Nevada City, CA
Population 3,168 · California
About Nevada City, CA
Nevada City is a small town located in California with a population of 3,168 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,552 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Nevada City features a median home value of $607,300, which is 148% above the national median of $244,900. This places Nevada City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,756, 51% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,597 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (584 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (719 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Nevada City shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Nevada City have an average one-way commute time of 28.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.0% of Nevada City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Nevada City, CA
Compared to national averages, Nevada City has a median household income of $69,552 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $607,300, which is 148% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,756 is 51% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Nevada City's income is 29% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 7% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Nevada City, CA?
Nevada City offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a well-educated community where 39.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,552) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $607,300. However, Nevada City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Nevada City has a population of 3,168 with a median age of 49.4 years. Compare Nevada City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Nevada City
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogtown | 3,180 | $126,042 | $696,700 | Compare |
| Lucerne | 3,156 | $47,460 | $234,400 | Compare |
| Mountain View Acres | 3,155 | $70,179 | $346,000 | Compare |
| El Verano | 3,154 | $119,527 | $870,100 | Compare |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 3,186 | $115,729 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Hayfork | 3,198 | $45,918 | $291,300 | Compare |
| Weaverville | 3,198 | $73,670 | $342,500 | Compare |
| Pine Hills | 3,200 | $83,791 | $451,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Nevada City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Nevada City
What is the population of Nevada City, CA?
The population of Nevada City, CA is 3,168 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Nevada City?
The median household income in Nevada City, CA is $69,552 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Nevada City?
The median home value in Nevada City, CA is $607,300, which is 148% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Nevada City?
The median monthly rent in Nevada City, CA is $1,756, which is 51% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Nevada City?
The unemployment rate in Nevada City, CA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Nevada City, CA a good place to live?
Nevada City offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,168 and a median age of 49.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Nevada City, CA?
39.0% of residents in Nevada City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Nevada City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Nevada City, CA: median home value is $607,300 (148% above national), median rent is $1,756/month, and median household income is $69,552. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Nevada City?
The poverty rate in Nevada City, CA is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Nevada City, CA?
Nevada City's population is 1.9% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.