Anderson, California

Anderson is a city in Shasta County, California, approximately south of Redding. Its population is 11,323 as of the 2020 census, up from 9,932 from the 2010 census.

Located north of Sacramento, the city's roots are as a railroad town near the northern tip of the Central Valley of California.

The city was named after ranch owner Elias Anderson, who granted the Oregon and California Railroad trackage rights and land for a station. Elias Anderson was a farmer, hotel owner, and postmaster. Elias married Elizabeth Summers in 1839 and built the Prairie House in the community of Cottonwood in 1856 on the south side of Cottonwood Creek (now Tehama County).

Elias Anderson purchased the American Ranch from Thomas Freeman in 1856 and built the American Ranch Hotel in what would become downtown Anderson, California. The post office was inside the hotel. Elias Anderson purchased from Pierson B. Reading in 1865 and deeded a right-of-way through his property to Central Pacific Railroad in 1872; in return the railroad gave the depot his name. Elias and Elizabeth Anderson built their new home at 2865 East Street in 1873; it no longer exists. While it stood, the house was designated as California Historical Landmark No. 12. In 1876 the Andersons moved their ranch hotel to the corner of Main and Ferry Streets.

History

Railroad activity came to the area in 1872. Anderson is named after Elias Anderson, who owned the largest land grant in the vicinity. The city's Anderson River Park sits on part of the original land grant owned by Anderson.

Geography

Anderson is located at .

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which of it is land and of it (2.50%) is water.

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Anderson has a Hot-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps.

Demographics

The 2020 United States census reported that Anderson had a population of 11,323. The population density was . The racial makeup of Anderson was 75.8% White, 1.1% African American, 3.8% Native American, 3.0% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 4.6% from other races, and 11.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.0% of the population.

The census reported that 98.8% of the population lived in households, 0.1% lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 1.1% were institutionalized.

There were 4,502 households, out of which 33.8% included children under the age of 18, 36.2% were married-couple households, 9.0% were cohabiting couple households, 36.8% had a female householder with no partner present, and 18.0% had a male householder with no partner present. 31.1% of households were one person, and 15.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.48. There were 2,764 families (61.4% of all households).

The age distribution was 25.5% under the age of 18, 7.6% aged 18 to 24, 26.3% aged 25 to 44, 22.7% aged 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65years of age or older. The median age was 37.4years. For every 100 females, there were 89.7 males.

There were 4,732 housing units at an average density of , of which 4,502 (95.1%) were occupied. Of these, 49.6% were owner-occupied, and 50.4% were occupied by renters.

In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that the median household income was $50,306, and the per capita income was $28,728. About 15.8% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty line.

In areas north of Anderson, 4,036 live in unincorporated urban areas along Highway 273. Another 8,342 live in rural areas, including at least 3,500 people in the communities of Olinda and Happy Valley, which is west of Anderson and southwest of Redding. A total of 21,400 people live in the entire Anderson area, including Olinda, Happy Valley, and some areas south of Churn Creek Bottom.

Politics

In the state legislature Anderson is located in , and .

Federally, Anderson is in .

Economy

Sierra Pacific Industries is headquartered in Anderson.

Education

High schools

* Anderson Union High School
*North Valley High School
* Anderson New Technology High School

Elementary schools

*Anderson Heights Elementary School
*Anderson Middle School
*Northern Summit Academy
*Meadow Lane Elementary

Recreation

The city is home to Anderson River Park, North Volonte Park, and South Volonte Park.

Anderson River Park

Anderson River Park is located off of Stingy Ln. down Rupert Rd. The park is situated on the Sacramento River. The park consists of athletic fields, picnic areas, fishing access, play structures, and a disc golf course.

In fall 2020, the city added River Splash a Splash pad, Shasta County's newest water play park to the park. River Splash has three large shade structures, picnic tables, seating, lawn areas, restrooms, and a 106-feet diameter water play area. The water features include above-ground items such as water spray tunnels, a tipping bucket of water and water jets. All 35 water jets that are cast into the concrete play area have LED lights that are timed with the water spray.

North Volonte Park

North Volonte Park is located off South St. on Emily Rd. North Volonte Park is separated from South Volonte Park. North Volonte Park is a developed park which consists of softball and baseball fields. It also has a skate park.

South Volonte Park

South Volonte Park is located behind North Volonte Park. South Volonte Park consists of wetlands that are outlined by a jogging trail. It also contains exercise equipment.

References

External links

Official City WebsiteAnderson Union High School DistrictImages of Anderson
from th
Eastman’s Originals Collection

Special Collections Dept.
University of California, Davis.

{{Authority control

1956 establishments in California
Cities in Shasta County, California
Incorporated cities and towns in California
Populated places on the Sacramento River