Placer County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
419,156
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$115,998/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
179,266
1.7% year-over-year change

Placer County population

How many people live in Placer County

Placer County is home to 419,156 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Placer County locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
419,156
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
206,221
Female
50.8%
212,935
Value Percent YoY change
Male 206,221 49.2% 1.6%
Female 212,935 50.8% 1.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Placer County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.7% of the population, while another 25.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
24.7%
45 to 64
25.9%
Over 65
20.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 74,080 17.7% 0.6%
15 to 24 47,445 11.3% 1.7%
25 to 44 103,373 24.7% 2.4%
45 to 64 108,436 25.9% 0.5%
Over 65 85,822 20.5% 3.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Placer County, 85.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 9.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.7%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 359,888 85.9% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 40,541 9.7% 5.4%
Non-citizens 18,727 4.5% 2.4%
Racial breakdown
White
69.1%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
9.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
14.4%
Other
5%
Value Percent
White 289,678 69.1%
Black or African American 6,924 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,075 0.5%
Asian 38,592 9.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 754 0.2%
Two or more races 60,191 14.4%
Other 20,942 5%

Households in Placer County

A peek inside Placer County households

Placer County has 157,954 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.2% are families, while the remaining 28.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
157,954
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
45,437
Family households
112,517
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 45,437 28.8% 1.6%
Family households 112,517 71.2% 1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Placer County

The housing landscape of Placer County

Placer County's housing consists of 179,266 units, with 78.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
179,266
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 140,465 78.4%
1 unit, attached 6,105 3.4%
2 units 1,575 0.9%
3 or 4 units 6,965 3.9%
5 to 9 units 6,039 3.4%
10 to 19 units 3,667 2%
20 to 49 units 2,644 1.5%
50 or more units 7,065 3.9%
Mobile home 4,510 2.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 231 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
5,857
64.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Placer County

In Placer County, the median construction year is 1994. About 2.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 24.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,138 2.9% -1.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,111 1.7% -2.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,838 3.8% 2.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11,476 6.4% 1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 23,769 13.3% 0.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 26,383 14.7% -0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 31,910 17.8% -2.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 44,431 24.8% 0.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 20,353 11.4% 5.4%
Built in 2020 or later 5,857 3.3% 64.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Placer County occupancy rates

Out of the 157,954 occupied housing units in Placer County, 74.8% are owner-occupied, while 25.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
157,954
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
39,851
Owner occupied
118,103
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 39,851 25.2% -0.3%
Owner occupied 118,103 74.8% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
11.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Placer County housing costs

Housing costs in Placer County come to a median of $2,267 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,069.

Median housing costs per month
$2,267/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Placer County
$2,069/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Placer County

Placer County education at a glance

About 23.1% of the population in Placer County went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 10.9% earned an associate degree and 26.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,043 1.8% -7.0%
High school diploma 75,643 23.1% 5.0%
College diploma 78,014 23.8% -0.5%
Associate degree 35,824 10.9% 0.7%
Bachelor's degree 86,599 26.4% 2.6%
Graduate degree 45,746 14% 2.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Placer County

How much people earn in Placer County

The average annual household income in Placer County was $150,239 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $115,998, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Placer County
$150,239/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Placer County
$115,998/year
1.1% year-over-year change

Placer County income by age

In Placer County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $136,721. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $146,533 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,642, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $77,195 in earnings. Overall, 93.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,642 -3.3%
25 - 44 $136,721 1.3%
45 - 64 $146,533 2.1%
Over 65 $77,195 0.2%
Above poverty level
383,853
Below poverty level
27,710
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 383,853 93.3% 1.5%
Below poverty level 27,710 6.7% 2.2%

Employment in Placer County

Workforce and job types in Placer County

The job market in Placer County is powered by 196,337 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.1% run their own businesses, 61% are employed by private companies, and 18.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
196,337
1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
170,284
Blue collar
26,053
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 170,284 86.7% 1.1%
Blue collar 26,053 13.3% 2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
12.1%
Private companies
61%
Governmental workers
18.4%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 23,710 12.1% 0.5%
Private companies 119,808 61% 0.6%
Governmental workers 36,074 18.4% 2.3%
Not for profit companies 16,745 8.5% 5.2%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
8.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Placer County stands at 4.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Placer County

How people get around in Placer County

In Placer County, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 73.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 142,258 73.8% -2.1%
Taxicab 203 0.1% 15.3%
Bus or trolleybus 697 0.4% -20.9%
Subway or elevated 41 0% N/A
Railroad 178 0.1% 39.1%
Ferryboat 73 0% 23.7%
Motorcycle 531 0.3% 3.5%
Bicycle 655 0.3% 22.2%
Walk 2,225 1.2% -13.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Placer County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95648 57,459 21,742 $112,333 $137,884
95650 13,405 5,222 $117,912 $181,478
95658 5,894 2,241 $126,581 $159,090
95661 32,589 13,193 $105,925 $134,626
95663 3,090 1,155 $155,917 $157,345
95602 19,701 7,597 $97,466 $138,556
95603 28,432 11,738 $85,357 $121,694
95604 27 13 $0 $0
95626 5,595 1,855 $90,897 $108,996
95631 6,946 2,705 $104,402 $112,728

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FAQs about Placer County demographics 

What is the total population of Placer County?

Placer County has a total population of 419,156 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Placer County?

The gender ratio in Placer County is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (206,221 residents)
  • 50.8% females (212,935 residents)

What is the median age in Placer County?

The median age in Placer County is 42.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Placer County?

The age distribution in Placer County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (74,080 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (47,445 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.7% (103,373 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.9% (108,436 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.5% (85,822 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Placer County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Placer County is as follows:
  • White: 69.1% (289,678 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (6,924 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (2,075 residents)
  • Asian: 9.2% (38,592 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (754 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.4% (60,191 residents)
  • Other: 5% (20,942 residents)

What percentage of the population in Placer County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.9% of the population in Placer County.

How many housing units are there in Placer County?

There are 179,266 housing units in Placer County, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Placer County and what is the average household size?

Placer County has a total of 157,954 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Placer County?

Placer County has a median household income of $115,998, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Placer County?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Placer County, with a workforce of 196,337 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.7% (170,284 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.3% (26,053 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.1% (23,710 residents)
  • Private companies: 61% (119,808 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.4% (36,074 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (16,745 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025