Donner Woods / Donner Lake
Is Donner Woods / Donner Lake a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Truckee, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe12
Medium10
Low19
Other19
8 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape2
Child involved5
Assault0
Other1
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical lift assist call was reported near Madrone Lane. Engine 5141 was dispatched to assist at location 1320, with a possible earlier address near Madrone Drive mentioned. | Madrone Ln, Truckee, CA 96161 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a report of a vehicle parked in a way that may be partially blocking the roadway near High Street in the Truckee area. | High St, Truckee, CA 96161 | Traffic |
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible traffic collision on Willow Road involving two people, with no apparent injuries, and a request to contact the highway patrol. | Willow St, Truckee, CA 96161 | Traffic |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers received a request for a dog pickup near the Tahoe Donner Golf Course in Truckee, but the call was later canceled when the owner was reported to be on the way to retrieve the dog. | Northwoods Blvd, Truckee, CA 96161 | Other Non-Crime Event |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a possible partial vehicle fire on eastbound Interstate 80 near the Highway 89 South interchange. Updated information from highway patrol indicated smoking brakes with no visible flames. | I-80 & CA-89, Truckee, CA 96161 | Fire |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a report of a suspicious man crouching in a grassy area along westbound Interstate 80 east of Central Truckee, possibly holding a gas can. It is unknown whether he is connected to any nearby vehicle. | I-80, Truckee, CA | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic 58 responded to a medical emergency near Pine Ave involving one patient and a pediatric rider. | Pine Ave, Truckee, CA 96161 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched for a possible stroke involving a patient on Highway 89 near a bridge in the Truckee area. Engine 21, Medic 58, and Rescue 21 were reported responding to the medical call. | CA-89, Truckee, CA 96161 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, firefighters responded to a residential fire alarm at a home on Estates Drive in Truckee. A smoke and heat detector in one zone had activated, and crews arrived to find no visible fire and began an investigation. | Estates Dr, Truckee, CA 96161 | Fire |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers report a possible multi-vehicle crash with medical needs on eastbound I-80 near the Donner Lake interchange. Cal Fire and other units are being sent to assist. | I-80, Truckee, CA | Traffic |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$926,911
Average Rent
$3,372
Vacancy Rate
65.5%
Overview
Donner Woods / Donner Lake is a rural neighborhood in Truckee, California, featuring mostly medium to small single-family homes and small apartment buildings.
The area has a notably high vacancy rate of 65.5%, largely due to seasonal occupancy common in vacation areas.
This neighborhood is recognized for its low child poverty rate and retiree-friendly environment, ranking better than 96.7% of California neighborhoods for retirees.
RuralRetiree-FriendlyHigh Vacancy
Quick Facts
| Rural Neighborhood | Yes |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Donner Woods / Donner Lake's housing market is characterized by a predominance of owner-occupied medium to small single-family homes, with many built between 1970 and 1999.
| Owner Occupied Rate | Majority |
|---|---|
| Housing Age (1970-1999) | Significant portion |
| Seasonally Occupied Homes | 59.6% |
What buyers will notice right away
Many homes are seasonally occupied, reflecting the neighborhood's vacation area character.
Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, offering established but not old residences.
Families & Lifestyle
This neighborhood is notable for its retiree-friendly environment and low child poverty rate, making it appealing for seniors and families alike.
Low child poverty indicates strong community support for families.
High retiree-friendliness suggests a peaceful and safe environment.
Retiree Appeal — The neighborhood attracts educated seniors and offers a quiet, safe setting.
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
|---|---|
| Retiree-Friendly Rank | Top 3.3% in California |
Demographics
| Upper-Middle Income | Higher than 72.7% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Canadian Ancestry | 4.1% |
| Danish Ancestry | 2.2% |
| Portuguese Speakers | 2.2% |
Commute
Most residents enjoy short commutes, with a majority driving alone to work.
Donner Woods / Donner Lake offers convenient access to work with short commute times and high car usage.
Short Commutes — Most residents spend under 15 minutes commuting.
Car-Dependent — High rate of driving alone reflects reliance on private vehicles.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 69.5% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 73.0% |
Homes for sale near 96161
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the vacancy rate so high?
Many homes are seasonally occupied due to the neighborhood's vacation area status, leading to a high vacancy rate.
Is this neighborhood good for retirees?
Yes, it ranks better than 96.7% of California neighborhoods for retiree-friendliness, offering safety and diverse housing.