Fiscal Year
2013/2014
Nevada County
Demographic and Statistical Profile
Prepared by
Nevada County
Executive Office
www.mynevadacounty.com
1. Community and Society
Geography
Recreation
Nevada County is a beautiful, vibrant
Californian community in the Sierra Nevada
foothills and the home to three distinct
downtown areas – Grass Valley, Nevada City
and Truckee and a vast expanse of
unincorporated communities. Each location
offers its own unique interpretation of the Sierra
Nevada story.
Established at the height of the Gold Rush in
1851, Nevada County still sparkles. Its colorful
past is reflected in the historic towns, rustic
buildings and local characters. Today, gold still
glitters on the banks of its rivers.
City
Direction
Miles
San Francisco
West
157
Reno
Northeast
91
South Lake Tahoe
Northeast
94
Sacramento
Southwest
60
Our communities experience seasonable
temperatures throughout the year, with an
average of just over nine inches of rain in
January and mild summer temperature with
average highs near 86 degrees in July. Our
higher elevations receive on average 206 inches
of snow a year, and welcome tourists every
winter with a vast array of winter activities,
dining experiences, shopping, and a quaint small
town feeling.
There are abundant recreational outlets
including mountain and water sports, golf, and
historical tours of the county. Nevada County
serves as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts,
is known for its quality and diversity of skiing,
backpacking, fishing and hunting, mountain
biking, and is home to four State Parks.
Residents and visitors also enjoy hot air
ballooning, gliding, ice-skating, horseback
riding, camping and gold panning.
From GoNevadaCounty.com, the official online guide to Nevada County &
NevadaCountyArts.org.
1
Population
With just under 100,000 residents, Nevada County is the 36th most populous county in California. The
population grew from 92,053 in July 2000 to 98,764 in 2010, but declined slightly to 98,292 in 2012.
The incorporated areas of the county are home to 33% of the population, with 16% in Truckee, 13% in
Grass Valley, and 3% in Nevada City. The remaining 67% of residents live in outlying unincorporated
areas.
20,000
15,000
Grass Valley
10,000
Nevada City
Truckee
5,000
-
Dept of Finance, Demographic Research Unit, E-4 Report revised Sept. 2011, E-5 Report as of 1/1/2012
http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/view.php#objCollapsiblePanelEstimatesAnchor
Nevada County saw its highest growth between the 1950s and 1990s, increasing by 260% between
1950 and 1980, and another 70% between 1980 and 1990. Although population continued to increase
through the year 2000, it began to level off. The County is currently experiencing relatively slow
growth, a trend that is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
Incorporated
Total County
120,000
97,182
92,033
100,000
78,510
80,000
51,645
60,000
40,000
27,641
17,789
19,888
20,000
0
31,618
18,227
8,813
4,284
1900
7,969
1950
1980
1990
Dept of Finance, Demographic Research Unit, E-4 Report revised Sept. 2011, E-5 Report as of 1/1/2012
http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/view.php#objCollapsiblePanelEstimatesAnchor
2
2000
2012
In the decade from 2000 to 2010, Nevada County population grew by 7%, considerably less than the
40% growth in Placer and 20% in Yuba counties. Nevada County has the highest percentage of
residents over 65 years of age, and also has less ethnic variation than comparison counties.
Population
Nevada
Butte
El Dorado
Mendocino
Napa
Placer
Sutter
Tehama
Yuba
Total
Pop
2010
98,764
220,000
181,058
87,841
136,484
348,432
94,737
63,463
72,155
Ethnicity
>65
Yrs
19%
15%
15%
15%
10%
15%
13%
16%
10%
%
Growth
2000 vs.
2010
7%
8%
16%
2%
10%
40%
20%
13%
20%
White
89%
75%
80%
69%
56%
76%
50%
72%
59%
African
Native
Asian American American
1%
1%
1%
4%
2%
2%
4%
1%
1%
2%
1%
5%
7%
2%
1%
6%
1%
1%
14%
2%
1%
1%
1%
3%
7%
3%
3%
Hispanic
8%
14%
12%
22%
32%
13%
29%
22%
25%
Other
0%
3%
2%
1%
2%
3%
4%
1%
4%
United States Census‐Fact Finder.American Fact Finder, 2010 data. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06000.html
United States Census‐Fact Finder.American Fact Finder, 2010 data. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/06057.html
The largest segment (in 15 year increments) of Nevada County residents fall between the ages of 45
and 59 (25%), followed by the 60-74 age range (20%). Outside of those ranges, resident ages are evenly
spread between the lower age groups. The age of the population continues to increase. People 60 and
older comprise a higher percentage in Nevada County (29%) than in California as a whole (16%).
