Demographics
As of 2023, Alpine County, CA, is the state’s least populous county, with approximately 1,200 residents. The median age is about 53 years, reflecting its older population. Gender distribution is nearly even, with about 52% male and 48% female. Racially, 62% are White, 20% Native American, 12% Hispanic or Latino, and small percentages of Asian and Black residents. The county’s remote location and limited economy contribute to its low, stable population.
Elections
Alpine County, CA, is the state’s least populous county with around 1,200 residents and about 780 registered voters as of 2023. Voters can participate in primary, general, and special elections, with all-mail voting since 2018. In the 2020 presidential election, Alpine County favored the Democratic candidate by roughly 60% to 37%. There is one polling location in Markleeville. Key local issues include wildfire management and tourism. The Elections Department, overseen by the County Clerk-Recorder, handles administration. Voter registration is roughly 41% Democrat, 31% Republican, with the remainder unaffiliated or minor parties.
Education, Employment and Housing
Alpine County, CA, has one of the smallest school systems in the state, with only two public schools serving K–8 and no traditional high school; most high school students attend neighboring counties. About 21% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (2022 Census). The Alpine County Unified School District reports strong safety records and intimate class sizes. Educational programs are limited but personalized, with access to adult education through regional partnerships. School rating sites rate local schools around 6/10 due to resources and student outcomes.
As of 2023, Alpine County, CA has an employment rate of about 53%, with approximately 550 residents in the labor force. The leading industries are public administration (25%), accommodation and food services (18%), and retail trade (12%). Most common occupations include office and administrative support (20%) and management roles (17%). Roughly 70% of workers commute outside the county for employment, mainly to neighboring El Dorado and Douglas (NV) counties, with an average commute time of 28 minutes.
Alpine County, CA, is California’s least populous county, with fewer than 1,200 residents. About 67% of its households are owner-occupied, while 33% rent. The median home value is around $390,000, and median rent is approximately $1,100 per month. Housing types are mainly single-family homes and rustic cabins, especially in Markleeville and Bear Valley. The property tax rate averages 0.70%, lower than the state average, due to modest property values. Neighborhoods are small and rural, with ample public lands nearby, and the real estate market tends to be stable with minor annual fluctuations.
County Crime & Safety
Alpine County, CA, reported exceptionally low crime rates in recent years, with 2022 seeing only 2 violent crimes and 7 property crimes, according to FBI data. Its violent crime rate stands at about 63 incidents per 100,000 residents, far below the California average of 442. Property crime rates are also minimal, given the small population (around 1,100). Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, contributing to transparent crime statistics and maintaining safety. Overall, Alpine County consistently ranks as one of California’s safest counties.
Popular names
- Althea Nichols
- Amanda Lyons
- Amanda Ohm
- Caleb Knapp
- Christopher Racca
- Clinton Celio
- Crystal Cruz
- David Peets
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- Erik Friedman
- Jean Vandenberg
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- Andrew Lovell
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- Angel Collins
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- Angie Bly
Other Counties in California
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