CaliforniaPop. 545,970Large cities
Is Fresno a Good Place to Live? Fresno, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fresno ranks #1184 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #33 of 37 large cities and #164 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (90.4%, #3 of 30) and short commutes (22.4 min, #6 of 37), and trails on high unemployment (6.7%, #36 of 37) and high poverty (20.1%, #33 of 37).
Fresno by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fresno's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Fresno?
Fresno's cost of living index is 102.2, 2% above the US level of 100 and #803 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,421/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $388,924, 49% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Fresno | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 102.2#803 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $388,924#600 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,941/mo#673 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $374,800#725 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,421/mo#654 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 24%#900 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Fresno housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Fresno is in the Fresno, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Fresno safe?
Fresno recorded 720 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 66% above California's 433. That ranks #977 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fresno Police Department. Property crime runs 2,580 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fresno | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 720#977 of 1,085 | 433 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,580#883 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Fresno?
The median household in Fresno earns $70,991, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fresno | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $70,991#797 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 6.7%#1016 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 20.1%#1112 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fresno?
The median resident of Fresno is 32.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 25.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fresno | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 32.8 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 25.5%#956 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 50.1% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fresno's schools and health?
Fresno's 146 public schools graduate 90.4% of students in four years (California 87%), with 21.2 students per teacher and $19,126 spent per pupil. 37.5% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Fresno | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 90.4%#350 of 1,063 | 87% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 21.2#983 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $19,126#254 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 37.5%#978 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 15.3%#1094 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 106,923 students are enrolled in Fresno's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fresno?
The average commute in Fresno is 22.4 minutes (California 29.7); 1.2% of workers take transit and 10.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fresno scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.1°F and winters 49.3°F, with 11 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fresno | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 22.4 min#534 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 72.1% | 67.3% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.2% | 3.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.5% | 2.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 10.9% | 14.1% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.7#374 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 55.4 | 40.6 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 61.3 | 43.3 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 67.5 | 47.3 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 73.7 | 50.9 | 1 |
| May | 82.7 | 57.6 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 91.4 | 63.9 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 97.7 | 69.3 | 0 |
| Aug | 96.5 | 67.9 | 0 |
| Sep | 90.7 | 63.4 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 78.7 | 54.6 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 64.9 | 45.4 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 55.3 | 39.8 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fresno Yosemite International.
| Measure | Fresno | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 65°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 81.1°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 49.3°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 11 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fresno Yosemite International.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fresno?
Fresno County's air had a median air quality index of 61, and 29% of measured days were rated good; 34 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fresno County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 64% of US counties.
| Measure | Fresno | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 61#1011 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 34#1034 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.18%#828 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Fresno County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fresno County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.057% | 92% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0085% | 83% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Fresno compare with similar-size cities?
Fresno is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #33 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 545,970.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #1184 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 | 22.4 min |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #1088 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 | 29.1 min |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #1199 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 | 22.4 min |
| Albuquerque, NMPop. 562,218 | #1051 | 48.8 | $68,317 | $1,145/mo | 1,024 | 22.4 min |
| Tucson, AZPop. 547,073 | #1001 | 50.0 | $57,073 | $1,145/mo | 368 | 21.9 min |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #985 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 | 21.7 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Fresno compare with the rest of California?
Fresno ranks #164 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 45.5 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 29% below the California median. Violent crime is 66% above the statewide rate. Homes are 49% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Oakland, CAPop. 439,418 | … #160 | 46.3 | $101,600 | $1,979/mo | 1,475 |
| Tulare, CAPop. 70,945 | #161 | 46.3 | $72,410 | $1,435/mo | 477 |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #162 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #163 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #164 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 |
| Vallejo, CAPop. 124,268 | #165 | 45.3 | $90,171 | $2,073/mo | 778 |
| Watsonville, CAPop. 51,712 | #166 | 44.9 | $78,393 | $1,889/mo | 415 |
| Salinas, CAPop. 161,761 | #167 | 44.7 | $91,908 | $1,991/mo | 516 |
| El Cajon, CAPop. 104,449 | #168 | 44.0 | $67,511 | $1,856/mo | 457 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Fresno among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Fresno's score calculated?
Fresno scores 45.5 out of 100, #1184 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Fresno. Similar-size median 50.4.
35.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fresno's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
42.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fresno. Similar-size median 52.4.
43.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fresno's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
58.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fresno's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
63.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fresno. Similar-size median 43.4.
34.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fresno. Similar-size median 40.4.
32.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fresno. Similar-size median 56.6.
49.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fresno's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
26.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fresno's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fresno has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Fresno
Is Fresno, CA a good place to live?
Fresno ranks #1184 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #33 of 37 large cities and #164 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (90.4%, #3 of 30) and short commutes (22.4 min, #6 of 37), and trails on high unemployment (6.7%, #36 of 37) and high poverty (20.1%, #33 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Fresno?
Fresno's cost of living index is 102.2, 2% above the US level of 100 and #803 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,421/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $388,924, 49% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Fresno?
Fresno recorded 720 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 66% above California's 433. That ranks #977 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fresno Police Department. Property crime runs 2,580 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fresno?
The median household in Fresno earns $70,991, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fresno?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,421/mo (Census), #654 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,941/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fresno?
The typical home value in Fresno is $388,924, up 0.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $374,800.
How are the public schools in Fresno?
Fresno's 146 public schools graduate 90.4% of students in four years (California 87%), with 21.2 students per teacher and $19,126 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fresno?
The average commute is 22.4 minutes, #534 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fresno?
Fresno averages 65°F over the year, 81.1°F in summer and 49.3°F in winter, with 11 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fresno walkable?
Fresno scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Fresno at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fresno County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 64% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fresno?
Fresno County's air had a median air quality index of 61, and 29% of measured days were rated good; 34 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fresno?
Fresno has 545,970 residents. The median resident of Fresno is 32.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 25.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fresno compare with the rest of California?
Fresno ranks #164 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 45.5 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 29% below the California median. Violent crime is 66% above the statewide rate. Homes are 49% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Fresno?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fresno's population of 545,970 are Baltimore, MD (#1088 overall), Milwaukee, WI (#1199 overall), Albuquerque, NM (#1051 overall), Tucson, AZ (#1001 overall), and Kansas City, MO (#985 overall). Fresno is #1184.