Arden Arcade

by The Linguist

Arden Arcade is a census-designated place located in Sacramento County, California. As of the 2020 census, the population of Arden Arcade was 92,186 making it one of the largest unincorporated communities in the state.

Population and Demographics

Arden Arcade has grown rapidly over the past few decades. In 1970, the population was just 17,773 but suburban sprawl led to huge growth in the 80s and 90s. By 1990 the population had more than doubled to over 43,000 residents and by 2010 it had reached over 92,000.

The racial makeup of Arden Arcade is predominantly white, with Whites representing 64.4% of the population according to the latest census data. The next largest ethnic group is Asian at 18.8%, followed by Hispanic/Latino at 11.4% and African American at 2.8%.

The median age is 38.8 years old and the median household income is $60,088, which is slightly higher than the California state average. Nearly 95% of residents have a high school diploma and over 40% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Economy and Major Employers

The economy of Arden Arcade is driven by several major industries including healthcare, education, retail, technology, and government services. Some of the top employers in Arden Arcade include:

  • Sutter Medical Center – Sacramento
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • California State University Sacramento
  • Apple Inc.
  • Health Net of California
  • AT&T
  • California Department of Motor Vehicles

Other major companies with offices located in Arden Arcade include PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and California Family Fitness. The city is also home to the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services.

The largest employment sectors are healthcare, retail trade, professional services, and local government. Unemployment is low at around 3-4%, on par with the national average.

Attractions and Things to Do

Some of the most popular attractions and activities in Arden Arcade include:

  • Arden Fair Mall – One of the largest malls in Northern California with over 165 stores.
  • Sacramento Zoo – Home to over 500 native, rare and endangered species.
  • The Fountains – Large outdoor shopping center with dining, entertainment, and events.
  • American River Bike Trail – 32 mile biking and pedestrian trail along the American River.
  • Wacky Tacky Mini Golf – Popular miniature golf destination.
  • William Carpenter Park – Community park with sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

There are also many great dining and shopping options located throughout Arden Arcade, especially along major thoroughfares like Watt Avenue, Howe Avenue, and Arden Way.

Sports Teams

While there are no major professional sports teams located directly in Arden Arcade, residents are big supporters of Sacramento’s professional teams including:

For youth sports, Arden Arcade is home to several parks with sports fields and facilities for soccer, baseball, softball, and more through the Sacramento Parks and Recreation department. The community is also served by several private youth sports leagues and clubs.