Similarly, there are fewer residents under the age of 30 in Nevada County (31%) than statewide (43%).
75+ Yrs
0-14
Yrs
Age
0-14
15-29
30-44
45-59
60-74
75+
Total
15-29
Yrs
60-74
Yrs
45-59
Yrs
30-44
Yrs
Population
15,113
15,369
15,300
24,982
19,424
8,576
98,764
%
Population
15%
16%
15%
25%
20%
9%
100%
United States Census‐Fact Finder.American Fact Finder, 2010 data.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06000.html
3
Education
Nevada County has a variety of grade K-12 schools, and
Sierra College has a campus located in Grass Valley. K-12
enrollment peaked in school year 2003-04 at approximately
15,000, but has declined steadily over the last nine school
years, with enrollment at 12,800 in 2011-12, and 12,514 in
2012-13.
Charter schools have been on an upward trend since 200809, with 3,298 students in 2008-09, and 3,940 in 2011-12,
representing an increasing proportion of total K-12
enrollment.
Schools by Type
Nevada County 2011-12
Elementary
Middle
High School
Other
Total
Charter
Number
of
Schools
21
3
5
13
42
13
Enrollment
5,172
1,532
4,826
1,270
12,800
3,940
*Charter Schools are included in total
The 90% high school graduation rate in Nevada County is
well above the state average of 76%.
16,000
15,500
15,000
14,500
14,000
13,500
13,000
12,500
12,000
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1999-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
K-12 Enrollment
Enrollment
Year
http://www.ed-data.k12.ca.us/App_Resx/EdDataClassic/fsTwoPanel.aspx?
#!bottom=/_layouts/EdDataClassic/profile.asp?tab=0&level=05&Report
Number=16&County=29&fyr=1112
Kindergarden
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Enrollment
by Grade
0
500 1000 1500 2000 2500
http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/DQ/EnrTimeRptCo.aspx?Level=County&cname=NEVADA&cCode=29&cTopic=Enrollment&cLevel=County&cYear=2012-13&myTimeFrame=S&cChoice=TSEnr2 CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENTN OF EDUCATION
Education Completed
(+25Yrs of Age)
Less than 9th Grade
9th-12th grade, no diploma
High School diploma/GED
Some College, no degree
Associates degree
Bachelor's degree
Graduate or professional
degree
Total
Nevada
County Statewide
2%
11%
4%
9%
23%
21%
29%
22%
11%
8%
21%
19%
11%
100%
More Nevada County residents have either
attended some college or pursued or attained
degrees (72%), compared to the statewide
population (60%). Furthermore, considerably
fewer people living in the county have less than
a 9th grade level of education (2%), compared
to the state overall (11%).
11%
100%
United States Census‐Fact Finder.American Fact Finder, 2010 data.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06000.html
4
Library Services
The Nevada County Library provides public library services
from its three branches in Nevada City, Grass Valley, and
Truckee and its two stations in Penn Valley and Bear River.
Of the six comparison counties, Nevada County has the
second highest circulation per capita and the per capita
spending amount of $23.05 is second only to Placer County.
Madelyn Helling Library
County
Nevada County
Butte County
Mendocino County
Placer County
Sutter County
Tehama County
Yuba County
From March 2012 through February of 2013, the community
downloaded over 12,300 eBooks and/or audio books, a high
demand that continues to increase.
Total
Circulations
657,529
918,069
444,032
1,251,257
399,565
121,645
156,382
$ Spent
Per Capita
$23.05
$12.51
$16.97
$27.79
$14.74
$8.79
$7.09
Open Hours
Per Year
7,857
8,374
7,089
17,402
5,728
2,849
2,080
Circulation
Per Capita
6.63
4.15
5.03
6.64
4.05
1.90
2.16
California State Library.California Library Statistics 2012.Library Development Services Bureau.http://www.library.ca.gov/lds/librarystats.htmlNevada
County Library
A voter approved sales tax measure in 2002
provides a one-eighth cent sales tax to fund
County libraries. The Friends of the Library and
Truckee Friends have been instrumental in
raising needed funds for the libraries and they,
with other volunteers, have contributed over
9,500 volunteer hours annually. In the 20112012 fiscal year, the Helling Library saw 9,535
individual uses of library public computers and
laptops.
