Calaveras
California

What stands out

Three things set Calaveras County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the school test score is in the bottom 3% of American counties (2.36 where 3.0 is grade level), the home price against local income is in the top 4% of American counties (4.5 years of income), and the average commute is in the top 5% of American counties (31 minutes). Within California it ranks 6th of 57 counties for the school test score, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Calaveras County, California. 45,674 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +214).

California's 13.3% top income-tax rate applies only to income above roughly $1 million, and Proposition 13 caps property-tax growth at 2% a year for as long as you own the home, so long-time owners pay far less than new buyers on identical houses. Wildfire risk now drives insurance availability in much of the state, and several major carriers have stopped writing new homeowner policies.

Money

The typical household here brings in $77,526 a year, higher than 85% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,838. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 59% of American counties. 13% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 31 minutes each way.

California takes 4.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,649 a year.

Home

The median home costs $440K, pricier than 89% of American counties, about 4.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,295 a month. Property tax is 0.73% of home value, roughly $2,933 a year on that median home, lower than 62% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 55% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.6 years, longer than 81% of American counties. There are 47 active physicians in the county, about 10.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 5.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.52 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 97% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 31 points. 73% of eligible voters turned out. Under California law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 60°F, highs near 73 and lows near 48, warmer than 69% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 86 out of 100, riskier than 87% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 145 Mbps down, slower than 73% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 4 museums.