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Is Tulare a Good Place to Live? Tulare, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tulare ranks #1164 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #482 of 524 smaller cities and #161 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and fast population growth (+1.5%, #68 of 468), and trails on high unemployment (7.4%, #460 of 476) and high poverty (17.9%, #430 of 524).
Tulare by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tulare'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 Tulare?
Tulare's cost of living index is 99.8, in line with the US level of 100 and #637 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,435/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $356,755, 53% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Tulare | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 99.8#637 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $356,755#530 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 | $1,826/mo#595 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $329,800#604 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,435/mo#664 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% | 23.8%#872 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.
Tulare 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. Tulare is in the Visalia, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Tulare safe?
Tulare recorded 477 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% above the US rate of 373 and 8% above California's 440. That ranks #806 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #356 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tulare Police Department. Property crime runs 1,476 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Tulare | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 477#806 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,476#463 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 Tulare?
The median household in Tulare earns $72,410, 6% below the US figure of $76,827 and 21% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 7.4% (US 4.2%). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Tulare | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $72,410#770 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 7.4%#1036 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.9%#1032 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.5%#153 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 Tulare?
The median resident of Tulare is 29.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 11.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1294 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tulare | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 29.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 11.8%#1294 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 58.5% | 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 Tulare's schools and health?
Tulare's 20 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.7 students per teacher and $16,116 spent per pupil. 35.4% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Tulare | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22.7#1065 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,116#466 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.4%#807 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 18.1%#1174 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. 15,292 students are enrolled in Tulare's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tulare?
The average commute in Tulare is 22.8 minutes (California 25.2); 0.5% of workers take transit and 5.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tulare scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.1°F and winters 48.3°F, with 10.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tulare | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.8 min#572 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.5%#776 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 82.8% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5.4% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.2#1009 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 | 55.3 | 38.4 | 2 |
| Feb | 61.3 | 41.6 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 66.9 | 45.4 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 72.7 | 48.6 | 1 |
| May | 80.6 | 55.4 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 88.8 | 61.5 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 93.8 | 66.7 | 0 |
| Aug | 93.2 | 64.9 | 0 |
| Sep | 88.3 | 60.1 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 77.8 | 52.3 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 64.4 | 43.3 | 1 |
| Dec | 55.4 | 37.9 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Visalia.
| Measure | Tulare | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.1°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 | 48.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 10.3 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 Visalia.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tulare?
Tulare County's air had a median air quality index of 64, and 24% of measured days were rated good; 43 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tulare County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 79% of US counties.
| Measure | Tulare | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 64#1032 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 43#1057 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.22%#1001 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 Tulare County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Tulare County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.15% | 91% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.034% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.011% | 86% 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 Tulare compare with similar-size cities?
Tulare is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #482 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 70,945.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulare, CAPop. 70,945 | #1164 | 46.3 | $72,410 | $1,435/mo | 477 | 22.8 min |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #1106 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 | 17 min |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #196 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 | 21.3 min |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #74 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 | 24 min |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #524 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 | 16.4 min |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #151 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 | 18.3 min |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #555 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data | 37.4 min |
| San Marcos, TXPop. 70,897 | #919 | 51.4 | $51,281 | $1,322/mo | 422 | 24 min |
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #12 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 | 25.2 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 Tulare compare with the rest of California?
Tulare ranks #161 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 46.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 21% below the California median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate. Homes are 53% 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 |
| Paramount, CAPop. 52,050 | … #157 | 47.1 | $75,250 | $1,875/mo | 641 |
| South Gate, CAPop. 91,483 | #158 | 46.4 | $74,571 | $1,531/mo | 475 |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | #159 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Tulare among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Tulare's score calculated?
Tulare scores 46.3 out of 100, #1164 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 Tulare. Similar-size median 55.5.
31.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tulare's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
66.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tulare. Similar-size median 58.9.
44.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tulare's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
55.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tulare's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
66.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tulare. Similar-size median 56.1.
38.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tulare. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tulare. Similar-size median 50.0.
38.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tulare's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
16.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tulare'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 Tulare 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 Tulare
Is Tulare, CA a good place to live?
Tulare ranks #1164 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #482 of 524 smaller cities and #161 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and fast population growth (+1.5%, #68 of 468), and trails on high unemployment (7.4%, #460 of 476) and high poverty (17.9%, #430 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Tulare?
Tulare's cost of living index is 99.8, in line with the US level of 100 and #637 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,435/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $356,755, 53% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Tulare?
Tulare recorded 477 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% above the US rate of 373 and 8% above California's 440. That ranks #806 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #356 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tulare Police Department. Property crime runs 1,476 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Tulare?
The median household in Tulare earns $72,410, 6% below the US figure of $76,827 and 21% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 7.4% (US 4.2%). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Tulare?
Median rent in Tulare is $1,435/mo (Census), #664 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,826/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tulare?
Zillow's typical home value in Tulare is $356,755, up 1.7% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $329,800.
How are the public schools in Tulare?
Tulare's 20 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.7 students per teacher and $16,116 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tulare?
The average commute is 22.8 minutes, #572 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 6.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tulare?
Tulare averages 63.1°F over the year, 78.1°F in summer and 48.3°F in winter, with 10.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tulare walkable?
Tulare scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 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 Tulare at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tulare County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 79% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Tulare?
Tulare County's air had a median air quality index of 64, and 24% of measured days were rated good; 43 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Tulare?
Tulare has 70,945 residents. The median resident of Tulare is 29.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 11.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1294 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tulare compare with the rest of California?
Tulare ranks #161 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 46.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 21% below the California median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate. Homes are 53% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Tulare?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tulare's population of 70,945 are St. Joseph, MO (#1106 overall), Waukesha, WI (#196 overall), Maple Grove, MN (#74 overall), Lafayette, IN (#524 overall), and West Des Moines, IA (#151 overall). Tulare is #1164.