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.
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 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.