Lake
California

What stands out

If you had to describe Lake County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (91 per 100,000), the school test score is in the bottom 3% of American counties (2.31 where 3.0 is grade level), and the share working from home is in the top 7% of American counties (15%). Within California it ranks 1st of 58 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Lake County, California. 68,024 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -61).

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 $56,259 a year, lower than 63% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,849. Unemployment runs 5.0%, higher than 88% of American counties. 15% of workers work from home.

California takes 3.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,910 a year.

Home

The median home costs $309K, pricier than 71% of American counties, about 3.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,127 a month. Property tax is 0.70% of home value, roughly $2,026 a year on that median home, lower than 65% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 74% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 91 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.6 years, shorter than 63% of American counties. There are 69 active physicians in the county, about 10.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 7.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.44 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 97% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 60% 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 59°F, highs near 70 and lows near 47, warmer than 62% of American counties. About 41 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 92 out of 100, riskier than 92% of American counties; the county has had 35 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 171 Mbps down, slower than 62% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries.