Keddie California Location, Population, and Demographics
Keddie is a census-designated place in Plumas County, California, situated in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills near the Feather River corridor. The community lies at a strategic rail junction where the Union Pacific Railroad's former Western Pacific line meets the BNSF mainline, historically supporting freight and passenger traffic in the region. U.S. Census Bureau data provides the latest demographic estimates for small California communities like Keddie, including population, housing, and income metrics. The area's remote mountain setting and low-density development shape its local economy and infrastructure needs.
Plumas County, where Keddie is located, has a total population of roughly 19,000 to 20,000 residents according to recent estimates, with Keddie itself representing a very small unincorporated community within that county. The Keddie area includes a handful of residential parcels, historic railroad structures, and nearby recreational access points along the North Fork of the Feather River. Plumas County government publishes local demographic and housing data that can be used to understand broader trends affecting Keddie and surrounding rural areas. The community's sparse population and high elevation contribute to distinct cost-of-living and infrastructure considerations compared to larger California metros.
Keddie California Economy, Industries, and Employment
The local economy around Keddie is anchored by freight rail operations, timber, and outdoor recreation, with the former Western Pacific Railroad corridor remaining a key freight route for the region. Agriculture, ranching, and small-scale forestry have historically supported employment, while tourism centered on mountain access, fishing, and off-highway vehicle recreation adds seasonal activity. BNSF Railway and Union Pacific continue to operate rail lines through or near Keddie, connecting northern California to broader national freight networks. Public-sector employment, including Plumas County services and Caltrans maintenance, also contributes to the local job base.
Key Employers and Economic Drivers
Major employers in the Keddie area include the railroads, Plumas National Forest operations, and small businesses serving travelers on nearby highways such as California State Route 70. The Plumas-Eureka State Park and Bucks Lake Wilderness areas provide tourism and recreation-related income, while local services, construction, and government roles round out the employment picture. USDA Forest Service Plumas National Forest manages large tracts of public land around Keddie, supporting timber management, recreation, and conservation programs that influence the regional economy.
Keddie California Real Estate, Cost of Living, and Infrastructure
Real estate in Keddie consists primarily of rural parcels, single-family homes, and vacant land, with prices typically well below those of California coastal and metropolitan markets. The median home value and rental costs reflect the area's remote location, low population density, and limited commercial development. Zillow and other listing platforms provide current median price data for Plumas County and nearby communities, which can serve as proxies for Keddie's housing market trends. Property taxes, insurance, and utility costs are shaped by the rural mountain setting and distance from major service centers.
Transportation, Utilities, and Services
Keddie is connected by California State Route 70 and local county roads, with the Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines providing freight access to broader markets. Electric service is provided by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, while water and wastewater infrastructure varies by