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. 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 per capita income is among the lowest. The teenage pregnancy rate is high.