countyscore
48.3
County Score
Property Tax 82Lawn Care 70Health 67

County Report Card

About Trinity County, California

Trinity surpasses most counties on livability

Trinity County's composite score of 48.3 approaches the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 48th percentile and outperforming most California peers. This mountainous North Coast county offers a compelling livability profile for specific demographics despite income limitations.

Among California's strongest rural counties

At 48.3, Trinity scores above California's state average of 40.9, ranking in the upper tier of the state's counties. Trinity's profile stands out particularly among rural Northern California regions, offering better-than-average livability fundamentals.

Exceptional affordability and low taxes drive scores

Trinity County delivers outstanding housing affordability with a median home value of $329,000 and rent at just $922 monthly, plus the lowest effective tax rate at 0.539% and tax score of 82.0. These advantages combine to create exceptional cost-of-living benefits for residents across income levels.

Low incomes and limited economic opportunity

Trinity's income score of 21.7 reflects a median household income of $53,498, among California's lowest and limiting upward mobility. Safety concerns at 18.9 and water infrastructure at 18.5 also suggest resource constraints typical of remote mountain counties.

For affordable-minded souls seeking mountain life

Trinity County suits remote workers with portable income, retirees living on fixed incomes, and those seeking deep affordability and natural beauty over urban amenities. This is not a destination for those seeking economic advancement, robust services, or urban employment—but for lifestyle prioritizers, it offers exceptional value.

Score breakdown

Tax82Cost55.1Safety18.9Health67Schools49.6Income21.7Risk20.6Water18.5Weather42.7
🏛82
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70
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

Shasta County
California
52.3
Siskiyou County
California
37.9
Humboldt County
California
40
Tehama County
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Del Norte County
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Glenn County
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Mendocino County
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Butte County
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Deep Dives

Trinity County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Trinity County

via TaxByCounty

Trinity has California's lowest tax rate

Trinity County's effective tax rate of 0.539% is the lowest across California and substantially below the national norm. The median property tax of $1,772 sits well below the national median of $2,690, making Trinity exceptional for property tax affordability.

Lowest effective rate statewide by far

Trinity County ranks dead last among California counties with an effective rate of just 0.539%—nearly 0.2 percentage points below the second-place Tehama County. Its median tax of $1,772 is the lowest in the state, a stark contrast to California's $4,045 state median.

Unbeatable tax advantage in remote region

Trinity's 0.539% effective rate stands alone, far below rural neighbors like Tehama (0.632%) and Tuolumne (0.674%). Even among California's most affordable counties, Trinity offers unmatched property tax relief.

A $329,000 home costs $1,772 yearly

The typical Trinity homeowner with a $329,000 property pays approximately $1,772 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties face an additional assessment bump, reaching $2,234 total.

Verify your assessment even in a tax haven

Trinity's exceptional tax rate makes property taxes negligible compared to other counties, but homeowners should still ensure their assessed value is accurate. Any reduction compounds savings in a county already known for low burdens.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Trinity County

via CostByCounty

Trinity: California's most affordable rents

Trinity County residents spend just 20.7% of income on rent, the lowest ratio among the eight counties profiled and below both state and national averages. At $922 per month, Trinity's median rent is the lowest in this comparison, reflecting its remote rural location in far northern California.

Trinity is California's affordability outlier

Trinity ranks as one of California's absolute most affordable counties for housing, with a median home value of just $329,000. This exceptional affordability comes with trade-offs: limited job opportunities, minimal urban infrastructure, and geographic isolation.

Trinity saves renters hundreds monthly

Renters in Trinity pay $922 monthly versus $2,093 in Sonoma County—saving over $1,100 per month—and even undercut Tehama's $1,159. Trinity's median income of $53,498 is the lowest profiled here, reflecting limited employment diversity.

Trinity's minimal housing burden

A Trinity household earning $53,498 annually dedicates only $11,074 to rent (20.7% of income) or $8,196 to mortgage costs. This leaves the most discretionary income of any county profiled, though lower absolute earnings limit household wealth accumulation.

Trinity for the truly frugal or self-sufficient

Trinity's $922 rent and 20.7% housing burden are unmatched in California, making it ideal only for retirees, remote workers with high outside income, or those seeking off-grid self-sufficiency. The county's extreme isolation and minimal job market make relocation practical only for those with income independent of local employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Trinity County

via IncomeByCounty

Trinity among America's lowest earners

Trinity County's median household income of $53,498 runs 28% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting persistent economic challenges in this remote mountain county. The gap underscores the income divide between rural and urbanized America.

California's income outlier

At $53,498, Trinity ranks among the lowest-income counties in California, trailing the state median of $87,001 by 38%. Per capita income of $32,271 is 26% below the state average, signaling limited economic opportunity and workforce constraints.

