Northstar California Map

About Northstar, California

Northstar is a locality in Placer County, California, United States. It has a population of approximately 2,800. The population density is 35.0 people per km². Northstar is located at 39.2647°N, 120.1332°W. It observes the Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles) timezone. ZIP code: 96161.

Northstar emerges from the Sierra Nevada’s embrace, a landscape of towering pines and granite outcroppings that whisper of ancient geological forces. It lies 20.8 miles west-north-west of Carson City, NV (from Carson City, NV: bearing 290°T), and is situated 5.1 miles south-south-east of Truckee. The air here carries the clean, resinous scent of evergreen, a constant reminder of the surrounding wilderness. Sunlight, when it pierces the dense canopy, paints shifting patterns on the forest floor, illuminating patches of moss and the occasional wildflower pushing its way through the duff. The terrain itself is a study in elevation, with slopes that invite exploration and valleys that hold a hushed stillness, especially as twilight deepens and the stars begin to prick through the darkening sky. This alpine village, born from a vision of year-round recreation, has woven itself into the very fabric of the Sierra. Its economic pulse beats strongest with the seasons, drawing visitors for the ski slopes in winter and the verdant trails in summer. The spirit of adventure is palpable, a legacy that began with the development of a premier ski resort, quickly becoming a destination for those seeking both exhilaration and a connection to the natural world. Beyond the lifts and lodges, remnants of earlier eras, when logging and mining were the primary pursuits, can still be felt in the sturdy character of the buildings and the enduring resilience of the community.

About This Northstar Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Northstar, California — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 39.264658, -120.133187. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Northstar and Placer County.

Detailed location data for Northstar includes the ZIP code (96161), telephone area code (530), county seat of Placer County (Auburn), and school district assignment. These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Northstar is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.