Cities and Towns in Nevada County, California

Founded in 1851, Nevada County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. Historically, Nevada County was formed from Yuba. The city of Nevada City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 57, Nevada County has a population of 103,487 and area of 958 square miles (2,481 km²).

List of all cities in Nevada County, CA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Alta Hill, CA	95945	530
Alta Sierra, CA	95945	530
Bear River Pines, CA	95945	530
Big Oak Valley, CA	95977	530
Boca, CA	96161	530
Boston Ravine, CA	95945	530
Cedar Ridge, CA	95924	530
Cherokee, CA	95959	530
Chicago Park, CA	95712	530
Cisco, CA	95728	530
Donner, CA	96162	530
Donner Lake, CA	96161	530
Floriston, CA	96111	530
French Corral, CA	95977	530
Glenbrook Heights, CA	95945	530
Glenshire, CA	96161	530
Graniteville, CA	95959	530
Grass Valley, CA	95945	530
Grass Valley, CA	95949	530
Hills Flat, CA	95945	530
Hobart Mills, CA	96161	530
Kingvale, CA	95728	530
La Barr Meadows, CA	95945	530
Lake Wildwood, CA	95946	530
Nevada City, CA	95959	530
Norden, CA	95724	530
North Bloomfield, CA	95959	530
North Columbia, CA	95959	530
North San Juan, CA	95960	530
Northstar, CA	96161	530
Peardale, CA	95945	530
Penn Valley, CA	95946	530
Pike, CA	95960	530
Prosser Lakeview, CA	96161	530
Rough and Ready, CA	95975	530
Rough Ready, CA	95975	530
Serene Lakes, CA	95728	530
Smartsville, CA	95977	530
Soda Springs, CA	95724	530
	95728	530
Spring Hill, CA	95945	530
Sunset View, CA	95945	530
Sweetland, CA	95960	530
Tahoe Donner, CA	96161	530
The Cedars, CA	95728	530
Truckee, CA	96160	530
	96161	530
	96162	530
Union Hill, CA	95945	530
Washington, CA	95986	530
West Truckee, CA	96162	530
Willaura Estates, CA	95945	530

Major Cities and Towns in Nevada County, California

Nevada City

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 2.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,100 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 95959, 95960
• Latitude: 39.2619° N
• Longitude: 121.0161° W

City Location and History

Nevada City, the county seat of Nevada County, is located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, about 60 miles northeast of Sacramento. Founded in 1849 during the California Gold Rush, Nevada City quickly grew into one of the most prosperous mining towns in the state. Originally named “Nevada,” which is Spanish for “snow-covered,” the city was renamed “Nevada City” in 1864 to avoid confusion with the newly established state of Nevada. Nevada City became a hub for mining operations and played a significant role in California’s early economic development. The city’s historic downtown, with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, reflects its rich history and is a designated National Historic Landmark District.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Nevada City is served by the Nevada City School District, with Nevada Union High School located nearby in Grass Valley. The city’s major landmarks include the Nevada Theatre, California’s oldest continuously operating theater, which has hosted performances since 1865. The Miners Foundry Cultural Center, once a hub for mining machinery production, now serves as a venue for concerts, events, and community gatherings. The South Yuba River State Park, located just outside the city, offers beautiful hiking trails, swimming holes, and historic bridges. Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas, held annually, is a popular event that transforms the downtown area into a festive holiday scene with vendors, entertainment, and traditional decor. The city’s combination of historical charm, cultural events, and natural beauty makes it a key destination in Nevada County.

Grass Valley

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 4.7 square miles
• Population: Approximately 13,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 95945, 95949
• Latitude: 39.2191° N
• Longitude: 121.0611° W

City Location and History

Grass Valley is located in the western part of Nevada County, about 55 miles northeast of Sacramento. The city was founded in 1850, also during the California Gold Rush, and quickly became one of the most important gold mining towns in the state. Grass Valley was originally known as “Boston Ravine,” but the name was changed to reflect the grassy valley in which it is located. The discovery of the Empire Mine and the North Star Mine, two of the richest gold mines in California, fueled the city’s growth. Grass Valley attracted a diverse population, including a significant number of Cornish miners, whose influence is still evident in the city’s culture and architecture.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Grass Valley is served by the Grass Valley School District and the Nevada Joint Union High School District, with Nevada Union High School being the primary secondary school. The city’s major landmarks include the Empire Mine State Historic Park, where visitors can explore the restored mine buildings, gardens, and trails, as well as learn about the history of mining in the area. The North Star House, designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan, is another historic site that reflects the city’s mining heritage. Grass Valley’s downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, making it a vibrant cultural center. The annual Cornish Christmas celebration, held in downtown Grass Valley, highlights the city’s heritage with music, food, and traditional crafts. Grass Valley’s blend of historical significance, cultural events, and community spirit make it a key city in Nevada County.

