Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in California

Written by:
April 22, 2021
Chmee2 // Wikimedia Commons

Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in California

The United States by April 21 had reached 569,404 deaths due to COVID-19 and more than 31.9 million cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. Amid the grim numbers come two bright spots: As of Feb. 2, more Americans had been vaccinated for COVID-19 than had been infected; and since then, rolling averages for case counts and deaths have been on the decline.

Stacker compiled a list of the counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in California using data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Counties are ranked by the highest infection rate per 100k residents from 4/13/2021 to 4/19/2021. Ties are broken by total new cases.

As has been true throughout America’s COVID-19 history, every state—and even every county—has its own COVID-19 story, driven by local policies and behaviors. Keep reading to see where infection rates are highest in your home state.

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Naotake Murayama // Wikicommons

#50. Monterey County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 25 (110 new cases, -29% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 37.5% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 9,968 (43,267 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 2.3 (10 new deaths, +100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 82 (357 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#49. Ventura County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 27 (231 new cases, -10% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 32.5% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 9,493 (80,309 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.2 (10 new deaths, +150% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 118 (1,000 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Kenneth Green // Wikimedia Commons

#48. Plumas County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 27 (5 new cases, +150% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 32.5% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 3,685 (693 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 32 (6 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Daniel Orth // Flickr

#47. Riverside County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 28 (684 new cases, -43% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 30.0% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 12,035 (297,319 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.5 (36 new deaths, -65% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 183 (4,528 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#46. San Francisco County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 29 (258 new cases, -11% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 27.5% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 4,092 (36,073 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 2.6 (23 new deaths, +64% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 60 (525 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#45. Tulare County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 30 (142 new cases, -1% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 25.0% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 10,599 (49,414 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.5 (7 new deaths, +17% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 178 (831 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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BDS2006 // Wikimedia

#44. Los Angeles County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 31 (3,109 new cases, -17% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 22.5% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 12,245 (1,229,328 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.5 (150 new deaths, -26% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 236 (23,653 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Scott Burley // Wikimedia Commons

#43. Modoc County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 34 (3 new cases, -62% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 15.0% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 5,542 (490 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 45 (4 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Trance addict // Wikimedia Commons

#42. Glenn County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 35 (10 new cases, -23% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 12.5% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 8,305 (2,358 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 88 (25 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Matt314 // Wikicommons

#41. Sonoma County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 36 (179 new cases, +34% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 10.0% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 6,011 (29,715 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.2 (1 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 63 (311 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Epolk // Wikimedia Commons

#40. Yolo County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 38 (84 new cases, +18% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 5.0% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 6,159 (13,580 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.5 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 91 (200 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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David Jordan // Wikicommons

#39. Fresno County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 39 (391 new cases, -26% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 2.5% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 10,071 (100,621 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.3 (13 new deaths, +18% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 165 (1,646 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Craig Howell // Wikimedia Commons

#38. San Mateo County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 39 (300 new cases, +6% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 2.5% less cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 5,375 (41,201 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.5 (4 new deaths, +33% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 73 (560 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#37. Calaveras County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 41 (19 new cases, +6% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 2.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 4,488 (2,060 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 111 (51 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#36. Santa Barbara County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 42 (186 new cases, -50% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 5.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 7,595 (33,913 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.4 (2 new deaths, +100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 100 (446 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Jennifer Williams // Wikimedia Commons

#35. Alameda County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 43 (725 new cases, -10% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 7.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 5,115 (85,481 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.9 (31 new deaths, +55% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 88 (1,477 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Uladzik Kryhin // Shutterstock

#34. Santa Clara County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 45 (862 new cases, -25% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 12.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 6,079 (117,186 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.9 (18 new deaths, -53% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 105 (2,017 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Armona // Wikicommons

#33. Kings County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 45 (69 new cases, +77% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 12.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 14,893 (22,777 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.3 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 160 (245 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Bobak Ha'Eri // Wikimedia Commons

#32. Tuolumne County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 46 (25 new cases, +108% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 15.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 7,491 (4,081 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 117 (64 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#31. Butte County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 47 (104 new cases, -7% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 17.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 5,288 (11,591 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.4 (3 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 89 (196 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District // Wikimedia Commons

#30. Yuba County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 47 (37 new cases, +16% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 17.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 7,767 (6,110 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.3 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 56 (44 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#29. San Bernardino County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 48 (1,048 new cases, -50% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 20.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 13,526 (294,883 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 2.9 (64 new deaths, -7% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 209 (4,556 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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SD Dirk // Flickr

#28. San Diego County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 50 (1,682 new cases, -5% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 25.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 8,241 (275,112 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.6 (53 new deaths, +39% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 110 (3,674 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Cory Maylett // Wikimedia Commons

