Auburn is a quintessential California city whose history reflects that of the state itself. Originally home to the Nisenan band of the Maidu people, Auburn grew dramatically with the Gold Rush and the coming of the transcontinental railroad. After gold was discovered in nearby Coloma in 1848, hopeful prospectors spread across the foothills, and Auburn quickly emerged as a bustling mining settlement.
a tale of two incorporated cities
Auburn was first incorporated in 1861, becoming the 22nd city in California. Just a few years later, in 1865, its leaders voted to unincorporate to avoid debt tied to a failed railroad project. The city was re-incorporated in 1888, cementing its place in the region.
a tale of two county seats
Auburn briefly served as the county seat of Sutter County before Placer County was formed in 1851 from parts of Sutter and Yuba Counties. Since then, Auburn has remained the county seat of Placer County.
Today, Auburn is recognized as a California Historical Landmark, with its Gold Rush roots visible in Old Town Auburn, where historic landmarks, museums, and preserved 19th-century architecture bring history to life.
LOCATION & DEMOGRAPHICS
Located in South Placer County, Auburn lies less than 45 minutes from downtown Sacramento, nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada. The city spans zip codes 95602 and 95603, offering a prime location that is within two hours of both San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.
- Population (2023): ~14,104 residents
- Households: ~6,000
- Median Age: ~47 years
- Median Household Income: ~$87,500
- Population Density: ~1,200 people per square mile
Though Auburn is the county seat, it is one of the smaller incorporated cities in Placer County, known for its charm, slower pace, and deep historical character.
REAL ESTATE
Auburn’s real estate market is diverse. Options range from multi-million-dollar homes on golf course lots to historic homes on acreage in rural settings. Recent trends show homes selling relatively quickly, as buyers are drawn to the area’s balance of affordability compared to nearby communities, and its small-town character paired with regional accessibility.
- Owner-Occupied Housing: ~60%
- Renter-Occupied Housing: ~40%
EDUCATION
Auburn benefits from strong schools in the Placer Union High School District, with Placer High School consistently rated highly. Educational attainment in Auburn is strong:
- 94% of adults (25+) have graduated high school (above U.S. average)
- 35% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (also above U.S. average)
Downtown Auburn
Auburn’s downtown and Old Town districts celebrate more than 160 years of history. Visitors find boutique shops, farm-to-fork dining, and cultural experiences in a setting that still carries its Gold Rush flavor.
placer county courthouse:
One of the most iconic sites is the Placer County Courthouse, completed in 1898. Perched on a hill that once hosted bull and bear fights, the courthouse is now both a functioning government building and a museum. Its construction materials—granite from Rocklin, bricks and terra cotta from Lincoln, and slate roofing from El Dorado County—showcase the interconnected history of the region’s communities.
