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Elk Grove, California

"EG"

One of the fastest-growing cities in California, Elk Grove exploded from a rural Sacramento suburb to a city of nearly 200,000 in just two decades.

Founded 1850 | Population 185,906 | Peak 185,906 (2024) | County Sacramento County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Elk Grove, California

1850Settlement Established: The community was founded as a stagecoach stop and hotel along the road between Sacramento and the southern mines.

2000Incorporation: Elk Grove incorporated as a city with 72,000 residents, one of the largest new incorporations in California history.

2005Explosive Growth: Population nearly doubled in five years as master-planned communities sprawled across former ranchland.

2019Wilton Rancheria Casino: The Sky River Casino opened, becoming the Sacramento region's first tribal casino and a major revenue source.

2023Approaches 186,000: Elk Grove continued growing as one of the most diverse cities in California.

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1850 Government

Founded as stagecoach stop

1868 Transport

Railroad arrives

1950 Industry

Remains small agricultural community

2000 Government

Incorporates with 72,000 residents

2005 Government

Population nearly doubles

2019 Business

Sky River Casino opens

2023 Government

Approaches 186,000

Elk Grove was the fastest-growing city in the U.S. from 2000-2005, adding nearly 70,000 residents in five years.

The city is one of the most ethnically diverse in California — no single racial or ethnic group forms a majority.

Before 2000, Elk Grove was an unincorporated community; its incorporation was one of the largest in California history.

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