CountyScore

Yolo County

California · CA

#36 in California
58.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Yolo County, California

Yolo scores well above the national median

With a composite score of 58.5 out of 100, Yolo County outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 57th percentile nationally. This positions the county as a solid performer on livability metrics compared to counties across the United States.

Just below California's average overall

Yolo's composite score of 58.5 falls slightly below California's state average of 61.3, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 58 counties. While not among the top performers, the county remains competitive within California's broader livability landscape.

Tax efficiency is Yolo's standout strength

Yolo County excels with a tax score of 80.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.769%, creating a favorable financial environment for residents. The county's median household income of $88,818 also outperforms many peers, supporting middle-to-upper-class households.

Housing affordability and data gaps persist

The cost score of 46.1 reflects significant housing pressures, with a median home value of $593,800 and median rent at $1,757 monthly—limiting options for lower-income households. Several important livability dimensions including safety, health, schools, and water quality lack current data, making a complete assessment difficult.

Best for professionals valuing tax efficiency

Yolo County suits established professionals and mid-to-upper-income families seeking favorable tax treatment and reasonable incomes, but less suited for first-time homebuyers or renters on tight budgets. The county's incomplete data profile means prospective residents should dig deeper into local schools, safety, and health services before deciding.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax80.6Cost46.1SafetyComing SoonHealth75.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome41.4Risk8.6WaterComing Soon
🏛80.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡8.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Yolo County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
58.6
Median income: $84,185
Dawson County
Texas
58.6
Median income: $55,789
Hale County
Texas
58.6
Median income: $52,788
Bethel Census Area
Alaska
58.5
Median income: $70,616
Kern County
California
58.7
Median income: $67,660

Deep Dives

Yolo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Yolo County

via TaxByCounty

Yolo's taxes run higher than most U.S. counties

Yolo County's effective tax rate of 0.769% sits well above the national median of 0.714%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is $4,567 annually—70% higher than the national median of $2,690—reflecting both higher home values and a steeper local tax rate.

Yolo ranks in top half statewide

At 0.769%, Yolo's effective rate exceeds California's state average of 0.714%, making it one of the pricier counties to own property in the state. The median tax bill of $4,567 runs 13% above the state average of $4,045, despite relatively modest home values for the region.

Yolo outpaces nearby Sacramento and Solano

Yolo's 0.769% rate is notably higher than neighboring Sacramento County and Solano County, both closer to the state average. Homeowners in Yolo pay roughly $1,700 more annually than those in comparably valued homes just across the county line.

Buy here? Expect $4,567 yearly tax

A typical Yolo County home valued at $593,800 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $4,567 without mortgage-related increases. Those with mortgages may owe closer to $5,008 when tax and insurance reserves are pooled into monthly escrow payments.

Challenge inflated assessments and save

Many Yolo County homeowners are overassessed relative to their property's true market value, especially after recent market downturns. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can often result in lower valuations and immediate tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yolo County

via CostByCounty

Yolo's rent burden tops U.S. average

Yolo County renters spend 23.7% of their income on housing, outpacing the national median of roughly 20%. This gap widens when you consider that Yolo's median household income of $88,818 is 19% above the national average of $74,755, yet housing costs still take a larger bite.

Above-average affordability for California

Yolo's rent-to-income ratio of 23.7% sits slightly above California's state average of 22.4%, placing it in the middle range across the state's 58 counties. The county's median rent of $1,757 exceeds the state average of $1,618, reflecting broader regional pressure in Northern California.

Pricier than nearby Yuba County

Renters in Yolo pay $548 more monthly than those in neighboring Yuba County ($1,757 vs. $1,209), a 45% premium for comparable geography. Homebuyers face similar disparity: Yolo's median home value of $593,800 outpaces Yuba's $380,000 by over $200,000.

Housing claims nearly a quarter of income

Between rent ($1,757) and ownership costs ($1,966), housing consumes 23.7% of the typical Yolo household's $88,818 annual income. That leaves renters and buyers with substantially less discretionary income compared to areas where housing costs hover closer to 20% of earnings.

Weighing Yolo for your next home?

