CaliforniaPop. 67,831Smaller cities
Is Madera a Good Place to Live? Madera, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Madera ranks #1230 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #495 of 524 smaller cities and #170 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on high unemployment (8.5%, #468 of 476) and high poverty (25.6%, #502 of 524).
Madera by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Madera'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 Madera?
Madera'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 $1,353/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $425,530, 44% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Madera | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 102.2#803 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $425,530#682 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 | $2,120/mo#766 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $359,900#682 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,353/mo#591 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.4%#1041 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.
Madera 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. Madera is in the Madera, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Madera safe?
Madera recorded 432 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% above the US rate of 373 and 2% below California's 440. That ranks #759 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #337 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madera Police Department. Property crime runs 1,090 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Madera | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 432#759 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,090#258 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 Madera?
The median household in Madera earns $63,933, 17% below the US figure of $76,827 and 30% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 8.5% (US 4.2%). 25.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Madera | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $63,933#952 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 8.5%#1046 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 25.6%#1248 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.1%#723 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 Madera?
The median resident of Madera is 30.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 10.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1300 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Madera | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 30.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 10.9%#1300 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.7% | 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 Madera's schools and health?
Madera's 23 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $18,427 spent per pupil. 38.6% of adults are obese and 14.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Madera | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.2#1094 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,427#310 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38.6%#1047 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.2%#1104 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 21.1%#1256 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 25.7%#1274 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. 18,621 students are enrolled in Madera's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Madera?
The average commute in Madera is 25.7 minutes (California 25.2); 0.6% of workers take transit and 6.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Madera scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.1°F and winters 48.8°F, with 10.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Madera | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.7 min#828 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8%#924 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 70.7% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.9% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.7#209 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 | 56.9 | 38.6 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 62.6 | 40.8 | 2 |
| Mar | 68.5 | 43.7 | 2 |
| Apr | 75 | 46.4 | 0.9 |
| May | 83.9 | 52.3 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 92.2 | 57.9 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 97.7 | 62.6 | 0 |
| Aug | 96.7 | 61.3 | 0 |
| Sep | 91.7 | 57.8 | 0 |
| Oct | 80.1 | 49.8 | 0.4 |
| Nov | 66.4 | 41.8 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 56.3 | 37.6 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Madera Muni Airport.
| Measure | Madera | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 10.8 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 Madera Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Madera?
Madera County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madera County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.29% of building value, higher than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Madera | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 50#854 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.29%#1077 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 Madera County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Madera County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.071% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.05% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 88% 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 Madera compare with similar-size cities?
Madera is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #495 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,831.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #1230 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 | 25.7 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #162 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 | 21.2 min |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #475 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 | 23 min |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 min |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #39 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 min |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #357 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 | 15.6 min |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #903 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 | 22.8 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 Madera compare with the rest of California?
Madera ranks #170 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 43.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 30% below the California median. Violent crime is 2% below the statewide rate. Homes are 44% 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 |
| 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 |
| Antioch, CAPop. 116,477 | #169 | 43.8 | $97,465 | $2,278/mo | 762 |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #170 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 |
| Delano, CAPop. 51,679 | #171 | 43.4 | $67,010 | $1,199/mo | 331 |
| Hesperia, CAPop. 100,775 | #172 | 43.3 | $72,160 | $1,590/mo | 463 |
| Hawthorne, CAPop. 85,191 | #173 | 43.2 | $75,848 | $1,782/mo | 571 |
| Lynwood, CAPop. 64,578 | #174 | 43.2 | $74,844 | $1,652/mo | 743 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Madera among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Madera's score calculated?
Madera scores 43.6 out of 100, #1230 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 Madera. Similar-size median 55.5.
21.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Madera's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
71.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Madera. Similar-size median 58.9.
34.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Madera's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Madera's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
64.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Madera. Similar-size median 56.1.
20.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Madera. Similar-size median 42.4.
24.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Madera. Similar-size median 50.0.
40.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Madera's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
26.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Madera'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 Madera 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 Madera
Is Madera, CA a good place to live?
Madera ranks #1230 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #495 of 524 smaller cities and #170 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on high unemployment (8.5%, #468 of 476) and high poverty (25.6%, #502 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Madera?
Madera'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 $1,353/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $425,530, 44% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Madera?
Madera recorded 432 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% above the US rate of 373 and 2% below California's 440. That ranks #759 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #337 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madera Police Department. Property crime runs 1,090 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Madera?
The median household in Madera earns $63,933, 17% below the US figure of $76,827 and 30% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 8.5% (US 4.2%). 25.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Madera?
Median rent in Madera is $1,353/mo (Census), #591 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,120/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Madera?
Zillow's typical home value in Madera is $425,530, up 2.7% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $359,900.
How are the public schools in Madera?
Madera's 23 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $18,427 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Madera?
The average commute is 25.7 minutes, #828 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Madera?
Madera averages 63.3°F over the year, 78.1°F in summer and 48.8°F in winter, with 10.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Madera walkable?
Madera scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 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 Madera at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madera County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.29% of building value, higher than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Madera?
Madera County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Madera?
Madera has 67,831 residents. The median resident of Madera is 30.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 10.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1300 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Madera compare with the rest of California?
Madera ranks #170 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 43.6 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 30% below the California median. Violent crime is 2% below the statewide rate. Homes are 44% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Madera?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Madera's population of 67,831 are South Hill, WA (#801 overall), Eagan, MN (#162 overall), Delray Beach, FL (#475 overall), Idaho Falls, ID (#448 overall), and Haverhill, MA (#444 overall). Madera is #1230.