Total
Library
Internet Use
Nevada
Butte
Mendocino
Placer
Sutter
Tehama
Yuba
35,512
96,235
48,738
31,430
115,002
13,937
43,571
Internet
Library Use
per Capita
(hours)
0.36
0.43
0.55
0.17
1.20
0.22
0.60
California State Library.California Library Statistics 2012.Library Development Services
Bureau.http://www.library.ca.gov/lds/librarystats.html
A Collaborative Technology Center is being added to the Helling Library, adding approximately 2,000
square feet of space dedicated to technology and community development, including state of the art
computers/devices, a 3-D printer, videography equipment and meeting and classroom areas.
5
Arts and Culture
Nevada County is the creative pulse of the Sierra
Nevada. From Grass Valley and Nevada City to
the Truckee-Tahoe region, Nevada County offers
an array of artistic choices. A constant stream of
art is presented in concerts, film festivals, dance
performances, poetry readings, studio tours and
galleries. Live music is found nightly at one of
many historic venues or restaurants, cafes, bars,
wineries, or coffee houses (most of which are
adorned with the work of local artists). Art-house
theatres, galleries, and coffee houses integrate the
arts into everyday life, and countless festivals,
concerts, and live theatre give locals and visitors
the opportunity to see world-class talent in the
beautiful and intimate venues of Nevada County.
Nevada City Theatre
The arts have a large economic impact on the
County. In 2010, Nevada County Arts showed that
among the 12 largest Arts organizations, the
economic benefit to the area was over $8 million
and the number of full and part time jobs was 247
making the Arts the 7th largest employment sector
in 2010. The Arts matter to Nevada County and the
community understands their value to quality of
life here and to the vibrancy of the local economy.
The area’s rich and colorful history is its
foundation and is preserved and showcased
throughout the county. The Historic Firehouse
No. 1 in Nevada City was built in 1861 and for
nearly a century housed horse-drawn fire
wagons, handcarts and “modern” motorized
engines through 1938. A museum was
established in the building in 1947, featuring
artifacts of the Nisenan Indians, a display of early
Chinese influences, and Donner Party relics.
Railroad and mining history can be explored at
the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad
Museum and the Northstar Mine Powerhouse and
Pelton Wheel Museum, both in Grass Valley.
The Searls Historical Library in downtown
Nevada City was built in 1872 and houses more
than 10,000 historical photographs, a thousand
maps, and nearly 3,000 books about early
California history and the gold rush.
Economic Impact of Arts in Nevada County
*
*
*
*
http://nevadacountyarts.org/
247 full-time equivalent jobs
$8.0 million regional economic benefit
$319,000 in State government tax revenues
$370,000 in Federal income tax revenues
Report: Economic Impact of the Arts Nevada County, CA
6
Criminal Justice
Sheriff
Nevada County is a low crime county, with relatively few violent, property, and larceny/theft crimes.
The largest unit in the Sheriff's Office Operations Division is the uniformed Patrol Division, based
primarily in Western Nevada County, with an additional substation in Truckee covering the eastern
portion of the county. The Sheriff’s Office has local correctional facilities in Nevada City and Truckee,
and assists in court security and protection. The Sheriff’s Department reported being down an
estimated 6% in calls for service and reports a 10% decrease in criminal incidents from 2010 to 2011.
Nevada County Juvenile Arrests
Nevada County Adult Arrests
All Juveniles, All Genders, 2011
All Adults, All Genders, 2011
Nevada
Butte
El Dorado
Mendocino
Napa
Placer
Sutter
Tehama
Yuba
Felony
Offenses
Misdemeanor
Drug
Offenses
50
238
175
110
151
315
136
65
79
196
910
452
259
252
555
239
177
211
8
26
24
11
23
49
5
10
7
State of CA DOJ, http://oag.ca.gov/crime/cjsc/stats/arrests
Felony
Drug
Offenses Misdemeanor Offenses
Nevada
Butte
El Dorado
Mendocino
Napa
Placer
Sutter
Tehama
Yuba
707
2,079
1,658
1,277
1,441
3,251
1,112
1,037
1,331
1,834
7,339
3,450
2,894
2,830
5,063
2,256
2,037
2,596
251
719
400
398
349
798
211
458
250
State of CA DOJ, http://oag.ca.gov/crime/cjsc/stats/arrests
Selected Probation Statistics
Sex
Offenses
Nevada
Butte
El Dorado
Mendocino
Napa
Placer
Sutter
Tehama
Yuba
Wayne Brown Correctional Facility
Probation
As an integral partner of the criminal justice
system, Probation protects our community by:
promoting responsible behavior and offender
accountability, providing objective, accurate
information and recommendations to the Court,
operating safe secure juvenile facilities and
programs, and partnering with the community to
provide direct services to offenders, families and
victims.
