countyscore
41.7
County Score
Lawn Care 76.5Health 76.3Income & Jobs 71.8

County Report Card

About Tuolumne County, California

Tuolumne meets the national livability median

Tuolumne County's composite score of 41.7 slightly underperforms the national median of 50.0 but ranks in the 41st percentile, positioning it near middle-of-the-road livability. The Sierra Nevada county offers balanced strengths and weaknesses across multiple dimensions.

Slightly above California's county average

At 41.7, Tuolumne marginally exceeds California's state average of 40.9, placing it just above the middle tier of state counties. Among California's mountain and foothill communities, Tuolumne demonstrates solid livability fundamentals.

Health and tax advantages boost appeal

Tuolumne boasts a health score of 76.3 and tax score of 66.2, reflecting strong medical resources and a favorable effective tax rate of 0.674%. Median household income of $72,259 provides reasonable earning potential for the region.

Affordability and water infrastructure lag

Despite regional advantages, Tuolumne's cost score of 9.9 reflects a median home value of $406,200 and rent at $1,247, creating affordability pressure. Water score of 34.0 suggests regional water availability and quality concerns typical of Sierra Nevada communities.

For health-conscious families seeking mountains

Tuolumne County suits families prioritizing health care access and natural scenery while accepting elevated housing costs and water constraints. Working professionals and retirees seeking Sierra Nevada mountain living with good medical infrastructure will find Tuolumne a balanced choice.

2040608010066.29.920.976.349.171.814.83454.5Tax66.2Cost9.9Safety20.9Health76.3Schools49.1Income71.8Risk14.8Water34Weather54.541.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Tuolumne County DNA

Foverall

How Tuolumne County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tuolumne County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (76.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (9.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66.2+14.200000000000003
Cost
9.9-38.1
Safety
20.9-34.1
Health
76.3+26.299999999999997
Schools
49.1
Income
71.8+20.799999999999997
Risk
14.8-32.2
Water
34-24
Weather
54.5
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Tuolumne County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$406,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,247/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$406,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,259/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.8

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
Compare Tuolumne County with White County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

White County
Arkansas
Median income: $53,435
41.7
Lanier County
Georgia
Median income: $44,361
41.7
Ogemaw County
Michigan
Median income: $51,983
41.7
Blue Earth County
Minnesota
Median income: $72,623
41.7
Gloucester County
New Jersey
Median income: $102,807
41.7
Lorain County
Ohio
Median income: $70,693
41.7
Pickaway County
Ohio
Median income: $72,927
41.7
McCurtain County
Oklahoma
Median income: $50,175
41.7

Nearby counties

Mariposa County
California
43.9
Mono County
California
38.5
Calaveras County
California
43
Alpine County
California
51.2
Amador County
California
41.8
Madera County
California
35.5
Douglas County
Nevada
50.2
El Dorado County
California
49.8

Deep Dives

Tuolumne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tuolumne County

via TaxByCounty

Tuolumne's tax rate slightly below state average

Tuolumne County's effective tax rate of 0.674% sits modestly below California's 0.714% average, placing it among the middle-tier counties statewide. The median property tax of $2,737 exceeds the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value of $406,200.

Moderate tax rate across California

Tuolumne ranks slightly below the state average with an effective rate of 0.674% compared to California's 0.714%. The median tax of $2,737 falls substantially below the state median of $4,045 due to relatively lower home prices in the county.

Middle ground among mountain and valley counties

Tuolumne's 0.674% effective rate falls between Trinity (0.539%) and Tehama (0.632%) to the north, and Stanislaus (0.709%) to the west. The rate positions Tuolumne as more affordable than Sutter (0.779%), Tulare (0.730%), and Sonoma (0.716%).

