UPDATE: The town of Paradise is witnessing an astonishing population surge as recovery efforts from the devastating Camp Fire ramp up. New estimates reveal Paradise’s population has rebounded to approximately 11,088 as of January 2025, a significant recovery from the 4,060 residents counted in the 2020 U.S. Census.
Colette Curtis, Paradise’s recovery and economic development director, confirmed that the town has transformed dramatically since the fire. “Paradise is now the fastest-growing city in California,” she stated, with an impressive growth rate of 11.04% since 2020. This not only highlights a comeback but also signals a shift in the community’s demographics, as younger families flock to the area.
The rebuilding of Paradise, which began in early 2019, has led to a surge in housing developments. So far, there have been 3,634 applications for single-family homes, with 2,968 already completed and ready for occupancy. Additionally, there are 1,022 applications for multi-family units, with 681 approved. Curtis noted that around 73% of these new homes are traditional stick-built structures.
Curtis emphasized the increasing demand for housing, saying, “More kids are here than before; we’re definitely seeing younger families moving in.” The local school population has also surged, reaching about 50% of pre-fire levels, prompting plans for a new elementary school to accommodate this growth.
However, the housing market faces challenges, particularly concerning insurance. The rising home prices, which have jumped from an average of $325,000 pre-fire to $454,000 recently, are complicating the recovery. Curtis highlighted, “Insurance affordability and availability are really challenging.” Many residents are relying on the state’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirements plan due to high costs and availability issues in the private market.
Despite these hurdles, hope continues to flourish in Paradise, with around 350 businesses reopening or launching since the fire. The local economy is adapting, with the school district becoming the largest employer in the area, replacing the previous dominant employer, the now-closed Adventist Health Feather River Hospital.
Infrastructure improvements are also underway, with federal funding allocated for road repairs expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Curtis noted the impact of ongoing construction, stating, “It’s a lot of detours and road closures, making it difficult for residents.”
As Paradise continues to rebuild, the community remains resilient, focusing on creating a vibrant and safe environment for both returning residents and newcomers. The latest developments indicate a promising future for Paradise, transforming it into a thriving hub once again.
Stay tuned for further updates on Paradise’s recovery and growth, as the town stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit in the face of adversity.
