CountyScore

Yuba County

California · CA

#21 in California
62.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Yuba County, California

Yuba outperforms the national livability median

Yuba County's composite score of 64.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. This strong showing reflects the county's competitive position on livability across the broader U.S. landscape.

Above-average performer within California

With a composite score of 64.9, Yuba County edges above California's state average of 61.3, ranking it in the upper half of the state's counties. The county's profile places it among California's more livable communities.

Affordability and low taxes lead the way

Yuba County shines with the state's most accessible housing market, posting a cost score of 61.2—supported by a median home value of $380,000 and rent at just $1,209 monthly. The tax score of 81.1 and effective rate of 0.754% make it one of California's most tax-efficient counties.

Income levels lag significantly behind state peers

The income score of 31.2 reflects a median household income of $73,313, notably below both Yolo County and California's broader averages. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, water quality, and risk assessment limit the full picture of county livability.

Ideal for budget-conscious families seeking value

Yuba County is best suited for families and working professionals prioritizing affordability and tax efficiency over high incomes, making it attractive for retirees and lower-cost-of-living seekers. Future residents should independently research schools, safety records, and health services before committing, given current data limitations.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.1Cost61.2SafetyComing SoonHealth68.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.2Risk19.1WaterComing Soon
🏛81.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡19.1
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 Yuba County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butte County
California
62.1
Median income: $68,574
Paulding County
Georgia
62.1
Median income: $94,557
Genesee County
Michigan
62.1
Median income: $60,673
Linn County
Oregon
62.1
Median income: $73,396
Hopkins County
Texas
62.1
Median income: $64,725

Deep Dives

Yuba County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yuba County

via TaxByCounty

Yuba's property taxes exceed national norms

Yuba County's effective tax rate of 0.754% runs slightly higher than the national median of 0.714%, putting it above the midpoint of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,865 tops the national median of $2,690, though Yuba's lower home values keep the absolute burden more modest.

Yuba sits just above California average

At 0.754%, Yuba's effective rate edges past California's state average of 0.714%, reflecting slightly higher local tax pressure. The median annual bill of $2,865 falls well below the state median of $4,045, a sign of lower median home values in the county.

Yuba comparable to Butte, below Sacramento

Yuba's 0.754% rate places it close to neighboring Butte County while remaining well below more affluent Sacramento County to the south. Property taxes are generally more affordable here than in surrounding regions with higher median home prices.

Own $380K home? Expect $2,865 annually

A typical Yuba County home valued at $380,000 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $2,865 before mortgage-related reserves. Those paying into escrow accounts may see bills closer to $3,272 when insurance and taxes are combined.

Appeal overassessed properties today

Even in Yuba County, many homeowners carry assessments above their property's current market value, particularly those who haven't appealed since 2020. The assessor's office accepts free appeals, and successful challenges often cut hundreds of dollars from annual tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yuba County

via CostByCounty

Yuba beats national housing affordability

Yuba County renters dedicate just 19.8% of their income to housing, comfortably below the national benchmark of roughly 20%. With a median household income of $73,313—nearly matching the national average of $74,755—Yuba offers a genuinely balanced housing-to-income relationship rare in California.

California's affordable county stands out

Yuba's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% ranks significantly below California's state average of 22.4%, positioning it among the state's most affordable counties. Its median rent of $1,209 undercuts the state average by $409 monthly, making it a relative bargain in an expensive state.

Yuba's clear affordability advantage

Renters in Yuba pay $548 less per month than those in neighboring Yolo County ($1,209 vs. $1,757), a 31% savings that compounds to over $6,500 annually. Homebuyers gain even more: Yuba's median home value of $380,000 costs $213,800 less than Yolo's $593,800.

Under 20% of income goes to housing

Yuba renters spend $1,209 monthly on housing costs, while homeowners face $1,651 in ownership expenses—together representing just 19.8% of the typical $73,313 household income. This leaves working families substantially more breathing room compared to higher-burden California counties.

Considering a California relocation?

