Sierra County's resident population is 3,700, but crime statistics reflect a population of 50,000 during the peak season for tourism. The lifestyle here is that of a typical rural community, though the type of rural communities existing within Sierra County vary a great deal.
Sierra County has two different regions.
On the west side of the Sierras, it is mountainous and heavily forested which supports the logging community and tourism. This area is one and the same that supported the miners and loggers of yesteryear. On the eastside of the Sierras is Sierra Valley, which is 5,000 feet above sea level. Here, the economy is supported by the many ranches and farms. Downieville, the county seat, is in the northern portion of Sierra County along with other mountain communities, which were comprised of miners and their families.