Where is Folsom, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is Folsom, California Located in the United States? - Folsom is a city located in the Sacramento County in California, United States. Folsom lies between 38.6779 Degrees North latitudes and -121.1761 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Folsom, Sacramento, California

Where is Folsom Located in Sacramento, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Folsom in Sacramento County, in the U.S. state of California.

Folsom Map, California, USA

About Folsom Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Folsom, Sacramento County, California

Folsom is located in Sacramento County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States along the American River in the northeastern portion of the Sacramento metropolitan area. The city was incorporated in 1946 and was named after Joseph Libbey Folsom, an early landowner and railroad promoter, and it developed during the Gold Rush era before expanding into a suburban residential and commercial community.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Folsom is 80,454 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 2,900 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Folsom covers a total area of approximately 30.1 square miles (about 78.0 square kilometers), including about 26.7 square miles (69.2 square kilometers) of land and 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Folsom is situated east of Sacramento and west of El Dorado Hills, positioned along the American River and near Folsom Lake. The city features rolling foothills, river corridors, and expanding residential neighborhoods. U.S. Route 50 runs south of the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Folsom to Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada region.

Top Attractions

Folsom offers historic sites, parks, and outdoor recreation areas that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Historic Folsom District, and the Folsom Prison Museum. The city hosts seasonal events and outdoor festivals that reflect its Gold Rush heritage and scenic riverfront setting.

Transportation

Folsom is served by U.S. Route 50, offering convenient highway access to Sacramento and the Lake Tahoe region. Public transportation includes light rail service connecting the city to downtown Sacramento and regional bus routes. The nearest major airport is Sacramento International Airport, located approximately 30 miles to the northwest.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Folsom City Website.

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Folsom City Facts

CityFolsom
StateCalifornia
CountySacramento County
CountryUnited States
RegionGreater Sacramento Area
IncorporatedMarch 6, 1946
Founded1856
Total AreaApproximately 34.0 sq mi (88.1 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 31.9 sq mi (82.6 km2)
Water AreaApproximately 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km2)
ElevationApproximately 220 ft (67 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 85,000+
Population (2020 Census)80,454
Population DensityApproximately 2,500 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes95630, 95763
Area Code916
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 50, State Route 99 (nearby)
Public TransitSacramento Regional Transit Light Rail & Bus
Major AttractionsFolsom Lake State Recreation Area, Folsom State Prison Museum, Historic Folsom District
Official Websitehttps://www.folsom.ca.us/

Distance from Folsom City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Rancho Cordova, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • El Dorado Hills, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Orangevale, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
  • Fair Oaks, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Citrus Heights, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Rocklin, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Roseville, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Loomis, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Lincoln, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Sacramento, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • West Sacramento, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
  • Auburn, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Placerville, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Woodland, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Davis, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Marysville, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Yuba City, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Stockton, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Chico, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Reno, NV – 120 miles (193 km)

Driving Distances from Folsom, California

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
OrangevaleCalifornia510 min
El Dorado HillsCalifornia610 min
Fair OaksCalifornia712 min
Rancho CordovaCalifornia815 min
Citrus HeightsCalifornia1018 min
RosevilleCalifornia1120 min
RocklinCalifornia1322 min
Cameron ParkCalifornia1625 min
SacramentoCalifornia2430 min
Lake TahoeCalifornia951 hr 45 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Folsom, California

CategoryInformation
Airport NameSacramento International Airport
IATA CodeSMF
PortPort of Sacramento (regional inland port)
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 50, Folsom Boulevard, East Bidwell Street, Prairie City Road
Train/Amtrak ServiceSacRT Gold Line light rail; nearest Amtrak station is Sacramento Valley Station
Local Bus/Transit ServiceSacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT)
  • U.S. Route 50 - Primary freeway connecting Folsom with Sacramento, Placerville and South Lake Tahoe.
  • Folsom Boulevard - Historic roadway linking the city with Rancho Cordova and Sacramento.
  • East Bidwell Street - Major arterial serving commercial districts, neighborhoods and business centers.
  • Prairie City Road - Connects Folsom with nearby residential areas and El Dorado County.

What are top Places to Visit in Folsom, California

Landmark NameType
Folsom Lake State Recreation AreaState Recreation Area
Folsom Historic DistrictHistoric District
Folsom Prison MuseumMuseum
Folsom City Zoo SanctuaryZoo
Folsom Premium OutletsOutlet Shopping Center
Johnny Cash TrailWalking and Cycling Trail
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic ParkHistoric Park
Lake NatomaLake
Palladio at BroadstoneShopping and Entertainment Center
Rainbow BridgeHistoric Bridge

Colleges and Universities in Folsom, California

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Folsom Lake CollegePublicCommunity CollegeTransfer, career and technical education
California State University, SacramentoPublicUniversityResearch, business and engineering programs
Sierra CollegePublicCommunity CollegeWorkforce development and transfer education
Folsom Cordova Unified School DistrictPublicK–12 DistrictComprehensive public education

Waterbodies in Folsom, California

Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, American River, South Fork American River, Alder Creek, Humbug Creek, Willow Creek, Mormon Island Wetlands

Golf Courses in Folsom, California

Empire Ranch Golf Club, Woodcreek Golf Club, Granite Bay Golf Club, Serrano Country Club, Ancil Hoffman Golf Course, The Ridge Golf Course

Folsom, California — Key Historical Facts

  • Folsom was founded during the California Gold Rush and was named after Joseph Libbey Folsom, a U.S. Army officer and early land investor.
  • The city became an important transportation and supply center for nearby gold mining communities during the mid-nineteenth century.
  • Folsom Prison, opened in 1880, gained worldwide recognition and later became closely associated with Johnny Cash following his famous 1968 live concert.
  • The completion of Folsom Dam in the 1950s created Folsom Lake, providing flood control, hydroelectric power, water storage, and recreation for the Sacramento region.
  • Today, Folsom is known for its historic downtown, technology employers, excellent schools, extensive trail network, and outdoor recreation centered around Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma.

References

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