Citrus Heights is a city located in Sacramento County, California. As of the 2010 census, the population of Citrus Heights was 83,301, making it the third largest city in the county.
Population
The population of Citrus Heights has grown steadily over the past few decades. In 1970, the population was just 22,715. By 1980 it had grown to 58,655 and in 1990 it was 73,165. The most recent census in 2010 put the population at 83,301.
Citrus Heights has a fairly diverse population. The racial makeup of the city is about 75% White, 7% African American, 12% Hispanic/Latino, 5% Asian and 1% Native American. There is a mix of age groups with about 25% under the age of 18 and 13% over the age of 65.
With its convenient location near Sacramento and affordable housing, Citrus Heights continues to be an attractive place for families and individuals to settle. The population is expected to continue growing steadily over the next decade.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Citrus Heights is driven by retail, healthcare and social assistance services. Many major retailers have locations in the city, providing significant employment opportunities. Some of the top employers in Citrus Heights include Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, Best Buy and more.
The city also has a strong healthcare and social assistance sector. Major employers include Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health and several nursing care facilities. Education is another major employer with San Juan Unified School District headquarters located here.
Other major companies with significant operations in Citrus Heights include Sacramento County, Allstate Insurance, Nationwide Insurance, State Farm Insurance, HealthNet of California, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, AT&T, Comcast and PG&E.
With a strong mix of retail, healthcare, education and other businesses, Citrus Heights has a stable economic foundation. The city continues to invest in economic development efforts to support local businesses and attract new companies.
Landmarks
Despite being a relatively recently incorporated city (1997), Citrus Heights does have some notable landmarks for visitors to enjoy.
One popular destination is Sunrise Mall, the city’s major shopping mall. Sunrise Mall first opened in 1971 and has been expanded several times over the years. It features over 100 stores, restaurants, and a movie theater complex.
Another local landmark is Rusch Park, the largest park in Citrus Heights at over 60 acres. Rusch Park has several sports fields, tennis courts, a skate park, playgrounds, picnic areas and more. It hosts many community events year-round.
Golfers can enjoy a round at Citrus Heights Golf Course, an 18-hole public course that opened in 1961. The course has a classic layout with tree-lined fairways and challenging greens.
History buffs may be interested in the Citrus Heights History and Arts Museum, which highlights the community’s local history. Exhibits include artifacts from native Miwok Indian tribes, the pioneer settling era, and the citrus orchards that gave the city its name.
Sports Teams
Citrus Heights does not have any professional sports teams within the city limits. However, residents are still able to enjoy top level sports action by supporting teams from the nearby capital of Sacramento.
One team Citrus Heights residents root for is the Sacramento Kings NBA basketball team. The Kings have played in Sacramento since 1985 and won an NBA championship in 1951 as the Rochester Royals before relocating to California. They play home games at the Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.
For NFL football, many Citrus Heights fans support the San Francisco 49ers. Levi’s Stadium, located about 90 minutes from Citrus Heights, hosts 49ers home games and has also hosted the Super Bowl.
Another popular team is the San Francisco Giants Major League Baseball club. The Giants have won the World Series 3 times since 2010. Their home stadium is Oracle Park in downtown San Francisco.
With no major pro teams in the immediate area, Sacramento provides the closest option for Citrus Heights sports fans seeking NBA, NFL and MLB action.
Tourism
Citrus Heights may be better known as a residential suburb, but it does offer some tourist activities for visitors.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy over 20 parks spread throughout the city, with amenities like sports fields, walking trails, skate parks and fishing ponds. The city’s community center offers yoga classes, martial arts instruction, fitness equipment and more.
Historic sites like the Citrus Heights History Museum and the historic Rusch Home display the city’s early settler roots and agricultural past. Several family-friendly events are held annually like the Red, White and Blue Parade in July and the Sunday FunDay event each October.
As a centrally located suburb, Citrus Heights also provides easy access to attractions in the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy day trips downtown to Sacramento’s museums, sporting events and performing arts venues. The city is also just over an hour from Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Citrus Heights may not be a major tourist destination, but it provides ample amenities and attractions for leisure travelers looking to experience authentic small town California life.