144 movers in Grass Valley
What to know when moving to Grass Valley, CA
TL;DR: Grass Valley at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 32.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 43.6% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $61,068, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 14.1% may indicate economic challenges for some residents.
- Commute:
- Only 0% of residents use public transit, highlighting a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,420 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Grass Valley has a population of about 27,675, with a relatively high education level where over one-third of residents have a bachelor's degree. The housing market reflects a mix of renters and owners, with 43.6% of the population renting. However, the area does face economic challenges, as indicated by a poverty rate of 14.1%. Additionally, with no public transit usage, residents should plan on having a car for commuting and daily errands.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer a strong public transportation system, as there is no public transit usage reported.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent stands at $1,420, which could be manageable compared to larger urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $496,600, indicating a solid investment for homebuyers.
- The community has a poverty rate of 14.1%, which suggests some economic diversity.
- With a 43.6% renter percentage, there are opportunities for both renters and buyers.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the overall crime rates indicate trends worth noting. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, property crime stands at 1,764 per 100,000, marking a 14% increase compared to national figures.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Violent crime has decreased by 17.4% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level data for California).
Weather & Getting Outside
Grass Valley experiences an annual precipitation of 32.6 inches, with winter being the wettest season, totaling 20.6 inches across 26 rainy days. Spring and fall also see notable rainfall, which might affect outdoor plans.
- South Yuba River State Park - 4.7 stars (2,375 reviews)
- Empire Mine State Historic Park - 4.8 stars (2,034 reviews)
- Western Gateway Park - 4.6 stars (994 reviews)
- Historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge - 4.7 stars (707 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Nevada County, where Grass Valley is located, has an unemployment rate of 4.7% as of December 2025, with a labor force of about 47,733. The county reports an employment number of 45,490, indicating a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.7% (December 2025)
- Employment: 45,490
- Labor force: 47,733
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
