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Is Hanford a Good Place to Live? Hanford, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hanford ranks #956 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #402 of 524 smaller cities and #125 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #61 of 468) and high graduation rates (94%, #58 of 437), and trails on high unemployment (8.3%, #465 of 476).
Hanford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hanford'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 Hanford?
Hanford's cost of living index is 101.6, 2% above the US level of 100 and #767 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,309/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $383,336, 50% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Hanford | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 101.6#767 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $383,336#589 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,003/mo#710 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $349,400#646 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,309/mo#537 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.5%#514 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Hanford 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. Hanford is in the Hanford-Corcoran, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Hanford safe?
Hanford recorded 345 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% below the US rate of 373 and 22% below California's 440. That ranks #621 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #279 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hanford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,012 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Hanford | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 345#621 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,012#220 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Hanford?
The median household in Hanford earns $76,461, in line with the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 8.3% (US 4.2%). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Hanford | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $76,461#681 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 8.3%#1043 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.5%#830 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.6%#138 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Hanford?
The median resident of Hanford is 32.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hanford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 32.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 18.1%#1206 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Hanford's schools and health?
Hanford's 17 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23 students per teacher and $16,053 spent per pupil. 33.4% of adults are obese and 11.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Hanford | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23#1080 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,053#476 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.4%#644 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.9%#775 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15.2%#1088 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,688 students are enrolled in Hanford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hanford?
The average commute in Hanford is 22.6 minutes (California 25.2); 0.4% of workers take transit and 7.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hanford scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79°F and winters 47.9°F, with 8.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hanford | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.6 min#556 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.1% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.2% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.6#393 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 56.6 | 37 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 63 | 38.9 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 69.8 | 43.5 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 76.3 | 47.2 | 0.7 |
| May | 84.6 | 53.8 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 92.5 | 59.5 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 98.2 | 64 | 0 |
| Aug | 97.4 | 62.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 92.1 | 57.4 | 0 |
| Oct | 80.7 | 48.5 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 66.6 | 39.8 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 56.7 | 35.3 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hanford Muni Airport.
| Measure | Hanford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 79°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 47.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 8.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hanford Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hanford?
Kings County's air had a median air quality index of 57, and 35% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kings County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Hanford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 57#995 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.19%#912 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kings County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kings County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.074% | 95% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.093% | 63% 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 Hanford compare with similar-size cities?
Hanford is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #402 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,754.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanford, CAPop. 59,754 | #956 | 50.8 | $76,461 | $1,309/mo | 345 | 22.6 min |
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #27 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 | 20.2 min |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #394 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 | 34.2 min |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #347 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 | 25.7 min |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #600 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 | 16.1 min |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #304 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 | 21 min |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #1087 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 | 23.7 min |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #367 | 60.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | part year | 27.1 min |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #1277 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 | 20.3 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 Hanford compare with the rest of California?
Hanford ranks #125 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 17% below the California median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 50% 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 |
| Palm Desert, CAPop. 51,990 | … #121 | 51.3 | $77,513 | $1,778/mo | 138 |
| Whittier, CAPop. 86,165 | #122 | 51.2 | $97,201 | $1,906/mo | 395 |
| Fairfield, CAPop. 120,785 | #123 | 51.1 | $101,895 | $2,266/mo | 522 |
| Cathedral City, CAPop. 52,267 | #124 | 50.9 | $73,572 | $1,601/mo | 334 |
| Hanford, CAPop. 59,754 | #125 | 50.8 | $76,461 | $1,309/mo | 345 |
| Burbank, CAPop. 104,546 | #126 | 50.7 | $97,082 | $2,192/mo | 342 |
| Baldwin Park, CAPop. 70,138 | #127 | 50.6 | $80,663 | $1,867/mo | 367 |
| Visalia, CAPop. 143,939 | #128 | 50.5 | $81,989 | $1,490/mo | 415 |
| Yucaipa, CAPop. 54,421 | #129 | 50.5 | $90,794 | $1,711/mo | 204 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Hanford among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Hanford's score calculated?
Hanford scores 50.8 out of 100, #956 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Hanford. Similar-size median 55.5.
28.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hanford's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
77.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hanford. Similar-size median 58.9.
50.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hanford's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hanford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
66.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hanford. Similar-size median 56.1.
46.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hanford. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hanford. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hanford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
28.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hanford's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Hanford 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 Hanford
Is Hanford, CA a good place to live?
Hanford ranks #956 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #402 of 524 smaller cities and #125 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #61 of 468) and high graduation rates (94%, #58 of 437), and trails on high unemployment (8.3%, #465 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Hanford?
Hanford's cost of living index is 101.6, 2% above the US level of 100 and #767 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,309/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $383,336, 50% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Hanford?
Hanford recorded 345 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% below the US rate of 373 and 22% below California's 440. That ranks #621 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #279 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hanford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,012 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Hanford?
The median household in Hanford earns $76,461, in line with the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 8.3% (US 4.2%). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Hanford?
Median rent in Hanford is $1,309/mo (Census), #537 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,003/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hanford?
Zillow's typical home value in Hanford is $383,336, up 2.7% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $349,400.
How are the public schools in Hanford?
Hanford's 17 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23 students per teacher and $16,053 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hanford?
The average commute is 22.6 minutes, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hanford?
Hanford averages 63.4°F over the year, 79°F in summer and 47.9°F in winter, with 8.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hanford walkable?
Hanford scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 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 Hanford at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kings County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hanford?
Kings County's air had a median air quality index of 57, and 35% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Hanford?
Hanford has 59,754 residents. The median resident of Hanford is 32.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hanford compare with the rest of California?
Hanford ranks #125 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 50.8 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 17% below the California median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 50% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Hanford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hanford's population of 59,754 are Madison, AL (#27 overall), Revere, MA (#394 overall), Blue Springs, MO (#347 overall), Corvallis, OR (#600 overall), and West Allis, WI (#304 overall). Hanford is #956.