Truckee

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 33.7 square miles
• Population: Approximately 17,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 96160, 96161, 96162
• Latitude: 39.3278° N
• Longitude: 120.1833° W

City Location and History

Truckee is located in the northeastern part of Nevada County, near the Nevada state line and just west of Lake Tahoe. The town was originally established as a stagecoach stop known as “Coburn Station” in the 1860s, named after a local saloon keeper. It was later renamed Truckee, after a Paiute chief who helped guide early settlers through the area. Truckee’s location along the transcontinental railroad made it an important transportation hub, and the town grew rapidly as a center for logging, ice harvesting, and tourism. Truckee’s historic downtown, with its well-preserved buildings, reflects its 19th-century roots and its role in the development of the Sierra Nevada region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Truckee is served by the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District, with Truckee High School being the primary secondary institution. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Truckee Railroad Depot, which now serves as a visitor center and museum, offering insights into the town’s railroad and logging history. Donner Memorial State Park, located nearby, commemorates the ill-fated Donner Party and offers exhibits on the history of the Sierra Nevada. The park also features scenic hiking trails and a museum. The town’s proximity to world-class ski resorts like Northstar California Resort and Squaw Valley makes it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Truckee’s combination of historic charm, outdoor recreation, and community events, such as the annual Fourth of July Parade, make it a vibrant and important town in Nevada County.

Penn Valley

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 11.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,600 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 95946
• Latitude: 39.1958° N
• Longitude: 121.1853° W

City Location and History

Penn Valley is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Nevada County, about 10 miles west of Grass Valley. The area was originally inhabited by the Nisenan, a branch of the Maidu Native American tribe, before European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century. Penn Valley developed as an agricultural community, with ranching and farming being the primary economic activities. The town has retained much of its rural character and remains a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on agriculture and local traditions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Penn Valley is served by the Penn Valley Union Elementary School District, with Ready Springs School providing education for elementary and middle school students. The community’s major landmarks include Western Gateway Park, a large park that offers sports facilities, picnic areas, and trails, making it a central gathering place for local events and activities. The Penn Valley Rodeo, held annually, is a major event that celebrates the town’s ranching heritage with rodeo competitions, parades, and family-friendly entertainment. The nearby South Yuba River State Park offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, and exploring the natural beauty of the region. Penn Valley’s blend of rural charm, community spirit, and outdoor activities make it a unique and valued part of Nevada County.

Rough and Ready

Area, Population, and Geography

• Area: 3.0 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 95975
• Latitude: 39.2274° N
• Longitude: 121.1458° W

City Location and History

Rough and Ready is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Nevada County, about 6 miles west of Grass Valley. The town was founded in 1849 by a group of prospectors from Wisconsin, who named it after General Zachary Taylor’s nickname, “Old Rough and Ready.” The town is famous for briefly seceding from the United States in 1850 due to a dispute over mining taxes, forming the “Great Republic of Rough and Ready.” Although the secession lasted only three months, it has become a celebrated part of the town’s history. Rough and Ready developed as a gold mining town, but like many other towns in the area, it declined after the Gold Rush ended. Today, Rough and Ready is known for its quirky history and rural character.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rough and Ready is served by the Pleasant Ridge Union School District, with local students attending nearby schools in Grass Valley. The community’s major landmarks include the Rough and Ready Historic Site, which preserves some of the town’s original buildings and offers insights into its unique history. The Rough and Ready Grange Hall is a central gathering place for community events, including the annual Secession Days celebration, which commemorates the town’s brief independence with parades, reenactments, and festivities. The town’s proximity to the South Yuba River State Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. Rough and Ready’s blend of historical significance, small-town charm, and community pride make it a notable part of Nevada County.

Map of Cities in Nevada County, CA