Moving to Arnold, California

The current estimated population of Arnold is 3,800, with a gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female. The population has remained stable, supported by tourism, outdoor recreation, and its appeal as a mountain community in Northern California.

City Facts

• Year founded: Mid-1800s
• County: Calaveras County
• Land area: 14.9 square miles
• Population density: 255 people per square mile
• Area code: 209
• Zip code: 95223

Geography and Location

Arnold is located in Calaveras County, in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, about 80 miles southeast of Sacramento. The town is nestled within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering residents and visitors access to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and fishing. Arnold experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters due to its elevation. The town is situated along California State Route 4, providing access to nearby towns and tourist attractions such as Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home to giant sequoia trees. Tourism is a major part of Arnold’s economy, with visitors coming to explore the natural beauty of the region and participate in outdoor recreational activities. Arnold’s mountain setting, outdoor lifestyle, and small-town feel make it an attractive destination for both residents and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat in Northern California.

Demographics

Median resident age: 50.1 years
Median household income: $42,785
Median house value: $158,900

Population by Race

Races in Arnold:

• White Non-Hispanic (92.8%)
• Hispanic (3.3%)
• American Indian (2.4%)
• Two or more races (2.4%)
• Other race (0.7%)

Ancestries: English (19.8%), German (19.8%), Irish (10.4%), Italian (9.2%), Scotch-Irish (5.1%), United States (4.9%).

Land area: 14.8 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Arnold

• High school or higher: 88.3%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 24.2%
• Graduate or professional degree: 7.6%
• Unemployed: 5.6%
• Mean travel time to work: 26.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Arnold CDP

• Never married: 14.0%
• Now married: 66.3%
• Separated: 1.6%
• Widowed: 7.5%
• Divorced: 10.5%

3.1% Foreign born (1.2% North America, 1.2% Europe, 0.4% Latin America).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Arnold:

• SONORA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 18 miles; SONORA, CA)
• TUOLUMNE GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 18 miles; SONORA, CA)
• MARK TWAIN ST JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL (about 21 miles; SAN ANDREAS, CA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Arnold:

• LAKE TAHOE (about 51 miles; SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA; Abbreviation: TVL)
• MODESTO CITY-CO-HARRY SHAM FLD (about 61 miles; MODESTO, CA; Abbreviation: MOD)
• STOCKTON METROPOLITAN (about 67 miles; STOCKTON, CA; Abbreviation: SCK)

Other public-use airports nearest to Arnold:

• COLUMBIA (about 17 miles; COLUMBIA, CA; Abbreviation: O22)
• CALAVERAS CO-MAURY RASMUSSEN FIELD (about 22 miles; SAN ANDREAS, CA; Abbreviation: CPU)
• PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE (about 31 miles; GROVELAND, CA; Abbreviation: Q68)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Arnold:

• MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE (about 61 miles; MODESTO, CA; Full-time enrollment: 8,428)
• CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-STANISLAUS (about 62 miles; TURLOCK, CA; Full-time enrollment: 5,443)
• MERCED COLLEGE (about 64 miles; MERCED, CA; Full-time enrollment: 5,482)
• UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC (about 69 miles; STOCKTON, CA; Full-time enrollment: 5,242)
• SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE (about 70 miles; STOCKTON, CA; Full-time enrollment: 9,739)
• SIERRA COLLEGE (about 72 miles; ROCKLIN, CA; Full-time enrollment: 9,313)
• WESTERN NEVADA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 74 miles; Carson City, NV; Full-time enrollment: 2,167)

Schools

Public high school in Arnold:

• ARNOLD HIGH (Students: 6; Location: 874 HENRY ROAD #4; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Arnold:

• FISCHER (HAZEL) ELEMENTARY (Students: 232; Location: 1605 BLAGEN ROAD; Grades: KG – 05)
• VALLECITO COMMUNITY DAY (Students: 3; Location: 1605 BLAGEN ROAD; Grades: KG – 08)