530 area code
When most people think of California, they may picture palm trees, beaches, and the bright lights of Los Angeles. However, nestled in the northern part of the state is a different world – the 530 area code. This area is home to breathtaking landscapes, charming cities and towns, and a tight-knit community. In this guide, we will dive into the unique features and characteristics of the 530 area code, from its cities and counties to its education and healthcare systems. So, let’s hit the road and explore the 530 area code!
The Cities and Counties that Use the 530 Area Code
The 530 area code covers a large portion of Northern California, including the northeastern part of the Sacramento Valley, the Northern Sierra Nevada, and the Shasta Cascade region. It encompasses 15 counties, making it one of the largest area codes in California. The following are the counties that use the 530 area code:
Butte | Lassen | Placer | Sierra |
Colusa | Modoc | Plumas | Siskiyou |
El Dorado | Nevada | Shasta | Sutter |
Glenn | Plumas | Sutter | Yolo |
Tehama | Yuba |
As you can see, the 530 area code covers a diverse range of counties, from the mountainous regions of Sierra and Plumas to the agricultural areas of Colusa and Sutter. This diversity is reflected in the cities and towns within the area code, each with its unique charm and character. Let’s take a closer look at some of the major cities that use the 530 area code.
The Major Cities that Use the 530 Area Code
While there are many towns and communities within the 530 area code, the following cities are the largest and most populous ones:
- Redding
- Chico
- Yuba City
- Marysville
- Grass Valley
- Oroville
- Paradise
- Chester
- Palo Cedro
- Susanville
Each of these cities has its unique identity and attractions, from the bustling college town of Chico to the tranquil lakeside community of Chester. Let’s learn more about these cities and what makes them special.
Redding
Located in the northern part of the Sacramento Valley, Redding is the largest city within the 530 area code. It has a population of over 90,000 and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and natural beauty. The city is situated at the base of the Cascade Mountains and is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and forests. Some of the popular attractions in Redding include the Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Chico
Chico is a thriving college town, home to California State University, Chico. With a population of approximately 90,000, it is the second largest city within the 530 area code. Chico is known for its vibrant downtown area, filled with restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It also has several parks, including Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The city also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Chico Wildflower Century Ride and the Sierra Nevada Brewing Oktoberfest.
Yuba City
Situated in Sutter County, Yuba City is a smaller city with a population of around 66,000. It is known for its rich farming history and is often referred to as the “Peach Capital of California.” The city has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Sutter County Sports Park, which offers activities such as soccer, softball, and tennis. Yuba City is also home to the Sikh parade, one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the United States.
Marysville
Located just south of Yuba City sits Marysville, a city with a population of around 12,000. It is a quiet, charming town with a rich history, as it was one of the first settlements in California. Marysville is home to several parks and outdoor spaces, including the Ellis Lake Park, which offers fishing, boating, and picnicking. The city is also known for its historic buildings, including the Bok Kai Temple, a Chinese temple built in the late 19th century.
Grass Valley
Situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Grass Valley is a small but vibrant community with a population of around 13,000. It is known for its historic downtown shopping district and its lively arts scene. The city hosts several events and festivals, including the Nevada County Fair and the Bluegrass Festival. Grass Valley is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with several hiking trails and lakes nearby.
Oroville
Named after the Spanish phrase for “gold town,” Oroville is a charming city nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It has a population of around 19,000 and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and historic downtown. Oroville is home to Lake Oroville, one of the largest lakes in California, offering activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The city also hosts the Oroville Salmon Festival, a celebration of the region’s natural resources and cultural heritage.
Paradise
Located near the Sierra Nevada foothills, Paradise is a small town with a population of around 26,000. It is known for its picturesque views of the Feather River Canyon and its proximity to the Lassen National Forest. The town has several parks and outdoor spaces, including the Paradise Lake and the Neal Road Recreation Area. It is also home to popular annual events such as the Gold Nugget Days and the Johnny Appleseed Festival.
Chester
Tucked away in the mountains of Plumas County, Chester is a small but charming town with a population of around 2,500. It is known for its natural beauty, with several lakes, forests, and waterfalls nearby. Some of the popular outdoor destinations in Chester include Lake Almanor, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the Feather River Canyon. The town also hosts several events, such as the Lake Almanor Fly Fishing Festival and the Wildflower Festival.
Palo Cedro
Located in Shasta County, Palo Cedro is a small community with a population of nearly 1,300. It is known for its rural, agricultural landscape and its close proximity to national forests and recreational areas. The town is home to several equestrian ranches and offers plenty of opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, and hiking. Palo Cedro also has a strong sense of community, with annual events such as the Mountain Jubilee and the Palo Cedro Bazaar.
Susanville
Situated in Lassen County, Susanville is a small city with a population of around 18,000. It is known for its location near the Lassen National Forest and its scenic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The city is home to several parks and outdoor recreational facilities, including the Lassen County Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Lassen County Fair. Susanville also has a thriving arts community, with several galleries and studios showcasing local talent.
These are just a few of the major cities that use the 530 area code. However, there are many small towns and communities within the area that also hold their unique charm and character. Now, let’s take a closer look at these communities and what they have to offer.
All Cities & Towns that Use the 530 Area Code
As mentioned earlier, the 530 area code covers a large portion of Northern California, including 15 counties and over 100 cities and towns. Some of the lesser-known communities within the area code include:
- Anderson
- Burney
- Cedarville
- Dunsmuir
- Etna
- Greenville
- Happy Camp
- Manton
- Weed
- Winters
Each of these communities has its unique characteristics, from the quaint small town of Winters to the charming mountain town of Dunsmuir. It is worth exploring these lesser-known areas to truly understand the diversity and beauty of the 530 area code.
Map of the Cities and Towns within the 530 Area Code
To better visualize the cities and towns within the 530 area code, we have created a map highlighting the major cities mentioned earlier. Take a look at the map below to get an idea of the area and the different regions it covers.
This map is a good starting point for planning your trip to the 530 area code. However, as mentioned earlier, there are many more communities within the area that are worth exploring.
The Population, Geography, and Climate of the 530 Area Code
Now that we have covered the cities and towns within the 530 area code let’s take a closer look at its population, geography, and climate.
Population
As of 2021, the 530 area code has an estimated population of over 1.5 million people. This makes it the 14th largest area code in California, covering a large land area of approximately 27,000 square miles. Of the 15 counties within the area code, Butte and Shasta have the largest populations, with over 200,000 residents each. Modoc and Sierra, on the other hand, have the smallest populations, with less than 10,000 residents each.
Geography
The 530 area code covers a diverse range of landscapes, from forests and mountains to valleys and lakes. The area is home to five national forests – Shasta-Trinity, Mendocino, Lassen, Plumas, and Tahoe. The higher elevations in the area,