Placer County, California
Placer County stretches from the Sacramento suburbs into the Sierra Nevada and all the way to Lake Tahoe. Auburn serves as the county seat and is known for its charming Gold Rush-era character.
With a population of more than 400,000 people, Placer County has experienced significant growth, particularly in communities such as Roseville and Rocklin. Roseville is also a major shopping destination, with a large regional mall attracting visitors from across the area.
The Sierra Nevada portion of the county offers excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley, hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and remains one of the region’s best-known mountain resorts.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Placer County |
| County Seat | Auburn |
| Population | Approximately 400,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Auburn, Roseville, Lincoln, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Colfax, Loomis |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 80, State Route 65, State Route 49 |
| FIPS Code | 06-061 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,502 square miles (Land: 1,409 sq mi, Water: 93 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Nevada County (North), Washoe County, Nevada (Northeast), Carson City, Nevada (East), Douglas County, Nevada (Southeast), El Dorado County (South), Sacramento County (Southwest), Sutter County (West), Yuba County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Standard Time (PST) |
| State | California |
| Coordinates | 38.8462° N, 121.2867° W |
| Etymology | Named after the placer deposits of gold discovered during the California Gold Rush |
| Major Landmarks | Lake Tahoe (part), Sierra Nevada mountains, Auburn State Recreation Area, Roseville Galleria |
PHYSICAL MAP
Placer County Topographic Map
This topographic map highlights Placer County’s dramatic elevation changes, with the terrain rising from the Sacramento Valley floor toward the Sierra Nevada crest. The detailed contours reveal the county’s transition from lowland plains to rugged mountain terrain.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Placer County Satellite Map
This satellite map shows the remarkable diversity of Placer County’s landscape, from the Sacramento Valley to the high Sierra. A portion of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline appears as a striking blue crescent in the eastern corner.
OUTLINE MAP
Placer County Blank Map
This blank map outlines Placer County’s long, narrow shape extending from the Sacramento Valley to Lake Tahoe. The simple design emphasizes the county’s unique position across California’s varied geographic regions.
California County Maps
California County Map
Ever wonder how California’s 58 counties are organized? Our California county map lays them all out, from the Pacific Coast to the vast desert regions. Explore the map to find the counties you know—and perhaps discover a few you don’t.