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Colusa County ProfileColusa County is located approximately thirty-five miles north of Sacramento, along the I-5 corridor. The county is approximately thirty-five miles long (north to south) and forty-five miles wide (east to west). It is bounded by Yolo, Sutter, Butte, Glenn and Lake Counties. It is primarily a rural agricultural county, with a total population of about 17,000. There are two incorporated cities: Colusa (5,000) and Williams (3,000). Interstate 5 bisects the County running north and south. To the west of I-5 is flat agricultural land, running into the Coastal Mountain range. The highest point in the County is located in the Coastal Range, at over 7000 feet. East of I-5, the topography is flat. The Sacramento River roughly forms the eastern boundary of the county. Agriculture is the major industry in the county. Colusa was identified by Extension Specialist Al Sokolow as having the highest percentage increase in agricultural growth in California during the period 1985-1995 (115 % increase).The total on-farm agricultural value in the county in 1997 was $333 million. The major crops produced include rice, processing tomatoes, almonds, wheat, vegetable seeds, walnuts and prunes. Land is relatively inexpensive and water is both available and high quality, compared to other California locations. While the environment defines the breadth of crops produced locally, agriculture is clearly increasing in importance. Rice remains the number one crop, with acreage remaining fairly stable. There is currently a transition from row crops to perennial crops (almonds, grapes, walnuts) and from low-value agronomic crops to higher value vegetables or other row crops. Environmental issues (air quality, water quality, soil degradation, etc.), commodity marketing and economic sustainability are the major challenges facing local producers. The rural nature, low population and ethnic makeup of Colusa County all contribute to "quality of life" issues. There are not many organized activities or employment opportunities for young people, so the local youth become bored with the community and emigrate after graduating from high school. Retention of young people is one of our biggest problems, as the current producers retire or exit farming. Owing to a small consumer base, local merchants have difficulty remaining in business and many residents export money out of Colusa by shopping in neighboring counties. Economic development is a high community priority. The school-age youth in the county are over 50 percent Hispanic, one of the highest in the state. Cultural barriers, communication skills and community infrastructure to support this segment of the citizens are all major challenges. Our unemployment rate is often the highest in the state (reaching over 30 % during the winter months). Our per capita income is among the lowest. The teenage pregnancy rate is high.
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