If affordability is your priority, compare Yolo's 23.7% rent-to-income ratio against nearby alternatives like Yuba County (19.8%) before committing. A move to lower-cost neighboring counties could free up hundreds of dollars monthly, though proximity to UC Davis and regional amenities may justify Yolo's premium for some households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yolo County

via IncomeByCounty

Yolo's income tops the nation

Yolo County's median household income of $88,818 outpaces the national median by $14,063, placing it well above the typical American household. This puts Yolo in the upper tier of U.S. counties, reflecting the economic strength of the region anchored by UC Davis and state government employment.

Strong ranking in California

Yolo's median income of $88,818 exceeds California's state average of $87,001, positioning the county in the upper half of California's 58 counties. This above-average standing reflects the region's diversified economy and higher education presence.

Outearning nearby Yuba County

Yolo County households earn $15,505 more annually ($88,818 vs. $73,313) compared to neighboring Yuba County. This 21% income advantage reflects Yolo's stronger employment base in education, government, and professional services.

Housing costs remain manageable

Yolo residents dedicate 23.7% of income to rent, slightly above the national guideline of 20% but sustainable for most households. With median homes valued at $593,800, the county's higher incomes provide meaningful purchasing power, though first-time buyers still face affordability challenges.

Build on Yolo's income advantage

Above-average household incomes create opportunity: prioritize building emergency savings equal to 3–6 months of expenses, then explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts and investment portfolios. Yolo's stable employment in education and public service makes it an ideal time to lock in long-term financial goals like homeownership or wealth diversification.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Yolo County

via HealthByCounty

Yolo residents live longer than most

At 79.9 years, Yolo County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than three years. The county's 19.4% poor or fair health rate also beats the national average of 21%, signaling better overall wellness than much of the country.

Among California's healthiest counties

Yolo County ranks in the upper tier statewide, with a life expectancy 1.4 years above California's 78.5-year average. Its uninsured rate of 5.6% is notably lower than the state average of 7.2%, reflecting strong health coverage access.

Clear health advantage over Yuba

Yolo County's residents live nearly 5 years longer than Yuba County residents (79.9 vs. 75.0 years), and the county maintains better provider access with 124 primary care providers per 100,000 residents compared to Yuba's 20 per 100,000. This disparity directly impacts how quickly residents can see doctors and address health concerns.

Strong mental health resources

With 458 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Yolo County offers robust psychiatric and behavioral health support. The 5.6% uninsured rate means most residents have financial protection when seeking care, though some gaps remain for vulnerable populations.

Find your health insurance today

Even in well-insured Yolo County, one in 18 residents lacks coverage. Visit Covered California to explore plan options, check income-based subsidies, and ensure you're protected against unexpected medical costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yolo County

via RiskByCounty

Yolo ranks above average for disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 91.38, Yolo County faces higher natural disaster risk than most U.S. counties. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects above-average exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly earthquake and flood risks that shape the region's resilience challenges.

Yolo's risk exceeds California's state average

Yolo's composite score of 91.38 ranks above California's state average of 88.72, placing it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. This higher-than-average standing reflects the county's position in a seismically active zone with significant flood vulnerability.

Yolo faces steeper risks than Yuba County

Yolo's composite risk score of 91.38 significantly exceeds neighboring Yuba County's 80.88, making Yolo one of the region's higher-risk areas. While both counties share wildfire and earthquake exposure, Yolo faces notably elevated flood risk (89.57 vs. 83.78), a critical distinction for emergency planning.

Earthquakes and floods pose greatest threats

Yolo County's earthquake risk score of 97.42 is exceptionally high, reflecting its location near major fault lines—a hazard residents must prepare for year-round. Flood risk also ranks dangerously high at 89.57, particularly threatening communities near the Sacramento and Yolo Bypass systems during heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt.

Earthquake and flood coverage essential here

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake or flood damage—two of Yolo County's top three risks. Given your county's earthquake risk score of 97.42 and flood risk of 89.57, obtaining separate earthquake insurance and NFIP flood policies should be immediate priorities, regardless of your perceived distance from fault lines or waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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