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Magalia, CA

Frequently asked questions

Magalia, CA

Magalia (formerly Butte Mills and Dogtown) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 11,310 at the 2010 census.

Originally established after the 1849 California Gold Rush as a mining camp, the town was first called Mountain View. A dog breeding operation started in 1850 which led to the name Dogtown. A post office opened in 1857, which was shared with the adjacent settlement of Mill City; the two eventually united. In 1861 the name was changed to Magalia after the Latin word for cottages.

On April 12, 1859, at the Willard Claim, a hydraulic mine in the Feather River Canyon northeast of the town, a 54-pound (20 kg) gold nugget was discovered, the largest in the world at the time. Dubbed the "Dogtown Nugget", it made the town famous.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 14.1 square miles (37 km2), all of it land. There are numerous flora and fauna species found in the vicinity including mammals such as Black tailed deer, raccoon, and grey squirrel. A considerable number of amphibians are also found such as the Rough-skinned Newt, whose southern range in the California interior occurs near Magalia. The soil, deep reddish-brown loam for the most part, supports a forest dominated by tall incense cedar and bull pine.

The 2010 United States Census reported that Magalia had a population of 11,310. The population density was 806.8 inhabitants per square mile (311.5/km2). The racial makeup of Magalia was 10,398 (91.9%) White, 40 (0.4%) African American, 141 (1.2%) Native American, 90 (0.8%) Asian, 17 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 134 (1.2%) from other races, and 490 (4.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 765 persons (6.8%).

Magalia focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by Magalia’s Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. A popular option includes Strength Training Gym and Ridge Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Magalia, such as the Lil Falls Trail and the Butte Creek. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature. Additionally, Magalia Community Park has become a vibrant hub for diverse youth and adult programs, offering everything from exercise classes to life skills workshops, fostering growth and connection within the community.

Top Sites in Magalia, CA are Upper Bidwell Park, Forebay Aquatic Center, Honey Run Covered Bridge & Park, and Bille Park.
 

Population: 9,245 (2022). Elevation: 711 m. Area code: 530. ZIP Code: 95954. Area: 14.1 square miles (37 km2).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Magalia, CA?

Magalia has a 2024 population of 7,046. The average household income in Magalia is $75,016 with a poverty rate of 11.23%. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Magalia was White: 78.5%, Two or more races: 14.1%, Other race: 4.86%, Asian: 1.93%, Native American: 0.38%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.18% and Black or African American: 0.05%

What is the history of Magalia, California?

This region was extensively mined during and after the gold rush. The town was started in 1850 by E. B. Vinson and Charles Chamberlin. It was first known as Dogtown, renamed Magalia in 1862. The Magalia mine was discovered in 1855 and the Indian Springs mine in 1860. Large-scale mining continued until the 1890s; there was some activity from the early 1900s through the 1930s.

Is Magalia CA safe?

The crime rate in Magalia is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 21 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Magalia is 1 in 47. Based on FBI crime data, Magalia is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Magalia has a crime rate that is higher than 62% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

Butte County
Magalia’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Strength Training Gym 

Ridge Fitness

Lil Falls Trail

Upper Bidwell Park 

Forebay Aquatic Center 

Honey Run Covered Bridge & Park 

Bille Park

World Population Review

Western Mining History

Neighborhoodscout
 

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