Kings
California

What stands out

What stands out about Kings County: rainfall is among the driest in America (9 inches a year), unemployment is in the top 2% of American counties (7.0%), and high-school completion is in the bottom 2% of American counties (74%). Within California it ranks 5th of 58 counties for rainfall, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Kings County, California. 152,515 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -1,465).

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 $68,540 a year, higher than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $56,351. Unemployment runs 7.0%, higher than 98% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

California takes 4.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,867 a year.

Home

The median home costs $365K, pricier than 81% of American counties, about 3.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,038 a month. Property tax is 0.78% of home value, roughly $2,182 a year on that median home, lower than 58% of American counties. 55% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 73% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.3 years, longer than 68% of American counties. There are 158 active physicians in the county, about 10.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 8.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.62 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 93% of American counties. 74% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 25 points. 47% 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 65°F, highs near 78 and lows near 52, warmer than 84% of American counties. About 9 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 91 out of 100, riskier than 91% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 281 Mbps down, faster than 89% of American counties. There are 11 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries.