Home Value
$453,300
61% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
373/100K
2% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
57.3%
70% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
19.6%
39% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Little River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population141
Median Age34.6 yrs
Density84/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 62%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$36,042
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$4,693M
Housing
Home Value$453,300
Ownership88.6%
Zillow$921,968
Housing Units195
Rent Burden32.7%
Crime
F
Violent373/100K
Property3,533/100K
Health
Obesity19.6%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking8.6%
Depression17.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain43.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation266 ft (81 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+57.3%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score3.77
Community
2024 VoteR 35% / D 61%
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries7
Is Little River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Little River receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Little River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Little River is $453,300, making it a premium housing market at 61% above the U.S. median of $281,900.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Little River is below the national average at 373 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,533 per 100,000, 80% above the national average.
Education
Little River is a highly educated community / 57.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Little River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Little River has a population of 141 with a density of 84 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 34.6 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.7% female and 38.3% male. The city is predominantly White (62.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.6% of residents, while 18.4% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.6yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Little River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.6%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.4%
37% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Little River vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $36,042. The average weekly wage is $1,037, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,522 business establishments, including 336 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 42.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Little River vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $36,042 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,037 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,138 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,522 |
| County GDP | $4,693M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 336 |
| Healthcare | 265 |
| Retail | 403 |
| Manufacturing | 123 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,264 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 42.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 42.2% |
The median home value in Little River is $453,300, 61% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $921,968, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 195 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $6,264 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $453,300 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $921,968 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.4% |
| Housing Units | 195 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,264 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.38% |
In Little River, 19.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 24.3% have high blood pressure. 8.6% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 14.6% report binge drinking. 14.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 17.7% report depression. 12.6% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,286. The dentist ratio is 1:1,247. 68.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Little River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 19.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.3% |
| Asthma | 7.5% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 8.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.3% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 12.6% |
| Physical Distress | 9.1% |
| Short Sleep | 24.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,286 |
| Dentists | 1:1,247 |
| Mental Health | 1:152 |
| Checkup Rate | 57.0% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,093/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 265 |
Little River has a violent crime rate of 373 per 100,000 residents, 2% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,533 per 100,000, 80% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Little River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Little River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 372.7/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,533.5/100K |
| 80% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Traffic Accidents | 98 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Little River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 266 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
57°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 51.5°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 266 ft (81 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 84/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2703°N, 123.7817°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Mendocino County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chico Regional (CIC)
107 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.2"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
8.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0340 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 76.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5,751 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 27, 2025.
| Apr 25, 1992 |
The 1992 Petrolia, California Earthquake |
M7.2 |
124 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
32 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M6.6 |
140 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
30 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M6.5 |
146 km |
| Aug 17, 1991 |
30 km SSW of Scotia, California |
M6.0 |
117 km |
| Jan 28, 2015 |
40 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
136 km |
| Jan 22, 1997 |
33 km SW of Scotia, California |
M5.6 |
123 km |
| Jun 23, 2019 |
6km SSW of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
120 km |
| Jan 16, 1990 |
30 km NW of Shelter Cove, California |
M5.4 |
117 km |
| Jan 1, 2023 |
15km SE of Rio Dell, CA |
M5.4 |
128 km |
| Mar 8, 1992 |
27 km NW of Shelter Cove, California |
M5.3 |
115 km |
| Mar 18, 2020 |
15km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.2 |
133 km |
| Jan 26, 1997 |
33 km SW of Scotia, California |
M5.2 |
124 km |
| Jul 18, 2021 |
12km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.1 |
129 km |
| Aug 10, 2016 |
20 km NNE of Upper Lake, California |
M5.1 |
85 km |
| Jul 19, 2006 |
35 km SSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.0 |
125 km |
| Aug 7, 2009 |
43 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M4.9 |
137 km |
| Jun 19, 1994 |
29 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M4.9 |
134 km |
| Jun 5, 1992 |
31 km SSW of Ferndale, California |
M4.9 |
128 km |
| Sep 24, 2022 |
37km W of Petrolia, CA |
M4.8 |
141 km |
| Dec 26, 1999 |
34 km SW of Scotia, California |
M4.8 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
5 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 27, 2005 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 1998 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 1959 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 1983 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Feb 3, 1958 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.8 m (6 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1992 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
— |
130 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Clear Lake (93 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
93 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AUGUST COMPLEX (1,068,802 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
AUGUST COMPLEX |
1,068,802 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
RANCH |
427,048 |
87 km |
| 1996 |
FORK |
83,209 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
WALLBRIDGE |
55,194 |
99 km |
| 1987 |
MENDENHALL |
54,162 |
71 km |
| 2018 |
RIVER |
48,920 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
NORTH PASS |
43,689 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
REDWOOD VALLEY INCIDENT |
36,545 |
50 km |
| 2012 |
MILL |
29,924 |
100 km |
| 2001 |
TROUGH |
25,270 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
POCKET |
18,691 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
FOUTS |
16,892 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
HUNTER |
16,757 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
LODGE COMPLEX |
12,299 |
58 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
9,655 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
MEU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (SUGARLOAF) |
8,344 |
39 km |
| 2008 |
MEU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (RED MOUNTAIN) |
7,636 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
SPANISH |
6,384 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
MEU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (HARDY) |
5,520 |
49 km |
| 1988 |
SADDLE |
5,144 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
8.4 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
7.0 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
6.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
57°F (14°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| August |
59°F (15°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
0.8 in |
Warmest |
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
51°F (10°C) |
6.9 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
7.5 in |
|
Little River has a seasonal temperature swing of 13°F / from 46°F in January to 59°F in September. Total annual precipitation is 45.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (8.4") and July the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Little River. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,204 |
| Toddler | $878 |
| Preschool | $727 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,038 |
| Toddler | $919 |
| Preschool | $869 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Little River
What is the population of Little River?
Little River has a population of 141 residents and is located in California. The population density is 84 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.7% female and 38.3% male.
Is Little River expensive to live in?
Little River is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median home value is $453,300 (61% above the U.S. median).
Is Little River safe?
Little River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 373 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,533 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Little River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Little River?
Little River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Little River?
The job market in Little River is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,037. There are 4,522 business establishments in the area, including 336 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Little River?
The median home value in Little River is $453,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $921,968. The homeownership rate is 88.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,264.
How are the schools in Little River?
Schools in Little River have an average test score of 3.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 57.3% of adults in Little River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Little River?
The obesity rate in Little River is 19.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.6% of adults are smokers. 14.3% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 68.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,286.
What are the demographics of Little River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Little River is 62.4% White. 81.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.4% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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