California · Metropolitan Area
Grass Valley is a small city in California with a population of 14,126. Residents earn $48,850 per year, which is 35% below the national average.
Based on current data, Grass Valley receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs, an elevated poverty rate. Grass Valley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Grass Valley is $48,850, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. The poverty rate of 19.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Grass Valley is $458,400, making it a premium housing market at 63% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,417 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.4x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
With 853 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,291 per 100,000, 170% above the national average.
32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Grass Valley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.2 inches, including 8.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 89.0% |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 11.0% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $48,850 |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $34,832 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,287 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,831 |
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 19.4% |
| 56% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,146 |
| County GDP | $4,508M |
| Restaurants | 95 |
| Healthcare | 86 |
| Retail | 134 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,709 |
| 35% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.03% |
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
| Census Median | $458,400 |
| 63% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $499,888 |
| Median List Price | $599,000 |
| Median List Price | $599,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $287 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.3% |
| Price Drops | 25.8% |
| Inventory | 31 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,417 |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,117 |
| Rent Burden | 39.7% |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,709 |
| 35% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.03% |
| Obesity | 29.8% |
| 7% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 70.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,988/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 86 |
| Total Violent | 853.1/100K |
| 125% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 39.1/100K |
| Robbery | 70.4/100K |
| Assault | 743.5/100K |
| Total Property | 5,290.8/100K |
| 170% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,017.5/100K |
| Theft | 3,897.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 375.7/100K |
| Arson | 39.1/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 53.2 inches |
| 40% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 8.6 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 2,451 ft (747 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,354/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2203°N, 121.0527°W |
| County FIPS | 06115 |
Winner: Republican by 25.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 32.0% |
| 5% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.2% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 2,354/sq mi |
| Total Area | 6.0 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 87.2% |
| EV Charging Stations | 14 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 17 |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 86 |
| Restaurants | 95 |
| Retail Stores | 134 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |