Rio Linda is the real deal! The land Rio Linda is now on was given to the United States from Mexico in 1844. In 1913, a company bought the area and developed it into a rail stop, naming it “Rio Linda,” after the Spanish words for “pretty river.” Rio Linda is perhaps best known for the Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway, and it is a quaint census-designated place with a beautiful landscape, prosperous small companies, and cheap homes. As such, Rio Linda is a good place to live. If you’re thinking about moving to Rio Linda, take a look at your comprehensive guide.
Where Is Rio Linda, California?
Rio Linda is in Sacramento County and is part of the Sacramento metropolitan area. As a census-designated place, the community falls under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento County government. Rio Linda borders North Sacramento, McClellan Park, and Elverta. Rio Linda has a developed center with farmlands and dirt areas along its borders.
It’s 14 miles from Rio Linda to Sacramento. The Sacramento Regional Transit District includes a few stops in Rio Linda with lines that connect to the Arden/Del Paso station. Buses run every hour on weekdays, which can help with moving to Rio Linda.
Rio Linda Population and Demographics
The population of Rio Linda is 15,944 people – up by 5.2% since 2010. The population density is 1,606 people per square mile. Rio Linda is one of the smaller communities in Sacramento County, but its population density is almost identical to the county, at 1,600 people per square mile.
The demographics of Rio Linda are:
- 52.4% female, 47.6% male
- Median age: 38 years old
- 74.3% White, 23.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% two or more races, 6.9% Asian, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native
- Median household income: $80,364; $3,700 less than the state median household income
- Educational attainment: 88.1% of residents 25 and older have graduated high school, 13.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 14.4%
Notable Rio Linda residents include radio announcer Ken Ackerman, former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Darren Oliver, and former California Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush.
Is Rio Linda safe? The Rio Linda crime rate is 3,534 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 51% higher than the national average and 37% higher than the state average. The violent crime rate is 442 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 56% higher than America’s average and 37% higher than the state. The property crime rate is 2,929 offenses per 100,000 people, a rate that is 50% higher than the national average and 37% higher than California’s rate. However, the crime rate has decreased by 7% since 2021, and most crimes occur on the outskirts of the community. There are numerous safe places to live in Rio Linda.
The North Division of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office serves Rio Linda. The office has 684 police officers spread over the Sacramento metro area.
Cost of Living in Rio Linda, CA
We’ve used data from the Sacramento metro area to estimate the cost of living in Rio Linda. The cost of living index in Sacramento is 120.0, meaning items in general cost 20% more than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need an income of $95,122 a year to cover the cost of living in Rio Linda. According to Redfin, the median price of Rio Linda homes for sale is $360,000, with a price per square foot of $326. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Rio Linda is $1,525.
Typical Rio Linda Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $4.68
- 12 regular eggs: $4.14
- 1 pound of apples: $2.48
- 1 head of lettuce: $2.69
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $5.17
- Average Rio Linda utilities per month for a 915 square foot apartment: $254.34
Source: Numbeo (statistics for Sacramento)
Rio Linda Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Rio Linda
Rio Linda does not have formal neighborhoods. However, many realtors divide the area into communities that make it easy to find options for housing. Take a look at the best Rio Linda neighborhoods for families and single professionals.
Western Acres | Accessible Rio Linda Community With Cozy Homes
Western Acres is a compact community in northern Rio Linda. It is adjacent to Rio Linda Airport, a Stop & Shop, and other stores, making it a good community for people who need access to amenities and services. Homes are small, single-level properties good for couples and single people. Western Acres houses for sale in Rio Linda cover 1,000 square feet and cost less than $400,000.
Quietvale | Peaceful and Affordable Rio Linda Neighborhood
Quietvale is in northern Rio Linda. If you need to travel north for work, Quietvale is a good option. As its name suggests, Quietvale is a quiet community away from major traffic and commercial areas. The community is very small, but it contains side streets with homes you can buy or rent. Three-bedroom homes at 1,400 square feet are up for purchase at less than $400,000.
Mill County Estates | The Best Rio Linda Community for Commuters and Developers
Mill County Estates is located near several bus stops and major roads in Rio Linda, and many properties are available in and around the community. You can purchase split-level homes with three bedrooms for sale for around $400,000.
Rio Linda Weather and Climate
Rio Linda has a Mediterranean climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The average Rio Linda summer high exceeds 90 degrees, though average lows can drop into the low 60s. The average temperature in Rio Linda in the winter hovers in the 40s, with the average Rio Linda winter low reaching the low 40s.
