Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mendota, CA
Considering a move to Mendota, CA? This close-knit city of 12,180 offers affordable living with a median home price of $257,000 and average rents around $1,090. While the cost of living is near the national average, Mendota is known for its warm, sunny climate—boasting 79% sunny days—and tight-knit community. Commute times average 27 minutes, and the population is predominantly Hispanic, creating strong cultural ties. While crime rates are higher than average and educational attainment is lower, Mendota’s affordability and family-friendly environment make it a welcoming option for budget-conscious movers.
Demographics - Mendota, CA
Demographics - Mendota, CA
Mendota is a small city of 12,180 residents with a youthful median age of 27.5. The community is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, and nearly four out of five residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a vibrant, culturally rich atmosphere.
Population:
12,180
Density:
3,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.5
Gender Ratio:
109 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
79.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
3.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
94.5% (primarily Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mendota, CA?
The cost of living in Mendota is close to the national average, with a median home value of $257,000 and typical rent around $1,090. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly higher than average, but overall, the area remains affordable for most households.
Median House Value:
$257,000
Gross Rent:
$1,090
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
101.5
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
92.0
Utilities:
110.5
Transportation:
109.0
Health Care:
102.5
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Mendota, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Mendota are above national averages, with a violent crime rate of 478 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,110 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 209 chance of experiencing violent crime, making safety an important consideration for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
478
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,110
Crime Index:
2,588
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 209
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Mendota, CA year-round?
Mendota experiences a warm, Mediterranean climate with hot summers reaching up to 99°F and mild winters that rarely dip below 38°F. The city enjoys about 79% sunny days each year and receives just under 10 inches of rainfall annually.

Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
57°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
99°F

Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn a median income of $38,925, although the poverty rate is high at 38.2%. Most residents have a high school education or less, and unemployment sits at 17.5%, but strong cultural bonds and affordable rents foster a supportive community environment.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$38,925
Family Income:
$36,200
Per Capita Income:
$10,490
Income Male:
$22,500
Income Female:
$20,700
Poverty Rate:
38.2%
Non English Speakers:
79.3%
Rent:
$1,090
Unemployment Rate:
17.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
27.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
39.1%
Bachelors or More:
3.3%
Education
How are the schools in Mendota, CA?
Public schools in Mendota serve local students with moderate class sizes, while higher education options are available within a short drive at West Hills College Coalinga and Fresno City College. Educational attainment in the city is below national averages, with most adults having a high school diploma or less.

Public Schools
Name:
Mendota High School
Street:
1282 Belmont Ave
Phone:
559-655-1993
Students:
970
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.6
Name:
Mendota Junior High
Street:
521 Marie St
Phone:
559-655-4412
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.1

Colleges
Name:
West Hills College Coalinga
City:
Coalinga
State:
CA
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
4,600
Name:
Fresno City College
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Mendota includes access to a local primary care center and larger hospitals within a short drive, with 82.1% of residents covered by health insurance. While there are fewer physicians per capita than average, basic and emergency medical services are available nearby.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mendota Community Health Center
Address:
121 N. 9th St, Mendota, CA 93640
Phone:
(559) 655-4645
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Madera Community Hospital
Address:
1250 E Almond Ave, Madera, CA 93637
Phone:
(559) 675-5555
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.1%
Health Care Index:
61.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mendota, CA?
Mendota’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $257,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,090. About 41.5% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation and a healthy rental vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$257,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,090
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Merced. Comprehensive DMV services and information are accessible both in-person and online for convenience.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
655 W. Olive Ave, Merced, CA 95348
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.