Introduction
The residents of El Dorado County have continued to exhibit the initiative and technological skills that have made the California workforce one of the most productive in the nation. The region’s quality of life continues to attract dynamic individuals who desire a balance between environmental amenities and economic prosperity.
Location
With its western border touching California’s Central Valley, and its eastern boundary meeting Nevada high in the Sierra Nevada mountains overlooking Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County stretches across 90 miles of foothills, valleys and mountain peaks.
Two major highways, U.S. 50 and State Route 49, intersect the county while State Route 88 establishes the county’s southern border with Amador and Alpine Counties. Interstate 5 and Interstate 80 are within 25 minutes of El Dorado Hills. This central west coast location offers one day automobile access to a variety of cities, including San Francisco (2.5 hours), San Jose (3.0 hours), Los Angeles (8.0 hours), Portland (8.0 hours), and Reno (1.5 hours).
Climate and Terrain
The county contains 1,805 square miles, over half of which is in public ownership in the form of national forests and various parks and recreation areas. In 1996, this equated to approximately 4.5 acres of public open space for each county resident. In addition, there are a variety of privately owned timberlands, parks, campgrounds and recreational facilities that add to the feeling of freedom and open space for which the county is known. Elevations range from 200 feet at the western border in the Central Valley of California to 10,881 feet at the highest peak in the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Climate varies with the elevation – from warm, dry summers and mild winters in El Dorado Hills and Placerville to the cool summers and snowy winters that have made South Lake Tahoe a world class resort.
Population
Since the early 1980’s, El Dorado County has been included in the Sacramento Metropolitan Statistical area. Over 78% of the county residents live in unincorporated areas outside of city limits. Major residential communities (El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park and Shingle Springs) in the western part of the county serve as suburban areas to the booming Sacramento metropolitan region.
According to the 2010 Census the population for El Dorado County is 181,058. There are two incorporated cities. Placerville, the county seat, with a population of 10,389 and South Lake Tahoe with a population of 21, 403. Population increases have been steady for the last 10 years from 2000 to 2010 with an average annual increase of 2%. Between this time period, the population increased 17% overall in the county.