California: CMS Rating Breakdown
California is home to 1,164 CMS-certified nursing homes, reflecting a predominantly for-profit sector. According to current official CMS data, 1,012 facilities operate as for-profit enterprises, while 120 are nonprofit and 32 are government-run. Across the state, these facilities carry an average Five-Star overall rating of 3.18 out of 5.
The Five-Star rating system serves as a broad indicator of performance but carries documented limitations. State-level averages do not constitute judgments on individual facilities and should not be interpreted as medical, financial, or legal advice. Those evaluating a specific nursing home should consult the facility's dedicated Care Compare profile and per-facility pages for comprehensive, current information before making any care decisions.
How to read this. The star ratings here are official CMS Five-Star Quality figures, shown as the rating as of May2026 — a relative quality measure with documented limits, not a recommendation, guarantee, or medical/financial/legal advice. Always confirm the current rating and details on the facility’s live Medicare Care Compare profile, and involve the resident and their clinicians in any decision.
Ownership mix
| Ownership | Facilities |
|---|---|
| For Profit | 1012 |
| Non Profit | 120 |
| Government | 32 |
California facility directory → · How to choose care →
Informational only — not medical, financial, or legal advice. Senior Care by State reports official CMS Five-Star Quality data, which is a relative measure with documented limitations — not a recommendation or a guarantee that any facility is right for you. Choosing care is a personal medical and financial decision: confirm the current details with the facility directly, talk with the resident’s physician and care team, and verify ratings and coverage on Medicare.gov or with your state’s long-term-care or health agency before relying on anything here. For medical, financial, or legal questions, consult a qualified professional.