Struggling in remote isolation

Trinity ($53,498) earns less than every comparable county in this group, including Tehama ($61,834), Sutter ($75,450), and Tuolumne ($72,259). Isolation and limited industry diversity create acute economic disadvantages.

Low income, lowest costs

Trinity's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio is the best among peer counties, and median home values of $329,000 remain deeply affordable. Housing is not the primary financial burden here; rather, low wages limit household savings and wealth accumulation.

Stretch modest resources strategically

With median household income of $53,498, Trinity residents should prioritize building emergency funds and access accessible financial literacy resources. Affordable housing creates a foundation for homeownership wealth-building, critical given limited income growth prospects.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Trinity County

via CrimeByCounty

Trinity County exceeds state safety benchmarks

Trinity County secures a safety score of 96.6, placing it above the state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,127.2 per 100,000 residents is well below the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Safety in California's northern mountains

Trinity ranks as a relatively safe California county, with a total crime rate roughly 10% lower than the state average. Three local agencies manage the safety of this mountainous and sparsely populated region.

Regional safety for mountain communities

Trinity remains safer than some larger neighbor counties, though it faces unique rural crime challenges. Its safety score of 96.6 suggests a more secure environment than the typical California county.

Property crime lower than average

While property crime is lower than the state average at 1,567.1, violent crime is higher at 560.1 per 100,000. Residents experience fewer property thefts but see more violent incidents than the national average.

Physical security for rural homes

In rural areas, physical barriers and reliable communication systems are key to home security. Keeping properties well-maintained and connected to neighbors helps deter opportunistic crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Trinity County

via HealthByCounty

Trinity's life expectancy near national average

At 77 years, Trinity residents live just below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The 19.5% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 18%, suggesting moderate but manageable health challenges.

Below California's health performance

Trinity's 77-year life expectancy falls below California's 78.5-year average by 1.5 years, and the 19.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds state trends. The county performs below state norms across key health indicators.

Lower health outcomes than regional peers

Trinity's 77-year life expectancy trails Sonoma (80.6 years) and Tuolumne (76.4 years), though it exceeds Stanislaus (75.4 years). The county stands out negatively for primary care access at just 19 providers per 100,000—far below all regional peers.

Extreme primary care provider shortage

Trinity's 6% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the state, but this masks a critical problem: only 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents make up the region's most severe shortage. Mental health services at 332 providers per 100,000 are relatively stronger, but primary care barriers limit overall health access.

Coverage is just the first step here

Trinity's excellent 6% uninsured rate means most residents have insurance, yet extreme provider shortages limit care access. Verify your coverage through Covered California, then work with your county health department to locate available primary care or explore telehealth options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Trinity County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access in the Wilderness

Trinity County operates 17 public schools for a small, tight-knit student body of 1,512 individuals. These students are served by 10 different districts, reflecting the logistical challenge of providing education across rugged terrain. The county's schools are mostly elementary and high school levels, with no dedicated middle schools currently in operation.

Investing Heavily in Rural Success

Trinity County spends $9,233 per pupil, significantly outspending the California state average of $8,762 to overcome rural logistical costs. Despite this investment, the graduation rate of 83.7% trails the national average of 87%. However, the school score of 55.0 remains competitive with the statewide average of 56.0.

Localized Districts, No Charter Schools

Trinity Alps Unified is the largest district, serving 672 students across three schools including Weaverville Elementary. Unlike most California counties, Trinity has zero charter schools, relying entirely on traditional district-led education. Southern Trinity Joint Unified manages four schools but serves a total of only 84 students.

Small Classes in a Rural Setting

Every single school in Trinity County is located in a rural locale, creating a uniform educational character across the region. With an average school size of just 89 students, the county offers some of the most personalized instruction in the state. Weaverville Elementary is the largest campus in the county, yet it still only enrolls 333 students.

Rural Living Near Local Schools

If you are looking for a community where everyone knows your name, Trinity County’s small school districts are a perfect fit. Real estate near Weaverville or Hayfork provides the closest access to the county's primary educational hubs. Browse homes today to experience the unique benefits of a small-scale, rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Trinity County

via RiskByCounty

Trinity shows California's lower-risk profile

Trinity County's composite risk score of 79.45 earns a Relatively Low rating, placing it well below the national average. Despite this advantage, significant hazards remain and shouldn't be dismissed.

Among California's safer counties

Trinity's 79.45 score falls well below California's 88.72 state average, ranking it in the lower third of state risk exposure. The county benefits from remote location and lower population density in hazard zones.