18
30
49
17
46
123
17
18
27
Domestic
Violence
DUI
33
166
143
106
256
129
98
9
109
55
137
288
71
0
812
33
15
25
Nevada County Probation Department. Caseload Data - June 30, 2011 CPOC Survey
Note: Some counties do not have the ability to easily identify probationers by type of offense,
except with a manual count of files. These counties were unable to report this data - it does NOT
mean they did not have that type of offender in their county.
7
District Attorney
The Nevada County District Attorney has offices in both Nevada City and Truckee. The District
Attorney's Office reviews investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies, participates in joint
investigations or, when appropriate, conducts their own investigation. The attorneys make filing
decisions regarding criminal complaints, and handle felony, misdemeanor and juvenile delinquency
cases at all stages of prosecution. Of the crime types listed below, Nevada County has the fewest
occurrences of crime and ranks equally with El Dorado County in lowest crimes per capita.
Comparison of Selected Crime Levels
Type of
Crime
Violent
Property
Larceny
Arson
Total
Nevada
County
Crime/Populat.
Butte
County
El Dorado
County
Mendocino
County
Placer
County
Sutter
County
Tehama
County
Yuba
County
311
858
925
7
2,101
762
3,473
3,515
98
7,848
485
1,875
1,494
12
3,866
488
936
829
25
2,278
785
4,204
5,584
45
10,618
359
1,274
1,637
12
3,282
369
873
928
15
2,185
250
1,110
906
16
2,282
.021
0.035
0.021
0.025
0.030
0.033
0.034
0.031
Nevada County District Attorney’s Office 2010-11
Superior Court
The Superior court consists of six judges and one commissioner. The primary courthouse is located
in Nevada City and the court maintains a branch in Truckee. Both locations are full-jurisdiction
courts processing all case types. Since 1998, the primary funding sources for court operations have
been the State Trial Court Trust Fund, state and federal grant funding and a small amount of locally
generated revenue. While the Court is an independent state entity, they work closely with county
departments to provide civil and criminal justice services in our community. Nevada County is
second lowest in jury trials and is fourth lowest in total criminal filings among comparison counties.
Total
Jury
Trials
Total
Civil
Filings
Nevada
20
7.6
19,454
2,234
Butte
23
14
34,992
4,868
El Dorado
41
9
22,844
4,236
Mendocino
33
8.4
19,542
1,652
Napa
42
8.0
22,066
3,092
Placer
79*
16.5
47,970
7,983
Sutter
28
5.3
16,548
2,258
7
4.3
17,442
1,817
32
5.3
13,707
1,695
Tehama
Nevada County Courthouse
(Superior Court of California)
Total
Judicial Criminal
Positions Filings
Yuba
http://www.courts.ca.gov/13421.htm.*Not reported for the entire year
8
Health and Wellness
According to an annual study
conducted by the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Nevada
County is ranked the ninth healthiest
county in California. The Rankings
consider factors that affect people’s
health within the four categories of
health behavior, clinical care, social
and economic factors, and physical
environment.
Although Nevada County does well in
the areas of morbidity and physical
environment, it has one of the lowest
rates of children being fully
immunized prior to their kindergarten
entrance, and one of the highest rates
of parents opting for personal belief
exemptions to allow their children
entry into school. The percentage of
fully immunized kindergarteners in
Nevada County has declined from
78% in 2005 to 71% in 2011. The
immunization rate for the state overall
was 92% in 2011.
Health and Wellness Measures
% Pop
Uninsured
Nevada
18%
Butte
19%
El Dorado
14%
Mendocino
22%
Napa
19%
Placer
12%
Sutter
22%
Tehama
22%
Yuba
19%
Health
Rank
9
45
6
43
24
2
33
55
50
%
Overweight Immunization
/ Obese
Rates
21%
71.58%
25%
88.52%
21%
87.20%
23%
83.49%
22%
93.43%
20%
86.52%
27%
90.40%
25%
93.46%
31%
89.41%
County Health Rankings &Roadmap.University of Wisconsin Population Health
Institute.2013.http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/about-project. 2011 Kindergarten Assessment Results (immunizations).
% of Poplation in Poverty
Nevada
10.3%
Butte
19.8%
El Dorado
8.4%
Mendocino
17.8%
Napa
9.8%
Placer
7.2%
Sutter
15.2%
Tehama
20.6%
Yuba
20.3%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
United States Census‐Fact Finder.American Fact Finder, 2007-2011.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06000.html
Among the comparison counties, Nevada County ranks fourth in % of population in poverty. The
Federal poverty level for a family of four was $22,350. During that year, the median household
income for Nevada County was $58,077, which was slightly lower than the median statewide
household income ($61,632) for the same period. People living at or below the poverty line tend to
have a lower health status, with fewer resources to get sufficient medical care and incur other related
expenditures.
