (0.674%), positioned only behind rural Trinity County (0.539%). Among more populated regions, Tehama stands out as a genuine tax haven.

A $315,600 home costs $1,996 yearly

The typical Tehama homeowner with a $315,600 property pays approximately $1,996 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, that figure climbs to $2,308.

Even low-tax counties warrant assessment review

While Tehama offers some of California's lowest effective rates, homeowners should still verify that their assessed value accurately reflects market conditions. An appeal is always worthwhile if valuation appears inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tehama County

via IncomeByCounty

Tehama trails national earnings

Tehama County's median household income of $61,834 falls 17% below the national median of $74,755. The county's rural economy and agricultural base limit wage growth compared to more urbanized regions.

Rural Northern California reality

At $61,834, Tehama ranks among California's lower-income counties, lagging the state median of $87,001 by 29%. Per capita income of $35,527 sits 19% below the state average, reflecting limited job diversity and lower wage scales.

Among the North State's lowest

Tehama ($61,834) earns slightly more than Trinity ($53,498) but significantly trails Sutter ($75,450) and Stanislaus ($79,661). The county faces economic headwinds common to rural Northern California.

Housing affordability shines

Despite lower household income, Tehama's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, and median home values of $315,600 are among the state's most affordable. Homeownership is achievable here, offering wealth-building potential for lower-income households.

Build wealth on rural foundations

With median household income of $61,834 and low housing costs, Tehama residents can focus on clearing high-interest debt and establishing modest investment portfolios. Rural property ownership offers tangible wealth-building opportunities despite income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tehama County

via CrimeByCounty

Tehama County faces significant safety challenges

Tehama County reports a safety score of 95.4, trailing the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 2,899.9 per 100,000 is significantly higher than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Tehama ranks below state safety averages

Compared to the rest of California, Tehama faces higher safety challenges with a crime rate roughly 23% above the state average. Seven local agencies work to address these figures across the county's diverse terrain.

Safety comparison for northern residents

Tehama's crime rate sits higher than the state average of 2,355.2, highlighting specific local trends in the northern Sacramento Valley. The total crime frequency here is notably higher than many surrounding rural counties.

High rates of property crime

Property crime drives the statistics at 2,373.1 per 100,000, while violent crime reaches 526.8. Both categories exceed national averages, indicating a need for heightened situational awareness among residents.

Securing your property in Tehama

Securing outbuildings and utilizing motion-sensor alarms can help mitigate the county's higher property crime rates. Simple preventative measures remain the first line of defense for rural and suburban homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tehama County

via WeatherByCounty

Near the national temperature median

Tehama County’s 54.8°F average annual temperature closely aligns with the national median. This makes it one of the few California counties that mirrors the typical American temperature experience. It balances northern cool with valley warmth.

Cooler than the state average

At 54.8°F, Tehama is notably cooler than the California state average of 58.7°F. The county’s northern latitude and terrain contribute to this lower average. It offers a reprieve from the higher temperatures found further south.

Abundant rain for the region

The county receives 32.8 inches of annual rain, significantly higher than the state average of 25.8 inches. It is much wetter than Stanislaus County to the south. This higher rainfall supports the diverse natural landscapes of the northern valley.

Hot summers and crisp winters

The county sees 56 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures averaging a warm 72.7°F. Winters are chilly for California, averaging 41.0°F with trace amounts of snowfall. This variation creates distinct, manageable seasonal shifts.

Prepare for variable weather

Homeowners should ensure insulation is adequate for the 41.0°F winter average. Cooling systems need to be reliable to combat nearly two months of extreme heat. Rain-ready gear is a must to enjoy the 32.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tehama County

via SoilByCounty

Foundations of the Sacramento Valley

Tehama County's specific soil pH and taxonomic data are currently not reflected in regional datasets. For a healthy garden, homeowners should aim for the national median pH of 6.5 to ensure nutrient uptake. Testing your own soil is the best way to determine your starting point.

A landscape of varying textures

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable for the county as a whole. The region typically transitions from volcanic soils in the east to alluvial deposits near the Sacramento River. These variations mean your soil could range from heavy clay to light, silty loam.

Striving for California's fertility standards

While local organic matter data is limited, the state average of 3.30% provides a clear target for soil improvement. Improving available water capacity to reach the state average of 0.141 in/in will help plants survive the hot valley summers. Regular mulching is a great way to build this missing fertility.

Observing water movement in Tehama

Hydrologic and drainage records for the county are limited, so site-specific observation is key. Proper drainage prevents the drowning of root systems during the rainy season and prevents salt accumulation. Watch for standing water after irrigation to identify potential drainage bottlenecks.

Garden success in zone 9b

Tehama County falls within USDA zone 9b, supporting a vast array of Mediterranean crops like olives and grapes. The long, sunny days provide ample energy for photosynthesis regardless of the soil's starting composition. Start your gardening journey today by enriching your local earth with organic material.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tehama County

via LawnByCounty

Smooth Sailing for Tehama Turf

A lawn difficulty score of 70.9 suggests that homeowners have an easier time here than in most California counties. Zone 9b offers a warm climate that supports many popular grass varieties.

Rainfall Hits the Sweet Spot

Tehama receives 32.8 inches of annual rain, placing it right in the ideal range for healthy lawns. 56 extreme heat days per year closely match the California state average.

Test Before You Plant

While specific soil data is unavailable, typical regional soils benefit from a basic pH test. Aim for the 6.0 to 7.0 range to ensure your grass can access all necessary nutrients.

Stable Water Conditions Reported

The county recorded zero weeks in drought during the past year. This consistency makes it easier to establish new sod or seed without the stress of water restrictions.

Wait for the Final Frost

Tall Fescue or Bermuda grass are excellent picks for this 3310 GDD climate. Be mindful of the late June 10 frost date when planning your spring fertilization schedule.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tehama County's county score?
Tehama 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 Tehama County rank among counties in California?
Tehama County ranks #46 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 Tehama County, California?
The median annual property tax in Tehama County is $2,118, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Tehama County a tax score of 69.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tehama County?
The median household income in Tehama County, California is $63,784 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tehama County earns an income score of 45.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tehama County, California a good place to live?
Tehama County scores 36.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in California. The best way to evaluate Tehama 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 Tehama 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.