Is Placerville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Placerville

Placerville, California, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty. This county seat of El Dorado County is known for its Gold Rush past and its current appeal as a gateway to outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to its small-town atmosphere, proximity to Sacramento, and the scenic landscapes that surround it.

The city’s identity is deeply rooted in its Gold Rush heritage, a period that shaped its development and continues to influence its character. Placerville’s history is palpable in its well-preserved downtown, which invites exploration of its unique shops and local eateries.

Is it Safe to Live in Placerville?

Placerville’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with certain categories showing higher rates than national averages. Violent crime in Placerville is 62.4% higher than the national average, with 583.2 incidents per 100,000 individuals (according to AreaVibes). However, property crime rates are lower, at 1524 per 100,000 residents, which is 13.4% lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes).

When compared to other communities of similar size, Placerville’s overall crime rate is considered quite a bit higher than average (according to NeighborhoodScout). The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting data for 2024 indicates that violent crime incidents were 62, with a rate of 583.2 per 100,000, while property crimes numbered 162, at a rate of 1,523.7 per 100,000 (according to Vertex AI Search). It’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within any city.

Climate and Weather

Placerville experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers (as reported by Wikipedia). The average January temperatures range from a low of 32.5°F (0.3°C) to a high of 53.4°F (11.9°C) (as reported by Wikipedia). July temperatures are considerably warmer, with average highs of 92.7°F (33.7°C) and lows of 57.2°F (14.0°C) (as reported by Wikipedia).

The city receives an average of 38.11 inches of rainfall annually, with an average of 66 days experiencing measurable rain (as reported by Wikipedia). Snowfall is rare in Placerville itself, though the nearby mountains often receive significant amounts (as reported by Wikipedia). Summers are hot and arid, with July being the driest month and having the most sunshine (as reported by Time and Date).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Placerville is higher than the national average. Overall, it is 19% more expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute) and 134 on the cost of living index, where 100 is the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs are a significant factor, being 79.5% higher than the average city (according to AreaVibes).

The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Placerville is $1,900 as of May 2026 (according to Zumper). This is 3% lower than the national average (according to Zumper). For those looking to buy, the median home price in Placerville was $485,000 last month, a decrease of 3.0% since last year (according to Redfin). However, other sources indicate a median sale price of $560K in March 2026, an increase of 19.8% since last year (according to Redfin).

Job Market and Economy

The average annual salary in Placerville is approximately $48,806, which breaks down to about $23.46 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Placerville fall between $36,002 and $58,018 annually, depending on occupation and experience (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, ERI SalaryExpert reports a higher average salary of $75,410 per year or $36.25 per hour.

Major employers in the greater Placerville area include the El Dorado Irrigation District, El Dorado Union High School, Raley’s, and Safeway (as reported by CA.gov). Other significant employers identified by Zippia include Red Hawk Casino and Les Schwab Tire Centers.

Education and Schools

Placerville’s public schools serve a student population of approximately 13,119 across 21 schools (as reported by Niche). The Placerville Union Elementary School District, serving grades K-8, has a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1 (as reported by Niche). On average, students in Placerville’s public schools demonstrate a math proficiency of 37% and a reading proficiency of 54%, which is higher than the California state averages (as reported by Niche).

Top-ranked public schools in Placerville include Ocean Grove Charter, Sutters Mill, and Sierra Elementary School (as reported by Niche). Niche provides an overall ranking of 7 out of 10 for Placerville’s public schools, placing them in the top 50% of California public schools (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Placerville had a population of 10,747 (as reported by Wikipedia). The population density is approximately 1,840.2 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Placerville is 43.3 years (as reported by Wikipedia).

The largest racial or ethnic groups in Placerville are White (68.5%), followed by Hispanic (24%), and Two or More Races (4.8%) (as reported by CUBIT). The median household income in Placerville was $67,274 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). However, 14.5% of Placerville families live below the poverty line (as reported by CUBIT).