9
.
Safety Net Programs
Health and Human Service Programs are often called “Safety Net” Programs; they help individuals and
families with basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care. The downturn in the economy and
its fallout, has lead some residents who were previously self-sufficient to seek support. The percentage
of residents applying for and receiving support in Nevada County has increased significantly across all
social services in recent years. Despite the local increase in need for services, Nevada County
continues to be a relatively low “welfare” county in comparison with most of its central valley and
north state counterparts.
Health and Human Services
Per 1,000 Residents
Nevada
Butte
El Dorado
Mendocino
Napa
Placer
Sutter
Tehama
Yuba
MediCal
95
205
88
228
102
72
213
233
262
Cal
FRESH CalWORKS
53
19
103
44
52
17
127
38
42
14
43
14
96
50
47
23
141
75
Foster
Care
Placed
Out of
Home
1
3
1
2
1
1
2
4
1
Nevada County Department of SocialServices.County Survey 2012.
Child Support
Child Support Services assists
with
locating
parents,
determining paternity, and
establishing, modifying and
enforcing orders for child
support and health insurance.
Nevada County Child Support
continues to be a high
achieving model department
within the State, with a 71%
current collection rate, and
ranking fourth in California on
the measurement of overall
Child Support programs.
Child
Average
Support
Total
Total
Collection
Collected Number Collections Per Open Overall
%
of Cases per capita
Case
Rank*
Nevada
71.1%
3,778
$78.40
$2,040
4
Butte
64.4%
11,941
$76.07
$1,411
19
El Dorado
67.0%
6,277
$73.40
$2,112
5
Mendocino
60.9%
4,918
$70.63
$1,256
43
Napa
69.2%
4,109
$71.12
$2,407
10
Placer
62.5%
9,303
$56.04
$2,179
33
Sutter
62.9%
5,236
$86.92
$1,577
40
Tehama
60.5%
4,375
$99.47
$1,442
20
Yuba
62.6%
4,612
$94.27
$1,491
45
* Note: Nevada County ranking is for regionalized counties of Sierra and
Nevada Counties. Rankings are based upon 5 Federal Performance Measures.
10
2. Government
3. Housing and Land Use
Nevada City, Grass Valley, Truckee, and nine
unincorporated areas make up Nevada County.
# Square
Miles
The five member Board of Supervisors is the
legislative and executive body of county
government and also serves as the governing
body of the Nevada County Sanitation District.
In addition, members of the Board represent the
County on numerous intergovernmental bodies.
Nevada
Butte
1,636
135
El Dorado
1,708
106
Mendocino
3,506
25
748
186
Placer
1,407
257
Sutter
602
158
2,949
632
22
115
CA Dept of Finance, Demographic Research Unit, Demographic Profile
Summary Table 2, as of April 1,
2010.http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/state_census_data_center/cens
us_2010/view.php#DP
Nevada County is the 15th smallest county in
California, measured in square miles, and
contains just under 17 square miles of water.
Nevada County’s total land area is 958 square
miles. Population has increased in the county,
leading to increased population density. The
population density in the County is 103
residents per square mile, putting it amongst the
lowest of comparison counties and well below
the overall California population density of 244
people per square mile.
The Board appoints a County Executive Officer
to direct the planning, operations and
management of the County, and the CEO
appoints department heads for responsibility
over areas in which they have special
knowledge, ability, and expertise.
Selected Measures of Government
#Incorporated
Cities/Towns
Nevada
3
Butte
5
El Dorado
2
Mendocino
4
Napa
5
Placer
6
Sutter
2
Tehama
3
Yuba
2
103
Tehama
Yuba
There are six Elected County Officials; the
District Attorney, Sheriff, Assessor, Auditor,
Treasurer/Tax Collector, and the Registrar of
Voters/Clerk-Recorder.
#County
Staff /
1000
Residents
7.9
9.7
9.4
16.9
9.6
7.5
10.0
12.5
11.1
958
Napa
In its legislative duties the Board adopts
ordinances, resolutions and rules within the
limits prescribed by State law and is responsible
for seeing that all Federal and State mandated
functions are properly discharged.