Rio Linda gets roughly 20 inches of rain on average. Very few days in the summer are cloudy, let alone rainy. The rainiest month is February, though January and December can experience rain. May and June are the best months to visit Rio Linda and start moving to Rio Linda. You are unlikely to encounter rain, and the temperatures are not as sweltering as in July.
Rio Linda Things to Do
Rio Linda has a few cool family-friendly activities. As Rio Linda is in a suburban area, excursions while living in Rio Linda will likely take place outdoors and involve small attractions. However, you can combine a few things to create a fun day. You can go shopping for groceries at Food 4 Less. Bill’s Market is a locally-owned grocery store that sells liquor, and you can buy quick meals and snacks at 7-Eleven.
Dry Creek Ranch House
The Dry Creek Ranch House is a historic home open to tours. The house has special events throughout the year, and it is a beautiful venue for weddings and parties.
Dry Creek Ranch House, 6852 Dry Creek Road, Rio Linda, CA 95673 916-332-4359
West Sacramento Community Orchestra
The West Sacramento Community Orchestra performs free concerts at night throughout the year. If you’re interested in joining, you can sign up online and rehearse with the orchestra on Tuesday nights.
West Sacramento Community Orchestra, 6240 22nd Street, Rio Linda, CA 95673 916-991-5262
The Natomas Farm
The Natomas Farm is a local farm that offers must-do tours. You can buy fresh produce from the farm throughout the year, including blood oranges and blackberries.
The Natomas Farm, 7100 Marysville Boulevard, Rio Linda, CA 95673
Other Things to Do in Rio Linda
Other kid-friendly destinations in Rio Linda include:
Rio Linda shares a parks and recreation office with Elverta. The office updates its website regularly to promote special events like Halloween and Christmas parties.
Restaurants in Rio Linda CA
Despite its small size, Rio Linda has a diverse and affordable restaurant scene. Many Rio Linda CA restaurants are kid-friendly and affordable for residents on all budgets.
Mi Lindo Apatzingan
Mi Lindo Apatzingan is one of the most popular restaurants in Rio Linda. The restaurant offers family-friendly Mexican dishes like burritos, chimichangas, and quesadillas.
Mi Lindo Apatzingan, 928 Oak Lane, Rio Linda, CA 95673 916-991-2577
Amy’s Cafe
Amy’s Cafe serves classic and affordable Chinese food in a casual atmosphere. You can get combo plates with entrees like General Tso’s chicken and sides for less than $10.
Amy’s Cafe, 750 Main Street, Rio Linda, CA 95673 916-992-0378
Creekside Diner
The Creekside Diner serves breakfast and lunch dishes in a friendly and casual environment. You and your kids can enjoy classic staples like omelets and hamburgers.
Creekside Diner, 950 Oak Lane, Rio Linda, CA 95673 916-991-5141
Jobs in Rio Linda CA
Almost 7,000 people have Rio Linda jobs. Healthcare, construction, and retail are the largest industries in the area. According to Payscale, the average hourly wage is $18.75 an hour.
Major employers in Rio Linda include major companies like Starbucks and 7-Eleven. You can also find Rio Linda California jobs at a number of small businesses by using job boards like Indeed. Keep in mind that many people in Rio Linda commute to Sacramento and neighboring communities for work. You can find more job opportunities by broadening your geographic search.
Rio Linda Schools
Rio Linda students attend the Twin Rivers Unified School District. The district has a few schools within Rio Linda, and your children can ride on school buses to go outside of the community.
US News and World Report considers Dry Creek Elementary School to be the best elementary school in the Twin Rivers district. The elementary school offers extensive online resources to help students learn, such as websites for practicing math problems.
Niche considers Rio Linda High School the seventh-best high school in the Sacramento area. The school has unique programs, including a separate agriculture department. Students run dozens of extracurricular organizations, such as a safe credit union.
The Sacramento Public Library has a branch open in Rio Linda. The library provides internet workstations as well as laptops you can rent out.
Rio Linda Statistics and Information
- County: Sacramento
- Rio Linda area: 9.9 square miles
- Rio Linda zip code: 95673
- Rio Linda area codes: 916 and 279
- Rio Linda elevation: 56 feet
- Rio Linda time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Closest airport to Rio Linda: Rio Linda Airport (L36), one mile south of Rio Linda
Map of Rio Linda
Find out about other great things to do and attractions in Rio Linda with this essential map!
With its great schools and affordable homes, it’s easy to see why people are interested in living in Rio Linda. When you’re ready to start moving to Rio Linda, our Rio Linda movers can lend you a hand. Get your free moving quote at 916-631-4285.
