Several historical buildings have been preserved. Some of these include:

Nevada City is located at 39°15′41″N 121°01′07″W / 39.261435°N 121.018602°W / 39.261435; -121.018602.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.5 km²), all of it land.

Nevada, Missouri is named after Nevada City.

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,001 people, 1,313 households, and 740 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,425.0 people per square mile (549.1/km²). There were 1,415 housing units at an average density of 671.9/sq mi (258.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.27% White, 0.43% African American, 1.37% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.73% from other races, and 2.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.47% of the population.

There were 1,313 households out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.6% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.71.

In the city, the population was spread out with 19.7% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 32.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,667, and the median income for a family was $46,149. Males had a median income of $32,070 versus $29,183 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,399. About 1.7% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.5% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

In the state legislature, Nevada City is located in the 4th Senate District, represented by Republican Sam Aanestad, and in the 4th Assembly District, represented by Republican Ted Gaines. Federally, Nevada City is located in California's 4th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +11 and is represented by Republican Tom McClintock.

Tourists visit Nevada City not only for its historic appeal, but for special events as well.