Truckee by the numbers
- Drive from our Sparks warehouse36 mi, about 48 min via I-80
- Population17,066
- Households6,860
- Homes owned / rented73.4% / 26.6%
- Median year built1989
- Median home value$947,900
- Moved in the past year10.6%
- Elevation6,655 ft
- CountyNevada County
- ZIP codes96161
Data (read 2026-10-19): U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates; OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap data, free-flow drive from 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks; USGS Elevation Point Query Service.
Truckee sits at 6,655 feet on I-80, 36 miles and about 48 minutes from the O'Brien's warehouse in Sparks. About 47.9 percent of its housing units are seasonal, and a median home value of $947,900 makes it a high-priced market. Moving from Nevada means moving to California rules.
California DMV, not Nevada DMV
The Truckee Field Office is at 11357 Donner Pass Road, Suite I, Truckee, CA 96162. California's DMV says a vehicle previously registered in another state must be registered within 20 days of becoming a resident or bringing it into California. Check the DMV's new-to-California pages for the license steps and for the smog rules that may apply to your car.
Town and county offices
The Town of Truckee handles planning, building permits and local services at townoftruckee.gov. Nevada County, California, handles property records and the Assessor-Recorder functions. Note that this is Nevada County in California, not the state of Nevada, which is a common point of confusion in search results.
Tahoe Truckee Unified School District
Truckee schools belong to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, whose site is ttusd.org. Enrollment generally needs proof of address and immunization records. Snow days and winter closures follow the district calendar.
Utilities and mountain living
Ask the seller or landlord who provides electric, gas, water and trash at the address, since local districts serve different parts of town. Propane and wood heat are common in mountain homes, and snow removal contracts are worth reading before you move in. The winter driving guide covers chain controls on I-80.
Seasonal homes, snow and the first winter
Nearly half of Truckee's housing units, 47.9 percent, are seasonal or recreational, so neighbors may come and go with the ski season. Median year built is 1989, and many houses have steep driveways and decks that need snow plans. Ask the seller who plows, where the propane tank is, and how the heat is zoned. Read the new resident checklist for the first 30, 60 and 90 days.
A Nevada company moving you into California
O'Brien's serves Truckee from the Sparks yard. A move that starts in Nevada and ends in California is an interstate move under federal authority, and the in-home estimate is itemized and in writing. Book a free in-home estimate and receive 10 free heavy-duty boxes.