Del Norte County
CA · Pop. 27,293 · Suburban County
Del Norte County, California covers 1,006 square miles with a population of 27,293 and a density of 27.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage. The median home price is $320,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.59%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 261-day growing season, average summer highs of 64.6°F and average winter lows of 39.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 90.7 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Sutter Coast Hospital is 11.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 87.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 261-day growing season in USDA zone 9b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.59% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Sutter Coast Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 11.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low poverty rate of 11.6% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Del Norte County, CA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 59/100
- Median home price
- $320k
- Property tax
- 0.59%
- Growing season
- 261 days (zone 9b)
- Annual rainfall
- 90.7"
- Broadband
- 87.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Sutter Coast Hospital, 11.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Del Norte County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Del Norte County?
- Del Norte County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 261-day growing season, average summer highs of 64.6°F, and average winter lows of 39.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $320,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.59%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 87.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Sutter Coast Hospital is 11.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore California Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in California
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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