Colusa
California

What stands out

Against every county in America, Colusa County is unusual in three ways: unemployment is among the highest in America (11.6%), the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), and high-school completion is in the bottom 2% of American counties (73%). Within California it ranks 2nd of 58 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Colusa County, California. 21,811 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +2).

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 $69,619 a year, higher than 73% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $60,337. Unemployment runs 11.6%, higher than almost every county in America. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

California takes 4.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,954 a year.

Home

The median home costs $377K, pricier than 83% of American counties, about 4.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $981 a month. Property tax is 0.65% of home value, roughly $2,342 a year on that median home, lower than 71% of American counties. 63% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 71% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 79.5 years, longer than 88% of American counties. There are 13 active physicians in the county, about 6.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 1.0 of 5 stars. 9.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.71 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 87% of American counties. 73% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 30 points. 63% 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 63°F, highs near 76 and lows near 50, warmer than 76% of American counties. About 19 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 95 out of 100, riskier than 95% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 143 Mbps down, slower than 74% of American counties. There are 10 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.