06/20/2026
So you insist on living in California, huh? At least see if you are living in the BEST COUNTY for you. Niche did some calculating based on the following: The thirteen factors — which were given different weights ranging from 5% to 15% — Niche considered when calculating counties' overall grades were:
Higher education rate Cost of living grade Housing Grade Diversity Grade Public Schools Grade
Composite Overall Score Family Grade Health & Fitness Grade Jobs Grade
Nightlife Grade Outdoor Activities Grade Shortest Commute Grade Weather Grade
Full California county rankings
Here are the Top 30 counties =in Niche’s rankings and grades for 57 California counties.
Alameda County ( #1): A+
Santa Clara County ( #2): A+
San Mateo County ( #3): A+
Marin County ( #4): A+
Orange County ( #5): A
Contra Costa County ( #6): A
Santa Cruz County ( #7): A
San Diego County ( #8): A-
Yolo County ( #9): A-
San Louis Obispo ( #10): A-
Placer County ( #11): A-
Santa Barbara County ( #12): A-
Sacramento County ( #13): B+
Napa County ( #14): B+
Sonoma County ( #15): B+
El Dorado County ( #16): B+
Ventura County ( #17): B
Los Angeles County ( #18): B
Inyo County ( #19): B
Mono County ( #20): B-
Solano County ( #21): B-
Nevada County ( #22): B-
Butte County ( #23): B-
Sutter County ( #24): C+
Shasta County ( #25): C+
Monterey County ( #26): C+
Humboldt County ( #27): C+
San Joaquin County ( #28): C+
Fresno County ( #29): C+
Riverside County ( #31): C