Population
per Sq. Mile
Expense
per
Capita
1,525
1,770
1,729
2,064
1,893
1,471
1,494
2,349
2,053
Eric Rood Administration Center
Dept of Finance, Demographic Research Unit, E-5 Report as of 4/1/2011.
http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/view.php#objCollapsiblePanelEstimates
Anchor ; US Census Bureau 2010 census; County CAFRs, 10/11; County Budgets 11/12;
Sacramento Business Journal (staffing from counties that didn’t list it in their budgets)
11
Assessed Secured Property Values and Taxes
1997
2000
2005
2010
2011
2012
%
Total
Assessed
Parcels
Assessed
Value
Property
in
Valuation
per
Tax Per Prop 8
($Bill.)
Capita $ Capita $ Status
4.2
46,997
810
12%
7.7
83,481
873
1%
12.6 128,499
1,285
0%
15.2 154,535
1,974
31%
14.8 149,919
1,866
29%
14.6 147,827
1,829
26%
Avg
Assessed
Value of
Home
144,876
183,540
285,356
291,927
296,495
292,488
Nevada County Assessor.Nevada County CAFR.
The assessed value of Nevada County secured (real estate) property increased from $4.2 billion in 1997,
$15.2 billion in 2009 and dipping down to $14.6 billion in 2012, with a corresponding change in
average home values. Parcels in “Prop 8 Status”, where the assessed value and taxes on properties are
temporarily reduced due to property value declines, went from zero percent in 2005, to a peak of 31%
in 2010, and trending down from there. Property owners will get relief on their taxes, and government
will see reduced revenue, until property values and taxes rebound in the future.
Nevada County - Types of Housing
Single Family
Multi-Family
Mobile Home
Other Housing
Total
% of Total
Nevada
City
1,054
416
13
1,483
3%
Grass
Valley
3,138
2,826
398
15
6,377
12%
Truckee Unincorp.
10,624
29,211
1,516
395
277
2,259
42
120
12,459
31,845
24%
61%
Total
44,027
5,153
2,947
177
52,304
100%
% of
Total
84%
10%
6%
0%
100%
CA Department of Finance, American Community Survey 2006-2011
ttp://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/state_census_data_center/american_community_survey/view.php
An estimated 84% of county dwellings are single-family units, and 10% are multi-family units. An
estimated 61% of all housing is in the unincorporated area of the County, with Truckee representing the
most housing units among the incorporated cities/town, at 24 %. According to Counting California
Report (2000), 14% of housing units in Nevada County are second homes. Second home ownership is
especially prevalent in Truckee, a popular resort community in the Tahoe region.
12
Housing
Total housing units is the number of single- and multiple-family dwellings, mobile homes, and other
dwelling units situated within a given jurisdiction. A housing unit may be the permanent residence for
a household, a seasonal or second home, or vacant pending sale or rental. The total number of housing
units in Nevada County was 52,766 units in 2012, with a median sales price of $252,000, which places
Nevada County in the higher value range among comparison counties.
Nevada
Butte
El Dorado
Mendocino
Napa
Placer
Tehama
Sutter
Yuba
Total
Housing
Units
52,766
96,527
88,300
40,518
54,997
154,525
27,126
33,935
27,687
January 2013
Median Sales
Price
252,000
146,000
266,715
245,000
400,000
281,000
62,000
160,000
110,000
Foreclosure
Ratio
1:342
1:708
1:310
1:542
1:1085
1:296
1.389
1:792
1:470
Owner
Occupied
Units est.
30,531
52,321
52,353
21,601
31,996
94,206
15,316
19,380
14,214
Vacancy
Rate
20.5%
10.8%
21.4%
15.1%
9.1%
13.6%
11.5%
6.2%
13.3%
RealtyTrachttp://www.realtytrac.com/statsandtrends/markettrends/ca/nevada-countyCA Department of Finance, Demographic Research Unit, E-5 Report as of
1/1/2012http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/view.php#objCollapsiblePanelEstimatesAnchorForeclosure Ratio February 2013
American Community Survey est. http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/state_census_data_center/american_community_survey/view.php#ACS2011x1
Total Foreclosures – Nevada County
Comparing data over the last year;
foreclosures in Nevada County are trending
lower, indicating a slowdown in distressed
properties entering the market.
Nevada County - Type of Land
Use
Commercial/Industrial
Residential
Agricultural & Timber
Government
Recreation/Forest/Open Space
Total
RealtyTrachttp://www.realtytrac.com/statsandtrends/foreclosuretrends/ca/nevada-county
Nevada County Department of Public Works.
13
% of
Total
3%
5%
48%
1%
43%
100%
Nevada County Broadband
The current broadband speeds and availability in the region are poor in comparison to non-rural
counties. A consortium comprised of organizations and community stakeholders from Nevada County
and neighboring counties in the Sierra Foothills, are actively working towards quicker speeds,
reliability and network expansion. As part of the Central Valley Next Generation Broadband initiative,
the Middle Mile project, a high speed fiber optic network is being built across 18 California counties,
including parts of Nevada County. The network will be installed in key County areas and the
infrastructure will be used to leverage fiber optics in the greater community.
