countyscore
37.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 74.6Water Quality 59.8Lawn Care 58

County Report Card

About Yuba County, California

Yuba County trails the nation significantly

With a composite score of 37.7, Yuba County falls nearly 13 points below the national median of 50.0, ranking in the bottom 25th percentile. This reflects a county struggling across multiple quality-of-life dimensions despite some affordability strengths.

California's lower tier of livability

Yuba's score of 37.7 sits below California's state average of 40.9, placing it among the least livable counties statewide. It ranks among the state's bottom 20 counties overall.

Affordability and taxes are Yuba's assets

Yuba County offers genuinely affordable housing with median home values of $380,000 and monthly rents at just $1,209, along with a favorable tax score of 57.3. Water resources also score reasonably well at 59.8, and the effective tax rate of 0.754% is among California's lowest.

Health, schools, and safety lag significantly

Yuba's health score of 53.5, school score of 42.6, and safety score of 24.6 all fall substantially below state averages. These systemic gaps in education quality, public health outcomes, and personal safety create persistent barriers to family well-being.

Fits budget-conscious, self-sufficient households

Yuba suits residents prioritizing low housing costs and tax burden over schools and safety—retirees, remote workers, or those with private income sources. Families with school-age children or those seeking vibrant communities should consider stronger alternatives nearby.

Score breakdown

Tax57.3Cost10.3Safety24.6Health53.5Schools42.6Income74.6Risk19.1Water59.8Weather48.7
🏛57.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58
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

Sutter County
California
35
Nevada County
California
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Butte County
California
39.3
Placer County
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Sierra County
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Colusa County
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Yolo County
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El Dorado County
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Deep Dives

Yuba County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Yuba County

via CrimeByCounty

Yuba County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Yuba County maintains a total crime rate of 1875.0 per 100K residents, far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.0 out of 100.

A Top Performer for Safety in California

Yuba’s safety score of 97.0 surpasses the California average of 96.3, marking it as a safer choice than many surrounding areas. Its total crime rate sits nearly 21% lower than the statewide average of 2355.2 per 100K.

Safer Streets Than Many Nearby Counties

Yuba County's total crime rate of 1875.0 per 100K is significantly lower than Yolo County's rate of 2818.4. Residents benefit from lower incident volumes compared to several neighboring agricultural and suburban hubs.

Balanced Offense Rates Stay Below Average

Violent crime in Yuba is 343.9 per 100K, keeping it below the national average of 369.8. Property crime also remains low at 1531.1 per 100K, compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Maintaining Safety with Proactive Measures

While Yuba is statistically safer than many regions, residents can maintain this trend by using motion-sensor lighting and neighborhood watch programs. Consistent home security habits ensure local property crime rates remain at these low levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Yuba County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-focused education across nine districts

Yuba County supports a total enrollment of 15,461 students across 40 public schools and nine school districts. The system includes 22 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 8 high schools to provide a complete K-12 pipeline.

Competitive school scores on a lean budget

Yuba County maintains a school score of 53.1, which outpaces the national median of 50.0 despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,628. The 86.6% graduation rate remains close to the national benchmark of 87.0% and the state average of 87.5%.

Marysville Joint Unified anchors the county

Marysville Joint Unified is the largest district by far, managing 22 schools and serving 10,166 students. Families also have access to six charter schools, which make up 15% of the county's total school inventory.

A blend of suburban and rural learning

With 21 schools in suburban areas and 14 in rural settings, Yuba offers a diverse mix of environments and an average school size of 387 students. Large secondary schools like Lindhurst High (1,237 students) anchor the larger communities while smaller rural campuses provide intimacy.

Find your family's future in Yuba County

Prospective residents often target homes near Marysville High or Wheatland Union High for their established community presence. The county's blend of suburban and rural school settings provides unique options for homebuyers prioritizing their children's education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Yuba County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Warmth Above the National Median

Yuba County averages 61.7°F annually, placing it well above the median temperature for the United States. Its Mediterranean climate is marked by a generous 35.8 inches of rain, which is high for the region.

Beating the State Average Temperature

Yuba's 61.7°F average temperature exceeds the California state average of 58.7°F. It also receives nearly 10 more inches of rain than the state average of 25.8 inches, making it a relatively wet interior county.

High Rainfall Compared to Yolo

Yuba is notably wetter than neighboring Yolo County, which sees only 21.1 inches of rain compared to Yuba's 35.8 inches. Despite the extra rain, Yuba's summer average of 76.2°F is actually slightly hotter than Yolo's.

Heavy Heat and Total Lack of Snow

The county faces 94 days of extreme heat per year where temperatures top 90°F. While summers average a warm 76.2°F, winters are stable and snow-free with a January average of 47.0°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Rain Management

With 94 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning is a necessity for Yuba residents. The higher-than-average 35.8 inches of rain also means homeowners should prioritize proper property drainage and gutter maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yuba County

via SoilByCounty

The Hidden Character of Yuba Soils

While specific taxonomic and pH data are currently limited for Yuba County, its position in the Sacramento Valley suggests a complex geological history. Local gardeners typically encounter varied acidity levels that differ from the statewide average of 6.34.

Understanding Local Soil Texture

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not formally recorded in this dataset, but the region's landscape dictates its drainage and workability. Local testing is essential for residents to determine if their specific plot leans toward heavy clay or fast-draining sand.

Assessing Growth Potential in Yuba

Although current data does not specify organic matter percentages, Yuba's agricultural heritage points to fertile ground. Residents should aim to match or exceed the state's 3.30% organic matter average through composting to boost their soil's natural productivity.

Navigating Water and Drainage

Formal drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unclassified in the primary survey for this area. Observing how water pools or drains after a heavy rain provides the best practical guide for site planning and irrigation in the absence of technical data.

Planting for Success in Zone 9b

Yuba County shares the robust 9b Hardiness Zone, making it an ideal climate for citrus, stone fruits, and Mediterranean herbs. Despite missing specific soil metrics, the warm valley sun provides ample opportunity for any gardener to start a successful backyard orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yuba County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing Conditions in Yuba

Yuba County scores a 58.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to maintain grass here than in 58% of the country. This score is significantly higher than the California average of 51.3, thanks largely to better-than-average natural moisture.

Ideal Rainfall for Natural Growth

The county receives 35.8 inches of annual precipitation, which hits the national ideal range of 30-50 inches. While Yuba endures 94 extreme heat days, the extra rainfall helps sustain lawns during the long 4,686 growing degree day season.

Testing is Key for Yuba Soils

Specific soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for this region, making a professional soil test your first priority. Because the area receives 10 inches more rain than the state average, ensuring your site has adequate drainage is essential.

Currently Free from Drought Stress

Yuba County is currently 100% free of drought conditions and has recorded zero drought weeks over the last year. Maintaining a taller grass height during the 78.3°F July peaks will help protect the soil surface and conserve this natural moisture.

Planting Success in Zone 9b

Tall fescue and hybrid Bermuda thrive in these conditions, especially when established after the final frost on February 11th. With a long window until the November 30th frost, you have ample time to build a robust root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yuba County's county score?
Yuba County, California has a composite county score of 37.7 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 Yuba County rank among counties in California?
Yuba County ranks #43 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 Yuba County, California?
The median annual property tax in Yuba County is $2,865, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Yuba County a tax score of 57.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yuba County?
The median household income in Yuba County, California is $73,313 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yuba County earns an income score of 74.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yuba County, California a good place to live?
Yuba County scores 37.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in California. The best way to evaluate Yuba 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 Yuba County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.