Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nevada City, CA
Considering a move to Nevada City, CA? This charming Gold Rush-era town has a population of about 3,180 and features a friendly, artsy community. Homes here come with a median price of $615,000, while average rent runs around $1,480—reflecting the city’s high desirability and picturesque setting. Residents enjoy short 21-minute commutes, a mild climate with 72% sunny days, and solid public schools. Nevada City offers a peaceful lifestyle, low violent crime rate, and access to outdoor recreation, making it ideal for those seeking small-town living with character.
Demographics - Nevada City, CA
Demographics - Nevada City, CA
Nevada City is a small, close-knit community of around 3,180 residents, with a median age of 51.4, reflecting its appeal to both retirees and families. The population is predominantly White, and most people speak English at home, though about 8.5% speak other languages. Its relatively high population density and balanced gender ratio create a vibrant yet relaxed small-town atmosphere.
Population:
3,180
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.4
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nevada City, CA?
Living in Nevada City comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $615,000 and average rent at $1,480 per month. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities also trend above the national average, making the area ideal for those prepared for a moderately upscale lifestyle. State income taxes can vary widely, so newcomers should plan accordingly.
Median House Value:
$615,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$740
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
133.5
Grocery:
117.4
Housing:
156.2
Utilities:
119.8
Transportation:
123.7
Health Care:
110.9
Miscellaneous:
108.6
Crime
Is Nevada City, CA a safe place to live?
Nevada City is generally considered safe, with a low violent crime rate—about 173 incidents per 100,000 residents—and a 1 in 578 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is more common, but overall, residents enjoy peace of mind in this small community. The city’s crime index reflects its reputation as a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
173
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,530
Crime Index:
2,703
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 578
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Nevada City, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild four-season climate with warm, dry summers reaching up to 88°F and cool winters that seldom dip below freezing. Nevada City boasts around 72% sunny days each year and receives ample rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The pleasant weather supports the area’s lush scenery and vibrant local life.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
49°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Neighbors in Nevada City tend to be well-educated, with nearly 94% holding at least a high school diploma and 38.5% earning a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income is around $65,400, and commute times are short, averaging 21 minutes. The community maintains a welcoming, small-town feel with a moderate poverty rate and low public transit usage.
Median Income:
$38,650
Household Income:
$65,400
Family Income:
$89,200
Per Capita Income:
$39,800
Income Male:
$48,200
Income Female:
$38,200
Poverty Rate:
12.2%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
38.5%
Education
How are the schools in Nevada City, CA?
Families in Nevada City benefit from strong public and private school options, including Nevada City School of the Arts and Deer Creek Elementary, which offer supportive learning environments. Higher education is also accessible, with Sierra College’s Nevada County Campus located just four miles away. The city’s focus on education makes it a great choice for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Nevada City School of the Arts
Street:
13032 Bitney Springs Rd
Phone:
530-273-7736
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.0
Name:
Deer Creek Elementary
Street:
805 Lindley Ave
Phone:
530-265-1870
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0
Private Schools
Name:
Yuba River Charter School
Street:
505 Main St
Phone:
530-265-6060
Students:
310
Colleges
Name:
Sierra College – Nevada County Campus
City:
Grass Valley
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Nevada City residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital located nearby for both general and emergency services. The area has a solid physician-to-resident ratio and over 92% of the population is covered by health insurance. Healthcare in the city is reliable, supporting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital
Address:
155 Glasson Way, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone:
(530) 274-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nevada City, CA?
The Nevada City housing market features a median home price of $615,000, reflecting steady demand and consistent appreciation, with values rising about 4.6% over the past year. More than half of residents own their homes, while rental options remain available with moderate vacancy rates. The market’s stability and charm attract both homebuyers and renters seeking a picturesque mountain setting.
Median Home Price:
$615,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Nevada City residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Grass Valley, providing convenient access to licensing, registration, and other essential services. The office offers both in-person and online resources for local drivers. This accessibility makes vehicle-related tasks straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
850 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.