Plumas County
CA · Pop. 19,607 · Rural County
Plumas County, California covers 2,553 square miles with a population of 19,607 and a density of 7.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, lettuce. The median home price is $327,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.72%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 129-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.1°F and average winter lows of 26.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 42.5 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Plumas District Hospital is 8.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 67.9% 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 low effective property tax rate of 0.72% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Plumas District Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 8.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 7.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low poverty rate of 10.7% 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.
- A 129-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 67.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Plumas County, CA is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 39/100
- Median home price
- $327k
- Property tax
- 0.72%
- Growing season
- 129 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 42.5"
- Broadband
- 67.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Plumas District Hospital, 8.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Plumas County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Plumas County?
- Plumas County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 129-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.1°F, and average winter lows of 26.9°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, lettuce.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $327,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.72%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 67.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Plumas District Hospital is 8.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.
Explore California Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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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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