countyscore
36.7
County Score
Lawn Care 70.9Property Tax 70.6Schools 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.

2040608010070.617.58.84959.844.611.115.746Tax70.6Cost17.5Safety8.8Health49Schools59.8Income44.6Risk11.1Water15.7Weather4636.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Tehama County DNA

Foverall

How Tehama County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tehama County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (8.8/100), though Property Tax (70.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70.6+18.599999999999994
Cost
17.5-30.5
Safety
8.8-46.2
Health
49
Schools
59.8
Income
44.6
Risk
11.1-35.9
Water
15.7-42.3
Weather
46-10
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$315,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,159/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$315,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,834/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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Nearby counties

Shasta County
California
52.3
Glenn County
California
41.8
Butte County
California
39.3
Trinity County
California
48.3
Colusa County
California
41.8
Plumas County
California
41
Lake County
California
31.6
Yuba County
California
37.7

Deep Dives

Tehama County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Tehama County

via CostByCounty

Tehama's affordability matches state average

Tehama County residents spend 22.5% of income on rent, nearly identical to California's 22.4% average and just above the national norm. At $1,159 per month, median rent is 28% below the state median, reflecting Tehama's rural character in the northern Sacramento Valley.

Tehama ranks among California's most affordable

Tehama sits in the lower-cost category statewide, with a median home value of $315,600—nearly 60% below California's median. The county offers genuine small-town affordability in a state dominated by high-cost coastal and Bay Area markets.

Tehama outpaces Trinity but trails Sutter

Renters in Tehama pay $1,159 monthly, placing it between Trinity County ($922) and Sutter County ($1,364). However, Tehama's median income of $61,834 is lower than both neighbors, meaning affordability gains come with lower earning potential.

Tehama housing as income percentage

A Tehama household earning $61,834 annually dedicates about $13,908 to rent (22.5% of income) or $14,616 to mortgage payments. While the percentage is reasonable, the lower absolute income limits overall household financial security.

Tehama for retirees and remote workers

Tehama's low rent ($1,159/month) and reasonable housing burden make it attractive for retirees living on fixed income or remote workers whose salaries don't depend on local job markets. The trade-off is limited local employment and urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Tehama County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Schools, Big Rural Reach

Tehama County manages 41 public schools serving a total of 10,974 students through 17 school districts. The system is primary-focused, with 24 elementary schools and 8 high schools distributed across a wide geographic area. This network provides essential educational services to a primarily rural and town-based population.

Outperforming State Averages

The county boasts an impressive 88.8% graduation rate, surpassing both the California and national averages of approximately 87%. It achieves these results with a $8,854 per-pupil spend, which is higher than the state average of $8,762. The school score of 56.9 further confirms that Tehama County schools are performing at a high level relative to the state.

Corning and Red Bluff Lead Education

Corning Union Elementary and Red Bluff Union Elementary are the primary districts, together serving over 3,600 students. While charter schools are less common here than in coastal counties, they still make up nearly 10% of the total school landscape. Red Bluff High stands out as the largest individual campus, providing a comprehensive high school experience for 1,618 students.

A Truly Rural Learning Environment

Every school in Tehama County is classified as either rural or town-based, with 24 schools situated in rural settings. The average school size is a modest 274 students, fostering tight-knit communities where educators know their students well. This smaller scale contrasts with large campuses like Red Bluff High, offering a variety of learning environments.

Find Your Home in Tehama

Families moving to Tehama County often seek out neighborhoods near the well-regarded Red Bluff or Corning districts. With graduation rates beating state averages, the local schools are a strong draw for residents prioritizing academic success. View current listings to find a home that puts your children in a position to thrive.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tehama County

via RiskByCounty

Tehama's composite risk mirrors national average

Tehama County's score of 88.90 sits nearly at parity with the national average, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. The county faces serious multi-hazard exposure warranting careful preparation.

Slightly above California's state average

Tehama's 88.90 score edges above California's 88.72 state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state risk rankings. The county's wildfire risk at 98.47 significantly influences this positioning.

More at-risk than Trinity, less than Stanislaus

Tehama (88.90) ranks between nearby Trinity County (79.45) to the west and Stanislaus (96.88) to the south. The county shares regional wildfire vulnerability with Trinity but faces higher overall exposure.

Wildfires and floods drive your hazards

Wildfire risk at 98.47 and flood risk at 90.04 represent Tehama's dominant threats, with earthquake risk (94.27) adding a third major exposure. The county's northern location and river systems create compounded fire-flood dynamics.

Wildfire insurance is non-negotiable

Wildfire coverage is essential—standard policies may exclude fire from non-standard ignition sources in wildland zones. Also secure earthquake and flood insurance; Tehama's position requires triple coverage to be fully protected.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Tehama County

via WaterByCounty

Tehama County Faces Severe Compliance Challenges

Tehama County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance due to 68 health violations over the last five years. The violation rate is a staggering 187.7 per 100,000 residents, nearly four times the California state average of 49.1. This indicates systemic issues within the county's water delivery systems.

Toxicity and Mercury Impact Local Watersheds

Approximately 21.9% of Tehama's 73 assessed water bodies are impaired according to 2022 federal data. Toxicity, mercury, and dissolved oxygen issues are the primary culprits for these environmental failures. Despite these concerns, the county's impairment rate remains lower than the statewide average of 37.2%.

Focused Monitoring Efforts at 23 Sites

Authorities have gathered 2,892 measurements from 23 monitoring sites across the county over the past five years. Data collection prioritizes organics, pesticides, and physical water characteristics to track watershed health. This monitoring provides the baseline needed to address the toxicity identified in the latest reporting cycle.

Sacramento River Nears 80% of Typical Flow

The Sacramento River above Bend Bridge is currently flowing at 9,660 cfs, which is 79% of its historical mean. While below average, this is a relatively stable flow compared to other regional waterways. This volume helps maintain some dilution of mercury and other toxins present in the river system.

Action Needed for High Violation Rates

The exceptionally high rate of drinking water violations in Tehama County makes private testing and advanced home filtration highly recommended. Because mercury and toxicity are identified watershed threats, residents should stay informed about water quality alerts. Reliable flow in the Sacramento River provides some stability, but it does not offset the risks within the distribution systems.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 36.7 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 $1,996, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Tehama County a tax score of 70.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tehama County?
The median household income in Tehama County, California is $61,834 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tehama County earns an income score of 44.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tehama County, California a good place to live?
Tehama County scores 36.7/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.