Gold can be mined after heavy rains. California’s “gold content” still ranks highest in the United States.

With gold prices continually reaching new highs, California has emerged as a hotspot for gold mining, boasting the highest concentration of gold mine locations in the U.S. According to a recent report from KTLA 5 in Los Angeles, remnants of the iconic gold rush that began in the mid-19th century can still be felt over a century later, as certain parts of the country continue to reveal profitable gold deposits. Earlier this year, online precious metals dealer SD Bullion conducted a survey identifying the ten states most likely to harbor underground gold mines, with California taking the lead.

The company analyzed data from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Resources Program, comparing the total number of gold mines, exploration sites, and production areas across various states relative to their size. As a result, researchers discovered that California, famously known as the Golden State, is home to 66.59 gold mine locations for every 1,000 square miles. This was followed by Washington with 34.17, Oregon with 31.41, Nevada with 30.91, Idaho with 28.44, Arizona with 17.40, Colorado with 14.89, Montana with 13.21, Alaska with 9.22, and Utah with 7.46.

On the other end of the spectrum, Oklahoma has the fewest gold mine locations, at just 0.01 per 1,000 square miles, followed by Arkansas with 0.04, and Missouri with 0.07.

Chase Turner, the CEO of SD Bullion, stated in a press release that the findings highlight areas in the U.S. where gold mining discoveries are notably more likely, characterized by favorable geological conditions and a historic track record of successful mining operations—essentially, these are modern-day gold rush territories.

As of September 30, 2024, the price of gold stood at approximately $2,639.51 per ounce. Severe winter storms that struck California at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023 ignited a fresh wave of interest in gold mining, leading to what some are calling a “modern gold rush.” The storms caused flooding and mudslides, displacing vast amounts of soil and sediment and revealing hidden gold deposits, particularly in historically significant areas like the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, domestic gold production in the U.S. for 2023 was estimated to be around 170 tons, valued at about $10 billion, sourced from over 40 mines across 11 states. While the SD Bullion survey ranked Nevada fourth in terms of gold mine locations per square mile, the state actually leads the nation in gold production, contributing approximately 73% of the country’s total output, followed closely by Alaska at 13%.