Placer
California

What stands out

Against every county in America, Placer County is unusual in three ways: the uninsured rate is among the lowest in America (3.7%), the median household income is in the top 2% of American counties ($109,375), and the median home price is in the top 2% of American counties ($692K). Within California it ranks 1st of 58 counties for the uninsured rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Placer County, California. 406,608 people live here with you. The population grew 1.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +4,920).

California's 13.3% top income-tax rate applies only to income above roughly $1 million, and Proposition 13 caps property-tax growth at 2% a year for as long as you own the home, so long-time owners pay far less than new buyers on identical houses. Wildfire risk now drives insurance availability in much of the state, and several major carriers have stopped writing new homeowner policies.

Money

The typical household here brings in $109,375 a year, higher than 98% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $72,804. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 63% of American counties. 19% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

California takes 6.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $6,611 a year.

Home

The median home costs $692K, pricier than 98% of American counties, about 4.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,813 a month. Property tax is 0.85% of home value, roughly $5,333 a year on that median home, lower than 51% of American counties. 74% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 84% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 81.8 years, longer than 97% of American counties. There are 1,648 active physicians in the county, about 40.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.7 of 5 stars. 3.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.15 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 59% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 14 points. 81% of eligible voters turned out. Under California law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 55°F, highs near 67 and lows near 44, colder than 52% of American counties. About 49 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 89 out of 100, riskier than 89% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 231 Mbps down, faster than 65% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 15 breweries, 5 museums.