A $406,200 home costs $2,737 yearly

The typical Tuolumne homeowner with a $406,200 property pays approximately $2,737 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total reaches $2,887.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

While Tuolumne's tax rate sits near the state average, homeowners should still examine their property valuations for accuracy. A successful appeal can lower your annual tax bill, especially if your home's market value has shifted since the last assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tuolumne County

via CostByCounty

Tuolumne beats state affordability standard

Tuolumne County residents spend 20.7% of income on rent, below California's 22.4% average and competitive with the national norm. At $1,247 per month, median rent is 23% cheaper than the state median, though mountain-community character means lower median income ($72,259).

Tuolumne: affordable mountain living

Tuolumne ranks among California's lower-cost counties for housing, with a median home value of $406,200. The county combines mountain location, outdoor recreation access, and reasonable affordability—a rare California triple.

Tuolumne splits the Valley-to-Coast spectrum

Renters in Tuolumne pay $1,247 monthly—more than Tulare ($1,206) but far less than Sonoma ($2,093)—making it a middle option for those seeking elevation and scenery without full rural isolation. Median income ($72,259) is higher than rural Trinity or Tehama, reflecting better employment diversity.

Tuolumne housing cost breakdown

A Tuolumne household earning $72,259 annually spends roughly $14,957 on rent (20.7% of income) or $19,536 on mortgage costs. This moderate housing burden leaves reasonable space for other expenses while maintaining the county's mountain-community character.

Tuolumne attracts outdoor lifestyle seekers

If you want California mountains plus reasonable housing costs, Tuolumne delivers—with 20.7% rent-to-income ratio and easy access to Yosemite. Remote workers and early retirees seeking scenery will find Tuolumne's $1,247 rent and $406,200 median home value compelling alternatives to coastal counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tuolumne County

via IncomeByCounty

Tuolumne slightly below national norm

Tuolumne County's median household income of $72,259 runs 3% below the national median of $74,755. The Sierra foothills county supports modest middle-class earnings, though below U.S. averages.

Below California's earnings bar

At $72,259, Tuolumne trails California's median household income of $87,001 by 17%. Per capita income of $41,372 also sits below the state average of $43,669, reflecting a smaller, more dispersed economic base.

Middle tier of Sierra/Valley peers

Tuolumne ($72,259) earns more than Tehama ($61,834), Trinity ($53,498), and Tulare ($69,489) but less than Sutter ($75,450) and Stanislaus ($79,661). The county occupies a stable middle position in regional income rankings.

Balanced housing and income

Tuolumne's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in this cohort, and median home values of $406,200 remain reasonable relative to the $72,259 median income. Housing affordability supports homeownership without overwhelming household budgets.

Build on Sierra stability

With median household income of $72,259 and favorable rent ratios, Tuolumne residents can establish solid retirement savings and explore investment real estate. The county's natural appeal and affordable pricing create long-term wealth-building opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tuolumne County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong safety score for Tuolumne

Tuolumne County earns a strong safety score of 96.8, outperforming the state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,047.5 per 100,000 is notably lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Safe rankings for the foothills

This foothill county ranks among the safer regions in California, with total crime 13% lower than the state average. Three agencies provide law enforcement services across the county's rugged and scenic territory.

Tuolumne is safer than many neighbors

Tuolumne maintains a safer overall profile than several nearby valley counties. It offers a more secure environment than the typical California county, which averages 2,355.2 crimes per 100,000.

Elevated violent crime despite low theft

Property crime is quite low at 1,356.5 per 100,000, but violent crime is elevated at 691.0. This means residents are less likely to experience theft than most Americans but more likely to encounter violent incidents.

Protecting your home in the foothills

Even with low property crime, gated driveways and alarm systems provide valuable protection in rural settings. Staying connected with neighbors through local social networks can enhance community-wide safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Tuolumne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Sierra Foothills

Tuolumne County supports 5,832 students across 30 public schools in 13 different districts. The county features 10 elementary schools and 11 high schools, with several specialized 'other' schools filling the gaps. This distribution ensures that students in remote foothill communities still have access to consistent education.

Competitive Performance in the Foothills

The county maintains a graduation rate of 84.8%, sitting slightly below the 87% national benchmark. Per-pupil spending is $8,703, which almost perfectly matches the California state average. With a school score of 54.5, the county provides a standard of education that is consistent with national medians.

Sonora Union High Takes the Lead

Sonora Union High is the county's largest district by enrollment, serving 1,087 students across three schools. Charter schools are rare in the region, making up only 6.7% of the total school count with just two active campuses. Summerville Union High also serves as a key district for the northern part of the county with 667 students.

Town-Centered and Rural Learning

Every school in Tuolumne County is located in either a rural setting or a designated town, with no urban or suburban campuses. The average school size is 233 students, though Sonora High acts as a larger hub with 919 students. This small-scale environment creates a personal feel for most students attending primary and secondary schools.

Discover Foothill Living Near Schools

Tuolumne County offers a unique lifestyle where small-town schools are the heart of the community. Homes in Sonora or near Summerville High are highly sought after by families who value tight-knit educational environments. Explore local real estate today to find a home that offers both mountain beauty and solid school options.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tuolumne County

via RiskByCounty

Tuolumne carries moderate national risk

Tuolumne County's composite risk score of 85.21 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, slightly below the national average. Despite this classification, specific hazards in the county demand serious attention.

Below-average risk for California

Tuolumne's 85.21 score sits below California's 88.72 state average, positioning it in the safer half of state counties. However, wildfire risk at 99.33 represents an extreme local vulnerability.

Lower risk than Stanislaus and Tulare

Tuolumne (85.21) ranks substantially lower than Stanislaus (96.88) and Tulare (97.04) to the east. The county's Sierra foothill location reduces earthquake exposure compared to valley neighbors.

Wildfire is your extreme hazard

Wildfire risk at 99.33 places Tuolumne among California's most fire-vulnerable counties—a stark contrast to its moderate overall rating. Flood risk (81.04) presents a secondary concern in canyon areas and along major rivers.

Wildfire insurance is absolutely essential

Wildfire coverage must be your first priority—Tuolumne's score rivals the state's worst fire zones. Add earthquake insurance for seismic protection in the Sierra region, and confirm flood coverage for properties near waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Tuolumne County

via WaterByCounty

Tuolumne County Faces Systemic Grade F

Tuolumne County holds a Grade F for drinking water compliance, having recorded 32 health violations in the last five years. Its violation rate of 50.0 per 100,000 residents sits just above the California state average of 49.1. This suggests that the county’s smaller population experiences a relatively high concentration of compliance issues.

Pathogens and Mercury in Tuolumne Waters

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 13.9% of the 115 assessed water bodies in Tuolumne County are listed as impaired. Pathogens, mercury, and pH levels are the top causes of these environmental failures. This impairment rate is significantly lower than the California state average of 37.2%.

Sparse Monitoring Records Across 17 Sites

Only 160 measurements have been recorded across 17 monitoring sites in the federal Water Quality Portal over the past five years. Most data collection focuses on physical characteristics and nutrient levels. The limited number of readings indicates a potential gap in the consistent oversight of the county's 115 water bodies.

Tuolumne River Flowing at 277% of Mean

The Tuolumne River below Early Intake is currently surging at 1,620 cfs, which is 277% of its long-term mean of 585 cfs. This unusually high flow can flush out contaminants but also increases the risk of high turbidity from sediment runoff. Managing these high flows is critical for maintaining the integrity of local water treatment processes.

Monitoring Pathogen Risks During High Flow

Because pathogens are a top watershed concern and streamflows are currently very high, residents should be alert to potential spikes in raw water contamination. High flows can often carry more bacteria and mercury-laden sediment from the surrounding terrain. Homeowners using smaller water systems should be especially vigilant given the county's Grade F compliance status.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tuolumne County

via WeatherByCounty

Above the U.S. temperature median

Tuolumne County’s 57.2°F average annual temperature is higher than the national median, signaling its temperate Sierra Foothills location. It offers a moderate climate that avoids the extreme cold of the Rockies. The weather is balanced and generally inviting.

