San Benito
California

What stands out

Against every county in America, San Benito County is unusual in three ways: the home price against local income is among the most stretched in America (6.2 years of income), the median home price is in the top 2% of American counties ($772K), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the top 2% of American counties ($1,713 a month). Within California it ranks 15th of 58 counties for the home price against local income.

Where you are

You live in San Benito County, California. 64,753 people live here with you. The population grew 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +126).

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 $104,451 a year, higher than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $60,013. Unemployment runs 5.0%, higher than 89% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

California takes 5.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $6,153 a year.

Home

The median home costs $772K, pricier than 98% of American counties, about 6.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,713 a month. Property tax is 0.82% of home value, roughly $5,803 a year on that median home, lower than 53% 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 66% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 80.4 years, longer than 93% of American counties. There are 49 active physicians in the county, about 7.6 per 10,000 people. 6.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.82 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 82% of American counties. 84% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 11 points. 73% 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 60°F, highs near 73 and lows near 48, warmer than 68% of American counties. About 18 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 94 out of 100, riskier than 94% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 214 Mbps down, faster than 57% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 1 National Park Service site.