Vallecito, California
Encyclopedia
Vallecito is a census-designated place
(CDP) in Calaveras County
, California
, United States
. The population was 442 at the 2010 census, up from 427 at the 2000 census. The town is registered as California Historical Landmark
#273. Nearby is Moaning Cavern
, the largest cave
chamber in California, which the Miwok
Indians used as a burial ground.
was discovered here by the Murphy brothers in 1849, and it was originally called "Murphys Diggings," which became "Murphys Old Diggings" when they moved on to greener pastures at "Murphys New Diggings" (which became the town of Murphys
). The town was revitalized in 1852 when extremely rich deposits of gold were discovered running practically through the center of town. A post office
was established in 1854, which is still in use today.
The Vallecito Bell, cast at Troy, New York
in 1853, was brought around Cape Horn
. It was purchased from the ship with funds contributed by early-day residents and brought to Vallecito to be erected in a large oak tree in 1854. It was used to call the people together until February 16, 1939, when a severe wind blew the old tree down.
The first post office opened in 1854 as Vallicita; the town's name was changed to Vallecito in 1940.
, the CDP has a total area of 8.6 square miles (22.3 km²), 99.95% of it land.
was 51.6 people per square mile (19.9/km²). The racial makeup of Vallecito was 398 (90.0%) White, 0 (0.0%) African American, 6 (1.4%) Native American, 11 (2.5%) Asian, 1 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 5 (1.1%) from other races
, and 21 (4.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 33 persons (7.5%).
The Census reported that 442 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 193 households, out of which 53 (27.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 98 (50.8%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 25 (13.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 6 (3.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 9 (4.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 0 (0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 54 households (28.0%) were made up of individuals and 21 (10.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29. There were 129 families
(66.8% of all households); the average family size was 2.77.
The population was spread out with 84 people (19.0%) under the age of 18, 22 people (5.0%) aged 18 to 24, 94 people (21.3%) aged 25 to 44, 165 people (37.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 77 people (17.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.7 years. For every 100 females there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.
There were 217 housing units at an average density of 25.3 per square mile (9.8/km²), of which 138 (71.5%) were owner-occupied, and 55 (28.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.8%. 321 people (72.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 121 people (27.4%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 427 people, 183 households, and 120 families residing in the CDP. The population density
was 49.8 people per square mile (19.2/km²). There were 195 housing units at an average density of 22.8 per square mile (8.8/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.55% White
, 0.23% Black
or African American
, 3.04% Native American
, 0.47% Asian
, 0.47% from other races
, and 0.23% from two or more races. 1.87% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 183 households out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples
living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 32.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $36,875, and the median income for a family was $32,917. Males had a median income of $46,250 versus $37,917 for females. The per capita income
for the CDP was $18,779. About 11.6% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.0% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
Vallecito is located in the 1st Senate
District, represented by Republican
Dave Cox
, and in the 25th Assembly
District, represented by Republican Kristin Olsen
. Federally, Vallecito is located in California's 3rd congressional district
, which has a Cook PVI
of R +7 and is represented by Republican Dan Lungren
.
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
(CDP) in Calaveras County
Calaveras County, California
Calaveras County is a county located in the Gold Country of the U.S. state of California. Calaveras is the Spanish word for skulls; the county was reportedly named for the remains of Native Americans discovered by the Spanish explorer Captain Gabriel Moraga. As of the 2010 census, the county had a...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 442 at the 2010 census, up from 427 at the 2000 census. The town is registered as California Historical Landmark
California Historical Landmark
California Historical Landmarks are buildings, structures, sites, or places in the state of California that have been determined to have statewide historical significance by meeting at least one of the criteria listed below:...
#273. Nearby is Moaning Cavern
Moaning Cavern
Moaning Cavern is a solutional cave located near Vallecito, California in the heart of the state's Gold Country. It is developed in marble of the Calaveras Formation. It was discovered in modern times by gold miners in 1851, but it has long been known as an interesting geological feature by...
, the largest cave
Cave
A cave or cavern is a natural underground space large enough for a human to enter. The term applies to natural cavities some part of which is in total darkness. The word cave also includes smaller spaces like rock shelters, sea caves, and grottos.Speleology is the science of exploration and study...
chamber in California, which the Miwok
Valley and Sierra Miwok
The Plains and Sierra Miwok , were the largest group of Miwok Native American people...
Indians used as a burial ground.
History
Vallecito was one of California's important early-day mining towns. GoldGold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
was discovered here by the Murphy brothers in 1849, and it was originally called "Murphys Diggings," which became "Murphys Old Diggings" when they moved on to greener pastures at "Murphys New Diggings" (which became the town of Murphys
Murphys, California
Murphys is a census-designated place in Calaveras County, California, United States...