Cooler than the state average

At 57.2°F, the county is slightly cooler than the California state average of 58.7°F. Its elevation provides a natural cooling effect compared to the adjacent valley floor. This makes it a popular escape from the more intense California heat.

Abundant mountain precipitation

Tuolumne receives a generous 37.1 inches of rain annually, far exceeding the state average of 25.8 inches. It is much wetter than nearby Tulare, which averages 22.5 inches. This moisture supports the county's vast forest and wilderness areas.

Significant snow and summer sun

The county averages 28.5 inches of snow per year and a winter temperature of 43.4°F. Summers are warm, with 59 extreme heat days and a 72.6°F average. It is a true four-season destination with distinct weather transitions.

Prepare for significant snowfall

Residents must maintain snow tires and shovels to manage the 28.5-inch annual snow average. Cooling systems are also necessary for the two months of extreme summer heat. Home preparation should include gutter maintenance to handle the high 37.1-inch rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tuolumne County

via SoilByCounty

Foothill soils of the Mother Lode

Tuolumne County's soil taxonomic and pH data are currently limited in regional reporting. In the Sierra Foothills, soil characteristics can change rapidly based on elevation and underlying rock types. Testing for the national median pH of 6.5 will help you understand your soil's health.

Rugged textures and rocky ground

Detailed sand, silt, and clay percentages are not available for this specific mountain region. Soils here are often thin and rocky, which can challenge traditional root systems but offers excellent drainage for native plants. A focus on raised beds may be the best strategy for local gardeners.

Boosting fertility in the Sierras

Organic matter data is scarce for the county, though state averages sit at 3.30%. To maximize plant health, aim to reach the California average water capacity of 0.141 in/in through consistent composting. Building up the soil profile is the key to overcoming the challenges of thin mountain dirt.

Water movement through high terrain

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for the county. The sloped terrain generally encourages rapid surface runoff, making moisture retention a primary concern for growers. Implementing swales or contours can help capture water and nourish your plants.

Diverse opportunities in zone 8b

Tuolumne's zone 8b climate supports hardy perennials and many varieties of stone fruits. The distinct seasons allow for a classic gardening cycle with a true winter rest for your plants. Take advantage of the unique foothill climate and start your planting season this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tuolumne County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions

Tuolumne County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 76.5, making it one of the easiest places in the state to keep a lawn green. Zone 8b provides a slightly shorter but very manageable season.

The Ideal Amount of Rain

The 37.1 inches of annual precipitation is excellent for lawn health, hitting the 30-50 inch ideal range. 59 heat days match the state average exactly, keeping stress levels moderate.

Custom Soil Care Required

No specific soil data is available, so a local nutrient test is highly recommended. Ensure your yard has proper grading to handle the high annual rainfall without puddling.

Consistently Hydrated Landscape

Zero weeks of drought in the past year means your lawn isn't starting from a deficit. The county remains at 0% for all drought levels, including abnormally dry status.

Cooler Season Varieties Work Best

Fescue mixes are a great choice for this 3642 GDD environment. Plan your seeding for late April once the April 16 frost risk has safely passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tuolumne County's county score?
Tuolumne County, California has a composite county score of 41.7 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 Tuolumne County rank among counties in California?
Tuolumne County ranks #27 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 Tuolumne County, California?
The median annual property tax in Tuolumne County is $2,737, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Tuolumne County a tax score of 66.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tuolumne County?
The median household income in Tuolumne County, California is $72,259 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tuolumne County earns an income score of 71.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tuolumne County, California a good place to live?
Tuolumne County scores 41.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in California. The best way to evaluate Tuolumne 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 Tuolumne 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.