Home Value
$280,900
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.2%
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Mad River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population544
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density15/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans16.3%
Economy
Per Capita$24,550
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$598M
Commute14 min
Housing
Home Value$280,900
Ownership55.0%
Zillow$166,167
Housing Units333
Rent Burden23.4%
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking20.7%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI31 (Good)
Rain70.3 in/yr
Elevation2,774 ft (846 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.2%
High School+97.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.04
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 43%
Commute14 min
Broadband56.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Mad River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mad River receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Mad River faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mad River is $280,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900.
Education
11.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Mad River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 70.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
Mad River has a population of 544 with a density of 15 people per square mile, spread across 34.7 square miles. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%), with 5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.3% of residents. 16.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
544
Total Population
2023 Census
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mad River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.3%
14% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mad River vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $24,550 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,080, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 450 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mad River vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $24,550 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,080 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,058 |
| Gini Index | 0.511 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 450 |
| County GDP | $598M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,108 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Mad River is $280,900, 0% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,167, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 333 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,108 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $280,900 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $166,167 |
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 | 55.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.0% |
| Housing Units | 333 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,108 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.46% |
In Mad River, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 29.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,353. The dentist ratio is 1:3,156. 91.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mad River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.0% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,353 |
| Dentists | 1:3,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:301 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.1% |
| Dental Visits | 51.2% |
| Premature Death | 12,354/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Mad River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 70.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31. 72% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,774 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
63°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 63°F (17°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,774 ft (846 m) |
| Area | 34.7 sq mi (89.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 15/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4325°N, 123.4921°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Trinity County County |
| Nearest Airport | Redding Regional (RDD)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
70.3"
85% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
13.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 31.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 72.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5,189 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 25, 1992 |
The 1992 Petrolia, California Earthquake |
M7.2 |
63 km |
| Mar 10, 2014 |
77 km WNW of Indianola, California |
M6.8 |
145 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
32 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M6.6 |
90 km |
| Jan 10, 2010 |
The 2010 Eureka, California Earthquake |
M6.5 |
104 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
30 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M6.5 |
91 km |
| Aug 17, 1991 |
30 km SSW of Scotia, California |
M6.0 |
70 km |
| Feb 4, 2010 |
61 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.9 |
124 km |
| Mar 9, 2020 |
69km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.8 |
136 km |
| Jan 28, 2015 |
40 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
95 km |
| Mar 16, 2000 |
85 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
148 km |
| Jan 22, 1997 |
33 km SW of Scotia, California |
M5.6 |
77 km |
| Feb 13, 2012 |
26 km NNW of Willow Creek, California |
M5.6 |
83 km |
| Jun 23, 2019 |
6km SSW of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
71 km |
| Dec 26, 1994 |
7 km WNW of Fields Landing, California |
M5.4 |
76 km |
| Feb 26, 2007 |
51 km W of Ferndale, California |
M5.4 |
118 km |
| Jan 16, 1990 |
30 km NW of Shelter Cove, California |
M5.4 |
72 km |
| Feb 26, 2007 |
52km W of Ferndale, CA |
M5.4 |
119 km |
| Apr 30, 2008 |
3 km NNW of Burnt Ranch, California |
M5.4 |
45 km |
| Jan 1, 2023 |
15km SE of Rio Dell, CA |
M5.4 |
41 km |
| Mar 8, 1992 |
27 km NW of Shelter Cove, California |
M5.3 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
2 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1958 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 2018 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis 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 |
- |
70 km |
| 2024 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
- |
130 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Shasta (154 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Shasta |
Stratovolcano |
4,317 m (14,163 ft) |
1250 |
154 km |
| Lassen Volcanic Center |
Stratovolcano |
3,187 m (10,456 ft) |
1917 |
168 km |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
174 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 |
67 km |
| 2018 |
CARR |
233,710 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
MONUMENT |
226,125 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
HAYPRESS |
204,549 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
RED SALMON COMPLEX |
147,535 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
MEGRAM- ORLEANS |
125,337 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
MCFARLAND |
121,554 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
PIGEON |
100,962 |
63 km |
| 2008 |
YOLLA BOLLY COMPLEX (IRON) |
94,888 |
57 km |
| 2015 |
RIVER COMPLEX |
78,531 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
ZOGG |
56,941 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
NORTH PASS |
43,689 |
71 km |
| 2008 |
SHU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (MOON) |
36,514 |
71 km |
| 2015 |
ROUTE COMPLEX |
35,444 |
19 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (EAGLE) |
32,397 |
42 km |
| 2015 |
PATTISON |
31,129 |
30 km |
| 2022 |
CAMPBELL |
30,392 |
58 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (BUCKHORN) |
29,446 |
49 km |
| 2008 |
SHU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (MOTION) |
29,346 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
LIME COMPLEX (LIME) |
27,234 |
10 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
12.4 in |
|
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
10.5 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
9.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
63°F (17°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
0.2 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
8.6 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
13.2 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Mad River has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 43°F in December to 63°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 70.3 inches, with December being the wettest month (13.2") and August the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Mad 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 | $972 |
| Toddler | $774 |
| Preschool | $641 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,050 |
| Toddler | $921 |
| Preschool | $855 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mad River
What is the population of Mad River?
Mad River has a population of 544 residents and is located in California. The population density is 15 people per square mile, spread across 34.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.8 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Mad River expensive to live in?
Mad 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 $280,900 (0% below the U.S. median).
What is the weather like in Mad River?
Mad River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 70.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 31.
How is the job market in Mad River?
The job market in Mad River is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,080. There are 450 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mad River?
The median home value in Mad River is $280,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,167. The homeownership rate is 55.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,108.
How are the schools in Mad River?
Schools in Mad River score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.2% of adults in Mad River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mad River?
The obesity rate in Mad River is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 29.0% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 91.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,353.
What is transportation like in Mad River?
The average commute in Mad River is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mad River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mad River is 90.8% White, 5% Hispanic or Latino. 89.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 16.3% of the population are military veterans. 22.4% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.