RANK #888 / 996 · POP 102,322 · CA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.5%
Nevada County, California, distinguishes itself with its Gold Rush history and natural beauty, particularly in towns like Nevada City, a national historic landmark known for its Victorian architecture. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, approximately 60 miles northeast of Sacramento and 80 miles west of Reno, the county offers a blend of small-town charm and outdoor access. Residents and visitors enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cool, snowy winters. The county boasts extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking and biking trails, kayaking and fishing on the South Yuba River and Scotts Flat Lake, and winter sports near Donner Summit.
Life in Nevada County often appeals to those seeking a connection to nature and a strong sense of community. The public school system includes several districts, with schools like Deer Creek Elementary and Grass Valley School District serving local families. Commute options within Western Nevada County include fixed-route bus services provided by Nevada County Connects, with regional connections to Auburn. The economy, historically rooted in gold mining, has diversified to include professional business services, healthcare, and a growing manufacturing sector with companies like Aja Video. Tourism also plays a significant role, driven by the county's historic towns and outdoor attractions.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Prices declining
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 11.9x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Nevada County has a Boom Town Index score of 11/100, ranking #888 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +4.0% and a median household income of $79,395, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Nevada County is $559,700 with median rent at $1,487/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1419, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +4.0%. Home values changed -1.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.92% of Nevada County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.