Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fresno, CA
Thinking of moving to Fresno, CA? With a population of over 545,000, Fresno offers affordable housing—median home prices are around $350,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom are about $1,350. Residents enjoy warm, sunny weather (79% sunny days), a quick average commute of 22.6 minutes, and access to major hospitals and colleges. While violent and property crime rates are higher than national averages, Fresno's cost of living is lower than many California cities, and you'll find a diverse community with a youthful median age and a variety of educational opportunities.
Demographics - Fresno, CA
Demographics - Fresno, CA
Fresno is home to approximately 545,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 31.6 and a diverse population with significant Hispanic, Asian, and Black communities. Close to 39% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting the city’s multicultural character. The population density and balanced gender ratio support an active urban lifestyle.
Population:
545,567
Density:
4,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
28.9%
Black:
7.7%
Asian:
13.8%
Others:
49.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fresno, CA?
Fresno offers a cost of living that is only slightly above the national average but remains affordable compared to other California cities. Median home values are around $350,000, with average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at roughly $1,350. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are moderately priced, making Fresno an attractive option for families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$350,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,530
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,790
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
103.4
Grocery:
102.8
Housing:
107.2
Utilities:
111.6
Transportation:
108.3
Health Care:
99.1
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Fresno, CA a safe place to live?
Fresno experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with about 676 violent crimes and 2,951 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The likelihood of being a victim of a violent crime is about 1 in 148, while property crime risk stands at 1 in 34. Prospective residents should consider neighborhood safety when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
676
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,951
Crime Index:
3,627
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 148
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Fresno, CA year-round?
Fresno enjoys warm, dry summers with highs nearing 98°F and mild winters with lows around 38°F. The city receives about 11 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 79% sunny days, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal variations provide comfortable living conditions for most of the year.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
98°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
Fresno neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of about $61,200 and a relatively high poverty rate of 22.5%. Nearly 80% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a manageable 22.6 minutes. The community is diverse, with a significant portion of non-English speakers and a low rate of public transportation use.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$61,200
Family Income:
$66,900
Per Capita Income:
$25,500
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
22.5%
Non English Speakers:
38.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
7.4%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
22.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.5%
Bachelors or More:
21.9%
Education
How are the schools in Fresno, CA?
Fresno offers a range of educational opportunities, including large public high schools and reputable private options. The city is also home to California State University, Fresno and Fresno City College, which serve tens of thousands of students. With nearly 80% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, education is a strong community focus.
Public Schools
Name:
Bullard High School
Street:
5445 N Palm Ave
Phone:
559-451-4320
Students:
2,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.5
Name:
Edison High School
Street:
540 E California Ave
Phone:
559-457-2650
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.8
Private Schools
Name:
San Joaquin Memorial High School
Street:
1406 N Fresno St
Phone:
559-268-9251
Students:
625
Colleges
Name:
California State University, Fresno
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
23,000
Name:
Fresno City College
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Fresno provides access to major medical centers such as Community Regional Medical Center and Saint Agnes Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible for most residents. The city’s healthcare index reflects generally adequate medical services for a city of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Regional Medical Center
Address:
2823 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone:
(559) 459-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Agnes Medical Center
Address:
1303 E Herndon Ave, Fresno, CA 93720
Phone:
(559) 450-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
65.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fresno, CA?
The Fresno housing market is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $350,000 and an average rent of $1,350 for a two-bedroom unit. About 46% of homes are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate is moderate at 5.5%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making Fresno appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
45.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 655 W Olive Ave in Fresno. Services include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and online resources via the state DMV website. Contact is available by phone or in person for all standard DMV needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
655 W Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.