Safest in the North State trio

Trinity (79.45) ranks notably lower than both Tehama (88.90) and Sutter (83.72), making it the least at-risk county in the immediate region. Wildfire risk remains high at 98.51, but other hazards are comparatively muted.

Wildfire dominates your hazard landscape

Wildfire risk at 98.51 stands as Trinity's overwhelming concern, nearly matching state peak levels. Flood risk (79.04) and earthquake risk (84.96) are secondary but still material threats, particularly in valley communities.

Wildfire coverage comes first

Wildfire insurance is your priority—Trinity's remote forests create extreme fire exposure despite lower overall county risk. Add earthquake insurance to cover seismic damage, and verify your insurer covers flood scenarios in riparian zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Trinity County

via WeatherByCounty

Above average national warmth

Trinity County’s 56.0°F average annual temperature is slightly higher than the national median. Despite its mountainous reputation, the county maintains a warmer profile than many northern U.S. regions. It bridges the gap between mountain cool and valley heat.

Cooler than the California norm

The county’s 56.0°F average is nearly three degrees cooler than the state average of 58.7°F. Its rugged terrain and elevation keep it from reaching the high averages of the coastal or desert counties. This makes it a cool-climate outlier in the Golden State.

High heat in the mountains

Surprisingly, Trinity sees 84 extreme heat days per year, nearly as many as the Central Valley. It receives 35.3 inches of annual rain, far more than the state average of 25.8 inches. This mix of high heat and high rain creates a unique ecological pocket.

Snowy winters and scorching summers

Trinity experiences 5.9 inches of annual snowfall and a winter average of 41.8°F. However, summer heat is intense, with an average of 71.5°F and frequent spikes over 90°F. The seasons are characterized by high contrast and dramatic shifts.

Invest in dual-season preparation

Residents need both reliable heating for snowy 41°F winters and powerful AC for 84 days of extreme heat. All-weather vehicle gear is recommended for the nearly six inches of snow. Yard maintenance should account for the heavy 35.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Trinity County

via SoilByCounty

Mountainous soils and forest floors

Trinity County lacks broad soil pH and taxonomic data due to its rugged, forested terrain. In such environments, soil is often naturally more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Local testing is necessary to understand how the mountain geology affects your specific plot.

Evolving textures in the Trinity Alps

Data regarding the sand, silt, and clay percentages for this county is currently unavailable. Mountain soils often contain high levels of rock fragments which can complicate traditional gardening and tilling. These rocky textures generally provide excellent structural stability but lower water retention.

Building fertility in rugged terrain

Organic matter data is limited, but local forest soils often contain rich layers of decomposed needles and leaves. Aiming for the state average of 3.30% organic matter will help you maintain a productive garden. Enhancing water capacity toward the state average of 0.141 in/in is vital for surviving dry mountain spells.

Managing runoff on mountain slopes

Drainage and hydrologic data are limited, but the county's steep topography dictates how water moves. Surface runoff is a major factor on hillsides, making erosion control a top priority for any land manager. Careful terracing can help slow down water and improve infiltration for your plants.

Hardy growing in zone 8b

Trinity County's zone 8b climate allows for a wide range of hardy vegetables and fruit trees like apples and pears. The cooler mountain temperatures offer a different set of opportunities compared to the valley floor. With a focus on soil building, you can create a thriving high-altitude garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Trinity County

via LawnByCounty

Resilient Lawns in Zone 8b

Trinity County scores a 70.0 for lawn difficulty, well above the national median of 50.0. The hardiness zone 8b is slightly cooler than the Central Valley, offering a different set of growing conditions.

Ample Rain but High Heat

The county gets 35.3 inches of rain, meeting the ideal threshold for natural growth. However, 84 extreme heat days mean you must watch for signs of heat stress and wilting.

Building a Healthy Soil Base

Detailed soil metrics are not currently available for this area. Focus on aerating and adding topsoil to create a healthy foundation for the 3285 growing degree days.

Zero Drought Weeks Recorded

Trinity has enjoyed a year without drought conditions, according to recent data. This lack of water stress allows for deeper root development and a more durable lawn.

Cool-Season Success in Trinity

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass can thrive here if given shade. Aim to plant after the April 23 spring frost for the best establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trinity County's county score?
Trinity County, California has a composite county score of 48.3 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 Trinity County rank among counties in California?
Trinity County ranks #6 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 Trinity County, California?
The median annual property tax in Trinity County is $1,772, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Trinity County a tax score of 82/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Trinity County?
The median household income in Trinity County, California is $53,498 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Trinity County earns an income score of 21.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Trinity County, California a good place to live?
Trinity County scores 48.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in California. The best way to evaluate Trinity 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 Trinity County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.