Inyo
California

What stands out

Against every county in America, Inyo County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (3.2 on the USDA scale), and rainfall is among the driest in America (8 inches a year). Within California it ranks 3rd of 58 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Inyo County, California. 18,829 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -154).

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 $63,417 a year, higher than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $61,041. Unemployment runs 3.7%, higher than 61% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 14 minutes each way.

California takes 3.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,457 a year.

Home

The median home costs $534K, pricier than 95% of American counties, about 4.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,113 a month. Property tax is 0.68% of home value, roughly $2,215 a year on that median home, lower than 68% of American counties. 66% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 64% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 77.0 years, longer than 64% of American counties. There are 41 active physicians in the county, about 21.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 5.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.65 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 86% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 6 points. 70% 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 51, warmer than 77% of American counties. About 8 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 76 out of 100, riskier than 76% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 96 Mbps down, slower than 88% of American counties. There are 7 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 5 museums, 2 National Park Service sites.