If you’ve been keeping an eye on Placer County lately, you probably already know that Lincoln isn’t just a quiet retirement spot anymore. While it still has that relaxed, small-town charm, the economic engine here has really revved up. As we settle into 2026, Lincoln has firmly established itself as a key player in the robust Roseville-Sacramento economic corridor.

What we are seeing on the ground is a shift from a purely residential economy to a much more mixed landscape. It used to be that people lived here and worked elsewhere—or they moved here after they finished working entirely. Now, with retail and service sectors expanding, there’s a lot more activity right in town.

Economically, Placer County remains a bright spot in California. While the state unemployment rate has hovered around 5.6% recently, our local numbers historically trend lower. That resilience is a big draw for people looking for stability. Beyond the spreadsheets, though, it’s the lifestyle that attracts the workforce. Professionals are moving here because they can work hard and then clock out to a historic downtown or a hiking trail within minutes.

Top Industries and Major Employers

When buyers ask me, "Where does everyone work around here?", the answer usually starts with a mix of massive regional players and deep-rooted local history. Lincoln has a unique employment blend that spans everything from high-end hospitality to industrial manufacturing.

Leisure & Hospitality You can't talk about jobs here without mentioning Thunder Valley Casino Resort. It sits just outside the city limits, but it acts as a massive economic engine for the whole area. We aren't just talking about card dealers; they employ thousands across hotel management, culinary arts, security, and entertainment operations.

Manufacturing & History On the industrial side, Gladding, McBean is still the anchor. They’ve been here since the 1800s, making the terracotta pipes and architectural facades you see all over the world. It’s rare to have such a historic manufacturer still operating at full tilt, but they remain a steady source of skilled trade jobs.

Public Sector & Education For stable, long-term employment, the Western Placer Unified School District and the City of Lincoln are two of the biggest heavyweights. As our population grows, the demand for teachers, administrators, and city planners keeps pace.

Retail & Services If you drive down to the Twelve Bridges area, you’ll see exactly where the new growth is happening. The retail expansion there has created a surge in service and management roles, making it easier for residents to find work close to home.

Commuting Patterns: Access to the Greater Sacramento Region

Let’s be real about the drive. A significant portion of Lincoln residents start their mornings with a coffee and a commute. We are perfectly positioned for people who want the Placer County lifestyle but need access to the bigger job hubs nearby.

The most common route is the quick hop down Highway 65 to Roseville. Roseville is a powerhouse for healthcare and tech, home to major campuses for Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and HP. For many living in Lincoln, this is an easy 15 to 20-minute drive, putting top-tier career opportunities within easy reach without the price tag of living right next to the office.

If your work takes you to downtown Sacramento—perhaps for a state government job—you’re looking at a commute of about 30 miles. Depending on traffic on I-80, that’s usually a 30 to 45-minute trip. While Highway 65 traffic has been a talking point for years, recent improvements have helped keep things moving.

For those who prefer to let someone else do the driving, the Placer Commuter Express offers a solid alternative for getting into the capital, and Lincoln Transit connects you locally.

Salaries and Cost of Living Balance

One of the main reasons I see people relocating to Lincoln is the math. It just makes sense. Placer County typically boasts higher median household incomes than much of the broader Sacramento region, often exceeding $90,000.

When you compare local wages against the cost of housing, you see the value. A home in Lincoln generally offers more square footage and newer construction than what you’d get for the same price in the Bay Area or central Roseville. You aren't sacrificing quality; you're just getting more for your money.

We also see a "wealth import" effect here. Because so many tech workers and professionals have moved inland while keeping their coastal salaries, the local purchasing power is strong. It creates a stable housing market where residents have the income to support local businesses, which in turn supports the local job market.

Remote Work and Hybrid Opportunities

The "work from anywhere" shift that started years ago has permanently changed the landscape here. By 2026, remote work isn't just a trend; it's a standard part of how Lincoln operates.

High-speed internet is a given in most neighborhoods, especially in newer master-planned communities like Twelve Bridges where fiber options are standard. This infrastructure is crucial for the "super-commuters" we see so often—folks who work for Bay Area companies but only drive into the office once or twice a week.

You’ll also notice the community adapting to this. Local coffee shops are filled with laptops during the day, and coworking spaces have popped up to serve people who need a break from the home office. Even the homebuilders have caught on; it’s hard to find a new construction floor plan these days that doesn't include a dedicated "Zoom room" or home office nook.

Future Outlook: Developments Watching in 2026

Looking ahead, the momentum doesn't seem to be slowing down. There are several commercial projects on the radar that are set to bring more jobs and amenities to town this year.

Twelve Bridges Retail The expansion at Twelve Bridges continues to be a major story. As new commercial centers open, we are seeing a steady stream of retail and food service jobs. It’s becoming a self-contained hub where you can shop, dine, and work without hitting the freeway.

Downtown Revitalization Keep an eye on the downtown area. Projects like the "Ceramica" mixed-use development are designed to inject new life into the city center. By adding commercial spaces mixed with living units, these projects support small business growth and bring vitality to the historic district.

Industrial & Healthcare We are also watching the industrial park near the airport expand, which attracts logistics and manufacturing roles. On the healthcare front, as the population increases, major providers are opening more satellite clinics and medical offices, creating high-quality jobs for nurses, technicians, and administrative staff right here in town.

FAQ: Job Market & Economy in Lincoln, CA

What are the biggest employers in Lincoln, CA?

The largest single-site employer in the immediate vicinity is Thunder Valley Casino Resort. Within the city itself, the Western Placer Unified School District, Gladding McBean, and the City of Lincoln are the major entities providing stable employment.

Is Lincoln, CA a good place for remote workers?

Absolutely. Most newer neighborhoods, particularly in the Twelve Bridges area, are equipped with high-speed fiber internet. The city is very popular with hybrid workers who only need to commute to the Bay Area or Sacramento a few times a week.

How long is the commute from Lincoln to Sacramento?

It depends on the time of day, but you should budget around 30 to 45 minutes to reach downtown Sacramento. The distance is about 30 miles, and while Highway 65 can get busy, it is a very common daily route for state workers.

What is the unemployment rate in Lincoln compared to California?

Lincoln and Placer County generally show more economic resilience than the state average. While California's unemployment rate has been around 5.6% recently, our local market usually stays tighter, reflecting a stable and active local economy.

Are there tech jobs available in Lincoln?

While there are some remote tech workers living here, most in-person tech jobs are located nearby in Roseville and Rocklin. However, with the short 15-minute commute to hubs like HP and various tech startups, Lincoln is a very convenient home base for tech professionals.