Modoc County, CA Property Records
Property records in Modoc, California document important details about real estate ownership, assessments, parcel boundaries, transfers, and recorded interests such as deeds, liens, easements, and maps. These records are useful for buyers, sellers, property owners, researchers, attorneys, and lenders who need to verify ownership, review property history, confirm assessed values, or understand legal descriptions and land-use details. Official records are maintained by Modoc County offices, primarily the Assessor for parcel and assessment information and the Clerk-Recorder for recorded documents. Users can access official information, office contacts, and available search or request options through the county’s official Modoc County property records resources.
Modoc County, CA Property Records & Statistics
Modoc County has a median rent of $734, well below the California median of $1,260 and also under the national median of $840.25. Renter-occupied housing is 23.99% of occupied homes, lower than the state's 33.49% and just above the national 21.81%, so most households own their homes.
The median home value is $192,000, less than half the state median of $403,775 but above the national median of $173,750. The median property tax rate of 0.75% is higher than the state rate of 0.69% and slightly above the national rate of 0.74%, an unusual combination of low values and a relatively high rate.
Median household income is $54,301, below the state's $78,109.75 and the national $65,108. The unemployment rate of 4.89% is higher than the state's 3.72% and the national 2.87%.
Overall, Modoc County is an affordable, rural market with low rents and values, modest incomes, and tax rates and unemployment that run above the benchmarks.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Modoc
Modoc County property records cover tax assessments, recorded deeds and mortgages, valuations, and foreclosure filings. The county has 32,245 total parcels, with tax records covering 85.43% of the population, and the recorder holds 71,960 deed records and 8,335 mortgage records. Valuation data is available for 1,900 properties, last updated August 19, 2025.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 32,245 |
| Residential Parcels | 5,671 |
| Commercial Parcels | 844 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 85.43% |
| Assessment Year | 2025 |
| Deed Records | 71,960 |
| Mortgage Records | 8,335 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 1,900 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Trustee Sale Records | 778 |
Assignment and Release Records
Assignment and release records describe what happens to a mortgage once it has been recorded. An assignment shows a loan being transferred between lenders, while a release shows the loan was satisfied and the lien removed.
Modoc County has 10,904 assignment and release records, including 1,925 assignment documents, 8,957 release documents, and 22 other documents. Assignments were recorded from January 5, 2005, through August 25, 2025, and releases from January 5, 2005, through August 27, 2025.
These records let buyers, owners, and researchers see who has held a mortgage on a property, confirm earlier loans were paid off, and spot mortgages that may still need to be cleared before a sale.
How to Search Modoc County, CA Property Records
Modoc County property records are kept by the Modoc County Assessor-Recorder, which holds assessment information and recorded documents for 32,245 parcels. Deeds have been recorded since January 3, 1989, and mortgages since February 1, 1996.
Recorded documents can be searched through the Modoc County online index search. The Modoc County Recorder page describes the office's services, and the forms and resources page provides forms for requesting copies. Those who record documents electronically can find the eRecording page.
To search, have an owner name, address, or parcel number ready, enter it into the index, and open the document that matches the property. Note the document type and recording date as you go.
The office is at 204 S Court Street, Alturas, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Call 530-233-6217 for help.
Property tax bills can be searched through the county's property tax payment portal, and building permits are explained on the Building & Safety page.
Modoc Registrar of Deeds
The Modoc County Probate Office is located at 204 S Court Street, Alturas, CA, 96101 and can be reached at 530-233-6217. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Records can be accessed through co.modoc.ca.us or the official website co.modoc.ca.us.
Modoc County Assessor-Recorder
Modoc County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Modoc County property records by address?
Use the Modoc County online index search to look for recorded documents. If an address does not return results, try the owner's name, or call the Assessor-Recorder at 530-233-6217 for help locating the parcel.
How can I find property owners in Modoc County?
Owners are named on recorded deeds. Search the online index by name or property and open the most recent deed. The county has 71,960 deed records dating from January 3, 1989. Staff at 530-233-6217 can help with harder searches.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Modoc County?
The Assessor-Recorder's office handles assessments, and the latest assessment year on file is 2025. Visit the Recorder page for office information, or call 530-233-6217 with the address or parcel number to ask about the value of a specific property.
Where can I find Modoc County property tax bills and payment records?
Bills can be searched and paid through the county's property tax payment portal, which the Modoc County website links to. For billing questions, the Tax Collector's office is at 204 S Court Street, Alturas, and can be reached at 530-233-6223.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Modoc County?
Search the online index for deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents. For copy requests, see the forms and resources page, or visit the office at 204 S Court Street in Alturas.
Where can I access Modoc County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel maps are maintained by the Assessor's staff. Call 530-233-6217 or visit 204 S Court Street in Alturas and ask for the map covering your property, giving the address or parcel number. With 32,245 parcels in the county, a parcel number is the quickest way to find it. Maps are for reference, not legal surveys.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Modoc County?
Building permits are handled by the county's Building & Safety department, and zoning and land-use applications go through Planning. Building and Safety is at 203 West 4th Street, Alturas, 530-233-6406.
How can I create a list of property owners in Modoc County?
The county's tools are designed for individual lookups. Review deeds one property at a time through the online index. For a large list or bulk request, call the Assessor-Recorder at 530-233-6217 to ask what is available and whether fees apply.