North San Juan, California: A Historical Census-Designated Place in Nevada County
North San Juan is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Nevada County, California, United States, along State Route 49 on the San Juan Ridge in Gold Country. The community, with a zip code of 95960, has a rich history tied to the California Gold Rush and the era of hydraulic mining at nearby Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, which operated from 1850 to 1884.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, North San Juan had a population of 245, with a population density of 101 people per square mile. The area covers 2.423 square miles, all of which is land, with no water features. The elevation of the community is approximately 2,172 feet (662 meters) above sea level, and it observes Pacific Standard Time (PST) during the winter and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) in the summer.
Historical Significance and Naming
The origins of North San Juan trace back to the California Gold Rush, when the area became a hub for mining activity. The community’s name was inspired by San Juan de Ul