). The town was revitalized in 1852 when extremely rich deposits of gold were discovered running practically through the center of town. A post office
Post office
A post office is a facility forming part of a postal system for the posting, receipt, sorting, handling, transmission or delivery of mail.Post offices offer mail-related services such as post office boxes, postage and packaging supplies...
was established in 1854, which is still in use today.
The Vallecito Bell, cast at Troy, New York
Troy, New York
Troy is a city in the US State of New York and the seat of Rensselaer County. Troy is located on the western edge of Rensselaer County and on the eastern bank of the Hudson River. Troy has close ties to the nearby cities of Albany and Schenectady, forming a region popularly called the Capital...
in 1853, was brought around Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile, and is located on the small Hornos Island...
. It was purchased from the ship with funds contributed by early-day residents and brought to Vallecito to be erected in a large oak tree in 1854. It was used to call the people together until February 16, 1939, when a severe wind blew the old tree down.
The first post office opened in 1854 as Vallicita; the town's name was changed to Vallecito in 1940.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the CDP has a total area of 8.6 square miles (22.3 km²), 99.95% of it land.
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Vallecito had a population of 442. The population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 51.6 people per square mile (19.9/km²). The racial makeup of Vallecito was 398 (90.0%) White, 0 (0.0%) African American, 6 (1.4%) Native American, 11 (2.5%) Asian, 1 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 5 (1.1%) from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 21 (4.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 33 persons (7.5%).
The Census reported that 442 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 193 households, out of which 53 (27.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 98 (50.8%) were opposite-sex married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 25 (13.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 6 (3.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 9 (4.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
POSSLQ
POSSLQ is an abbreviation for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters," a term coined in the late 1970s by the United States Census Bureau as part of an effort to more accurately gauge the prevalence of cohabitation in American households....
, and 0 (0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 54 households (28.0%) were made up of individuals and 21 (10.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29. There were 129 families
Family (U.S. Census)
A family or family household is defined by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes as "a householder and one or more other people related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. They do not include same-sex married couples even if the marriage was performed in a state...
(66.8% of all households); the average family size was 2.77.
The population was spread out with 84 people (19.0%) under the age of 18, 22 people (5.0%) aged 18 to 24, 94 people (21.3%) aged 25 to 44, 165 people (37.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 77 people (17.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.7 years. For every 100 females there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.
There were 217 housing units at an average density of 25.3 per square mile (9.8/km²), of which 138 (71.5%) were owner-occupied, and 55 (28.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.8%. 321 people (72.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 121 people (27.4%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 427 people, 183 households, and 120 families residing in the CDP. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 49.8 people per square mile (19.2/km²). There were 195 housing units at an average density of 22.8 per square mile (8.8/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.55% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.23% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 3.04% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.47% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.47% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.23% from two or more races. 1.87% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 183 households out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 32.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $36,875, and the median income for a family was $32,917. Males had a median income of $46,250 versus $37,917 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the CDP was $18,779. About 11.6% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.0% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
Politics
In the state legislatureCalifornia State Legislature
The California State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of California. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members, and the upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members...
Vallecito is located in the 1st Senate
California State Senate
The California State Senate is the upper house of the California State Legislature. There are 40 state senators. The state legislature meets in the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The Lieutenant Governor is the ex officio President of the Senate and may break a tied vote...
District, represented by Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Dave Cox
Dave Cox
David E. Cox was an American politician from Holdenville, Oklahoma. A Republican, he served as a California State Senator, representing the 1st district from December 2004 until his death in July 2010, and also served as an California State Assemblyman for the six years immediately before his...
, and in the 25th Assembly
California State Assembly
The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature. There are 80 members in the Assembly, representing an approximately equal number of constituents, with each district having a population of at least 420,000...
District, represented by Republican Kristin Olsen
Kristin Olsen
Kristin Olsen is an American politician currently serving in the California State Assembly. She is a Republican representing the 25th district, encompassing Calaveras, Mariposa, Mono, and Tuolumne counties, and parts of Madera and Stanislaus counties...
. Federally, Vallecito is located in California's 3rd congressional district
California's 3rd congressional district
California's 3rd congressional district is a congressional district located in the U.S. state of California. It covers most of Sacramento County and part of Solano County, as well as all of Alpine, Amador and Calaveras counties...
, which has a Cook PVI
Cook Partisan Voting Index
The Cook Partisan Voting Index , sometimes referred to as simply the Partisan Voting Index , is a measurement of how strongly an American congressional district or state leans toward one political party compared to the nation as a whole...
of R +7 and is represented by Republican Dan Lungren
Dan Lungren
Daniel Edward "Dan" Lungren is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2005. The district covers most of Sacramento County and part of Solano County, as well as all of Alpine, Amador and Calaveras counties...
.