Yuba County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio makes it an compelling option for families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing California location. Compare your current housing costs against Yuba's rates: renters and buyers alike could reclaim hundreds monthly in expenses, while still accessing Sacramento's job market just 50 miles away.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yuba County

via IncomeByCounty

Yuba keeps pace with America

Yuba County's median household income of $73,313 sits just slightly below the national median of $74,755—a difference of only $1,442. This means typical Yuba households earn roughly what most American families earn, despite California's higher overall cost of living.

Below California's income bar

Yuba County's median income of $73,313 falls below California's state average of $87,001 by nearly $14,000, placing it in the lower half of the state's 58 counties. This gap reflects regional differences in job market strength and educational attainment.

Income gap with Yolo County

Yuba residents earn $15,505 less annually than their neighbors in Yolo County ($73,313 vs. $88,818), a 21% difference shaped by Yolo's concentration of higher-paying government and university jobs. Yuba's economy relies more heavily on agriculture, manufacturing, and smaller employers.

Rent affordable, homes challenging

At 19.8% of income, Yuba's rent-to-income ratio meets the recommended 20% threshold, making rental housing relatively accessible. However, median home values of $380,000 still require substantial savings; most households would need 20–30% down payments, challenging for median earners.

Strategic saving builds Yuba wealth

With income aligned to national averages, focus on automating savings through paycheck deduction into high-yield savings accounts and retirement plans. Yuba's lower housing costs compared to state averages create an opportunity to invest 10–15% of income toward long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Yuba County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags far behind

Yuba County residents have a life expectancy of 75.0 years, trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years and significantly below California's 78.5-year benchmark. With 21.3% of adults reporting poor or fair health, the county faces health challenges that demand attention and investment.

Among California's struggling counties

Yuba County's 75.0-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in California, falling 3.5 years below the state average. The county's 6.6% uninsured rate exceeds California's 7.2% state average, leaving a higher proportion of residents without coverage.

Provider shortage compounds health gaps

Yuba County has only 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—one-sixth the density of neighboring Yolo County's 124 per 100,000. This scarcity means longer wait times, delayed diagnoses, and residents traveling greater distances for routine medical care.

Mental health care stretched thin

Mental health providers are available at 260 per 100,000 residents, leaving gaps in behavioral health access during a time of rising mental health needs. The 6.6% uninsured rate affects roughly one in 15 residents, forcing some to delay or skip necessary medical visits due to cost.

Get insured to protect your health

With limited providers and health challenges, health insurance is essential in Yuba County. Check Covered California immediately to find affordable plans, explore Medi-Cal eligibility, and ensure you can access the care your family needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yuba County

via RiskByCounty

Yuba carries relatively low national risk

Yuba County's composite risk score of 80.88 puts it below the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating overall. While this designation suggests lower exposure than most U.S. counties, Yuba still faces significant wildfire and earthquake challenges that demand local preparedness.

Yuba scores below California's average

With a composite score of 80.88, Yuba County ranks below California's state average of 88.72, positioning it among the state's lower-risk counties. This favorable standing doesn't mean the county is risk-free—it reflects a better balance of hazard exposure compared to most California regions.

Yuba safer than nearby Yolo County

Yuba County's risk score of 80.88 is meaningfully lower than Yolo County's 91.38, reflecting Yuba's reduced flood vulnerability and more moderate earthquake exposure. However, Yuba's wildfire risk of 96.82 substantially exceeds Yolo's 86.96, making fire preparedness equally critical in this region despite overall lower composite risk.

Wildfire dominates Yuba's hazard profile

Wildfire risk in Yuba County ranks critically high at 96.82, rivaling some of California's most fire-prone counties and reflecting the region's location in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Earthquake risk of 90.08 and flood risk of 83.78 round out Yuba's hazard exposure, creating a diverse set of threats requiring layered preparedness strategies.

Wildfire and earthquake insurance vital

Yuba County's wildfire risk of 96.82 makes supplemental fire insurance and defensible-space maintenance non-negotiable for homeowners. Additionally, with an earthquake risk score of 90.08, securing earthquake insurance is essential—standard policies won't protect your home from either of these major threats.

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.