Modoc
California

What stands out

Three things set Modoc County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the school test score is in the bottom 3% of American counties (2.35 where 3.0 is grade level), the overdose death rate is in the top 6% of American counties (40 per 100,000), and population growth is in the bottom 6% of American counties (-1.4% a year). Within California it ranks 5th of 57 counties for the school test score, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Modoc County, California. 8,651 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -50).

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 $54,962 a year, lower than 67% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,973. Unemployment runs 5.5%, higher than 93% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 18 minutes each way.

California takes 3.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,833 a year.

Home

The median home costs $196K, cheaper than 64% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $768 a month. Property tax is 0.77% of home value, roughly $1,425 a year on that median home, lower than 58% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 67% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 40 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.8 years, longer than 50% of American counties. There are 9 active physicians in the county, about 10.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 6.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.49 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 97% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 50 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 64% 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 50°F, highs near 63 and lows near 36, colder than 76% of American counties. About 21 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 81 out of 100, riskier than 81% of American counties; the county has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 98 Mbps down, slower than 88% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.