Maximum Advertised Downstream Speed
Greater than or equal to 1 gbps
Greater than or equal to 100 mbps and less than 1 gbps
Washington
Truckee
Greater than or equal to 50 mbps and less than 100 mbps
Nevada City
Greater than or equal to 25 mbps and less than 50 mbps
Grass Valley
Greater than or equal to 10 mbps and less than 25 mbps
Greater than or equal to 6 mbps and less than 10 mbps
Greater than or equal to 3 mbps and less than 6 mbps
Greater than or equal to 1.5 mbps and less than 3 mbps
http://www.broadbandmap.ca.gov/BroadbandFlex_INT_5thRD/
Greater than or equal to 768 kbps and less than 1.5 mbps
Utilities
Nevada City
Grass Valley
Truckee
Unincorporated
% Pop.
w/Treated Recycling Recycling
Wastewater Target*
Actual*
99%
7.2
4.4
100%
11.7
7.3
85%
10.7
5.6
23%
3.2
3
*recycling is pounds per day per person
Nevada County Department of Public Works.Grass Valley Department of Public Works.Truckee
Department of Public Works.Nevada City Department of Public Works.
14
Agriculture
The 2011 Nevada County agricultural crop production value for the top six crops was $17.6 million,
with a total of $18.1 million for all crops. Total crop production increased by $7.6 million from 2010
to 2011, with a $4.4 million increase coming from Cattle and Calves livestock, $1.2 million from
Timber, and $900,000 from Wine Grapes. Wineries have made an increasing presence in the county,
with a crop of almost $2 million in wine grapes contributing to the wine production at more than 13
local wineries.
Top 6 Agricultural Crops
Nursery Stock
Fruit & Vegetables
Wine Grapes
Timber
Pasture/Rangeland
$392,400
$452,000
2011 Total = $17,630,500
2010 Total = $10,012,900
$829,900
$743,200
$1,931,400
$1,031,700
$3,249,000
$1,014,200
$2,925,000
$2,925,000
$8,302,800
Cattle & Calves
$3,819,800
Nevada County 2011 Annual Crop Report.
4. Transportation
There are 1,204 miles of roads and highways in Nevada County, including 154 miles of unpaved roads
in unincorporated areas. Transportation in and around Nevada County includes highway, rail, air, and
bus. In 2012-13, the Nevada County Department of Public Works prepared and chip sealed over 25
miles of roadways and brushed 66 miles in the Vegetation Control Program.
Roadways in Nevada County
Maintained by:
Road/Hwy
Miles
Bridges
City/Town
14
239
County
44
565
State
47
129
0
166
105
1,099
Federal
Total
CA Department of Transportation, 2011 California Public Road Data; and Nevada County Department of Public
Works.http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tsip/hpms/hpmslibrary/prd/2011prd/2011prd.pdf
15
Highway Safety Data
From 2009 through 2011, Nevada County had a total of 19 fatal accidents, had relatively low fatal
accidents per vehicle miles traveled, ranks 39th (higher ranking is better) in California using the
comparison of fatality involved vehicle accidents to vehicle miles traveled.
Fatal Accidents per Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
Fatal Accidents
2009
Nevada
Butte
El Dorado
Mendocino
Napa
Placer
Sutter
Tehama
Yuba
5
10
14
17
4
11
6
10
3
2010 2011 Total
10
4
19
20
14
44
14
13
41
15
15
47
8
6
18
9
17
37
8
6
20
9
9
28
10
7
20
Ranking
2009-2011
Fatal
(Higher
VMT
Accidents ranking is
(Billions)
/VMT
better)
3.3
5.71
39
5
8.72
21
4.9
8.24
25
3.5
13.37
7
3.5
5.11
43
10.2
3.59
52
2.7
7.41
30
2.7
10.02
12
1.8
10.53
11
5. Working and Doing Business
Nevada County has over 10,000 commuters going out of the county for work, and over 4,000 coming
into the county. The top destination out for work is Placer County (5,215), followed by Sacramento
County (2,062), and Washoe County, Nevada (1,096). Commute times range from 30 minutes to
Placer, 2 hours to Washoe, and up to 3.75 hours to the Sacramento Valley.
Commuting has an economic impact on the community because residents may be spending time and
money in other locations rather than locally, impacting both family life and local business activity.
Nevada County - Commuters Out/In for Work
Other 638 662
Bay Area
790 131
Sac. Valley 348 94
Yuba
675 405
Washoe
1,096 554
Sacramento
2,062
Placer
-
1,000
Commute Times
(Hrs) Various
2.50
3.75
.75
2.00
481
5,215
2,000
1.00
1,877
3,000
Out Commute
Total = 10,824
4,000
5,000
In Commute
Total = 4,204
U.S. Census 2000.http://www.calmis.ca.gov/file/commute-maps/nevadcommute.pdf
16
6,000
.50
7,000
8,000
Employment and Income
Industry
Goods Producing
Nat Res/Mining/Construct
Manufacturing
Service-Providing
Trade, Transport & Utilities
Information
Financial Activities
Professional & Business Svc
Education and Health Svc
Leisure & Hospitality
Other - Unclassified
Government
Federal
State
Local
Total/Average
#
Employed
%
Empl.
Avg
Weekly
Wage
2,292
1,779
8%
6%
$1,794
$1,121
4,497
291
1,343
2,294
4,112
4,538
1,323
16%
1%
5%
8%
15%
16%
5%
$609
$940
$929
$885
$848
$375
$1,256
381
140
4,918
27,908
1%
1%
18%
100%
$1,156
$802
$928
$970
CA Employment Development Department, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, Annual 2011.
http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/qcew/CEW-Select.asp
The Service-Providing sector leads
in the number of people employed
(66%), followed by Government
(20%), and Goods Producing (14%)
sectors.
Average weekly wages
range from $375 in Leisure and
Hospitality
to
$1,779
in
Manufacturing, and $1,156 in the
Federal Government sector.
Nevada County’s natural beauty,
location and natural resources
provide a competitive advantage for
employee
attraction.
Nevada
County top businesses include
government, technology, ski-resort
and other lodgings, grocery stores,
schools,
and
other
service
providers.
Nevada County - Number of Establishments by Industry
Professional & Business Svc
486
Construction
491
Leisure & Hospitality
Total = 5,586 Establishments
265
Education & Hlth Svc
345
Trade, Transport, Utilities
474
Service Providing
2,747
Goods Producing
668
Local Gov't
110
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
CA Employment Development Department, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, Annual 2011.http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/qcew/CEW-Select.asp
17
3,000
Unemployment is the
estimated number of
people who are actively
seeking work and are not
working at least one hour
per week for pay, and who
are not self-employed.
By March 2013, an
estimated 4,230 workers
in Nevada County were
unemployed, making up
8.4 % of the local labor
force.
Unemployment
Nevada County
Sacramento Region
State
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
1990
2000
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
CA EDD, Labor Market Information, Unemployment Rates. http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/dataanalysis/areaselection.asp?tablename=labforce
This was an increase from 4.8% in 2005, but a decrease from the 2011 rate of 10.6%. Nevada
County’s unemployment rate tends to be below the rate for the Sacramento Region, and has been
consistently lower than the California average since 1990, while generally following statewide trends.
Looking at the chart below, out of the nine comparison counties, Nevada County ranks 4th in percapita and median household income, and 7th in retail sales per capita.
Income and Sales Comparison
Nevada
Butte
El Dorado
Mendocino
Napa
Placer
Sutter
Tehama
Yuba
Per
Capita
Income
Median
Household
Income
31,607
23,431
34,385
23,585
35,309
35,583
22,464
20,689
20,046
58,077
42,971
68,815
44,527
68,641
74,645
50,010
38,753
46,617
Sales
Tax
Rate
7.63%
7.50%
7.50%
7.63%
8.00%
7.50%
7.50%
7.50%
7.50%
Total
Taxable
Sales
($Bill.)
Taxable
Sales
per
Capita
1.1
2.6
1.7
1.2
2.4
6.6
1.3
0.7
0.5
11,137
11,736
9,415
13,661
17,260
18,248
13,681
11,039
6,856
Total
Retail
Sales
($Bill.)
0.7
1.9
1.2
0.9
1.5
5.1
0.9
0.7
0.3
Retail
Sales per
Capita
7,121
8.576
6,645
10,294
10,787
14,100
9,471
11,039
4,113
United States Census‐Fact Finder.American Fact Finder, State and County QuickFacts, 2007-2011.http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06000.html
; CA State Board of Equalization, Taxable Sales in California by County, 2011.
Note on Comparison Data: Nevada County selected seven counties (Butte, El Dorado, Mendocino, Napa, Placer, Sutter, and Tehama) for
comparison purposes on some shared characteristics, including rural geography, close to an urban center, demographics, and size. The
intent is to provide insight into Nevada County’s unique community, social, geographic, and demographic environment.
18