#27. Humboldt County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 50 (68 new cases, +31% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 25.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 2,671 (3,621 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.5 (2 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 28 (38 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Ray Bouknight // Wikicommons

#26. Sutter County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 52 (50 new cases, +11% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 30.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 9,582 (9,292 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 3.1 (3 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 112 (109 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Bobak Ha'Eri // Wikimedia Commons

#25. Amador County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 55 (22 new cases, -4% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 37.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 9,124 (3,627 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 12.6 (5 new deaths, +400% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 128 (51 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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nickchapman // Wikicommons

#24. Kern County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 56 (505 new cases, -44% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 40.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 11,984 (107,879 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 2.0 (18 new deaths, +38% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 147 (1,322 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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CFang // Wikimedia Commons

#23. Lake County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 56 (36 new cases, +64% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 40.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 5,301 (3,413 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 67 (43 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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MARELBU // Wikimedia Commons

#22. Contra Costa County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 57 (659 new cases, -9% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 42.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 5,817 (67,101 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.3 (4 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 68 (782 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Frank Schulenburg // Wikimedia Commons

#21. Tehama County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 57 (37 new cases, -46% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 42.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 8,343 (5,430 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 86 (56 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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EPoelzl // Wikimedia Commons

#20. Mariposa County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 58 (10 new cases, +100% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 45.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 2,476 (426 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 41 (7 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Stan Shebs // Wikicommons

#19. Napa County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 60 (83 new cases, -15% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 50.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 7,028 (9,680 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 57 (79 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Frank Schulenburg // Wikimedia Commons

#18. Nevada County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 66 (66 new cases, +12% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 65.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 4,488 (4,477 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 75 (75 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#17. Sierra County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 67 (2 new cases, 0% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 67.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 3,661 (110 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: - (- total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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LPS.1 // Wikicommons

#16. San Joaquin County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 70 (533 new cases, -29% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 75.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 9,385 (71,527 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 175 (1,334 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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CleanWater17 // Wikimedia Commons

#15. Colusa County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 70 (15 new cases, +7% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 75.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 10,206 (2,199 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 74 (16 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Mark Miller // Wikimedia Commons

#14. Merced County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 71 (197 new cases, +20% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 77.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 11,260 (31,267 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.4 (4 new deaths, -33% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 163 (452 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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DimiTalen // Wikimedia Commons

#13. El Dorado County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 71 (136 new cases, +7% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 77.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 5,070 (9,777 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.5 (1 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 57 (109 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#12. Madera County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 71 (111 new cases, -3% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 77.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 10,346 (16,277 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.9 (3 new deaths, +50% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 152 (239 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#11. Sacramento County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 74 (1,146 new cases, -24% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 85.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 6,540 (101,511 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.4 (6 new deaths, -74% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 106 (1,646 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Michael Patrick // Wikimedia Commons

#10. San Benito County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 76 (48 new cases, +20% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 90.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 9,535 (5,989 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.6 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 100 (63 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Basar // Wikicommons

#9. San Luis Obispo County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 77 (218 new cases, +47% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 92.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 7,408 (20,972 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.4 (1 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 91 (257 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#8. Solano County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 79 (354 new cases, +30% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 97.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 7,155 (32,027 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.2 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 53 (239 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Aaronbrick // Wikicommons

#7. Santa Cruz County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 81 (221 new cases, +70% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 102.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 5,715 (15,615 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.4 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 75 (204 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Cbl62 // Wikicommons

#6. Imperial County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 83 (150 new cases, -41% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 107.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 15,446 (27,991 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.1 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 397 (719 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Doug Olson // Wikimedia Commons

#5. Placer County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 85 (338 new cases, -4% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 112.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 5,492 (21,878 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.0 (4 new deaths, +100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 71 (283 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#4. Stanislaus County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 93 (514 new cases, -5% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 132.5% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 10,989 (60,513 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 2.2 (12 new deaths, -14% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 187 (1,030 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Doug Kerr // Wikicommons

#3. Shasta County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 102 (183 new cases, +141% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 155.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 6,509 (11,722 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 2.2 (4 new deaths, -33% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 121 (218 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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#2. Del Norte County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 122 (34 new cases, +36% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 205.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 4,631 (1,288 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 25 (7 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available
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Chmee2 // Wikimedia Commons

#1. Siskiyou County

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 126 (55 new cases, +244% change from previous week)
--- Compared to average rate of new cases in California: 215.0% more cases per 100k residents
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 4,499 (1,959 total cases)
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 4.6 (2 new deaths, -33% change from previous week)
- Cumulative deaths per 100k: 48 (21 total deaths)
- Test positivity rate: data not available

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