Modoc County, California
Modoc County (/ˈmoʊdɒk/ ⓘ) is a county in the far northeast corner of the U.S. state of California. Its population is 8,700 as of the 2020 census, down from 9,686 from the 2010 census. This makes it California's third-least populous county. The county seat and only incorporated city is Alturas. Previous county seats include Lake City and Centerville. The county borders Nevada and Oregon.
Modoc County, California | |
|---|---|
| County of Modoc | |
From top down, left to right: Pit River Valley, Eagle Peak, Fandango Pass overlooking Surprise Valley | |
Interactive map of Modoc County | |
Location in the U.S. state of California | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Shasta Cascade |
| Incorporated | February 17, 1874 |
| Named for | the Modoc people |
| County seat | Alturas |
| Largest city | Alturas |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–CEO |
| • Chair | Kathie Rhoads |
| • Vice Chair | Shane Starr |
| • Board of Supervisors | Supervisors
|
| • County Administrative Officer | Chester Robertson |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4,203 sq mi (10,890 km2) |
| • Land | 3,918 sq mi (10,150 km2) |
| • Water | 286 sq mi (740 km2) |
| Highest elevation | 9,892 ft (3,015 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 8,700 |
| • Density | 2.1/sq mi (0.80/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific Time Zone) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (Pacific Daylight Time) |
| Congressional district | 1st |
| Website | www |
Much of Modoc County is federal land. Several federal agencies, including the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, have employees assigned to the area, and their operations are a significant part of its economy and services.
The county's official slogans include "The last best place" and "Where the West still lives".