Foothill Area Guide · Yuba County

Dobbins, California

An 1849 pioneer settlement in the pines below New Bullards Bar

Houseboats on New Bullards Bar Reservoir near the dam, about 4 miles from Dobbins. Image: Historyjunkie2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0

By Aaron Rose, Realtor®, eXp Realty of California · Updated October 2026

Where is Dobbins, California?

Dobbins is a small census-designated place (CDP) in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northeastern Yuba County, on Marysville Road about 25 miles (straight-line) northeast of downtown Marysville, at roughly 1,750 feet. The 2020 Census counted 551 residents and 286 housing units on about 7.7 square miles of land, down from 624 residents in 2010.

County and ZIP: The CDP and its 95935 ZIP code are entirely in Yuba County. Most of the CDP uses 95935, and a small southwestern sliver falls in Oregon House's 95962. The whole 95935 ZIP had 750 residents and 367 housing units in 2020.

What is the history of Dobbins?

Dobbins was founded in 1849 by the Dobbins brothers, per the E Clampus Vitus plaque at the post office.

The 1966 E Clampus Vitus plaque in front of the Dobbins Post Office (10375 Old Dobbins Road) sums it up. The Dobbins brothers founded the town in 1849. Its hotel and store were "a celebrated trading point in pioneer days." Later the area was home to many early power companies that supplied electricity to a wide region. The Yuba County Historic Resources Commission names the founders as William and Mark Dobbins and calls the Dobbins Hotel central to the town's social life.

Sacred Heart Station, a small white mission church on Old Dobbins Road, is a mission of St. Joseph Parish in Marysville and one of the town's most photographed buildings.

What is there to do in and around Dobbins?

Dobbins is the closest town to New Bullards Bar Reservoir, whose dam is about 4 miles (straight-line) to the northeast. Yuba Water Agency runs the reservoir and reports 55 miles of shoreline, more than 20 miles of trails, and boating, fishing, camping, swimming and mountain biking. Emerald Cove Marina rents houseboats and other boats. The dam was completed in 1970 and, at 645 feet, Yuba Water calls it the second-tallest dam in California. The county's Historic Resources Commission also calls Dobbins the gateway to nearby Lake Francis, reached by Lake Francis Road.

What schools serve Dobbins?

Every point we sampled in the Dobbins CDP and ZIP 95935 falls in Marysville Joint Unified School District under Census/NCES EDGE boundaries. NCES lists Dobbins Elementary (MJUSD) at 1 Dobbin School Ln. District lines don't follow ZIP codes or community names, so buyers should confirm the district and school assignment for a specific address with the Yuba County Office of Education's School District Locator or the district office.

How far is Dobbins from Marysville?

Dobbins is about 25 miles (straight-line) northeast of downtown Marysville, linked by Marysville Road through Oregon House and Browns Valley.

Marysville Road is the lifeline. It runs southwest through Oregon House to Browns Valley and Highway 20 for Marysville and Yuba City. Yuba Water describes New Bullards Bar as about 45 minutes east of Marysville on Marysville Road. Drive times vary by address, so ask Aaron for a route check from a specific property.

What are homes like in Dobbins?

Dobbins is small and rural, with 286 housing units in the CDP and 367 in ZIP 95935 at the 2020 Census. Expect homes on wooded acreage, cabins and land. For current pricing and recent sales, contact Aaron; this guide doesn't publish market statistics that haven't been verified.

Questions about Dobbins? Call Aaron Rose at 530-755-8479 or see current Dobbins listings.

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