Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Selma, CA
Considering a move to Selma, CA? This friendly Central Valley city of 24,674 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $303,000 and average rents near $1,150. Selma features a sunny climate (79% sunny days), short 24-minute commutes, and convenient access to healthcare and local schools. While property crime rates are above state average, the area is known for its agricultural heritage, family-friendly neighborhoods, and proximity to Fresno’s amenities. Explore the details below to see if Selma is the right fit for your next chapter.
Demographics - Selma, CA
Selma, CA is a culturally diverse city of about 24,674 residents, with over half speaking a language other than English at home. The population skews young, with a median age of 31.2, and the community features a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The city’s moderate density and balanced gender ratio contribute to its vibrant local atmosphere.
Population:
24,674
Density:
3,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
56.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
22.1%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
4.8%
Others:
72.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Selma, CA?
Living in Selma is relatively affordable, with a cost of living index just below the national average. Median home values are around $303,000, and average rents are about $1,150 per month, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly above average, while other everyday expenses remain reasonable.
Median House Value:
$303,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,730
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.0
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
88.4
Utilities:
107.7
Transportation:
112.2
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Selma, CA a safe place to live?
Selma experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a resident's chance of encountering property crime at about 1 in 41. Violent crime is less frequent, with a rate of 360 incidents per 100,000 people, but it is still important to stay aware of your surroundings. Neighborhood safety varies, so new residents should research specific areas before moving.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
360
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,420
Crime Index:
2,780
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Selma, CA year-round?
Selma enjoys a classic Central Valley climate, with hot, dry summers reaching up to 97°F and mild winters with lows around 38°F. The city boasts 79% sunny days annually and receives about 12 inches of rainfall each year. The pleasant weather supports outdoor activities nearly year-round.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
97°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
Selma’s residents have a median household income of $54,500, with many families working in local agriculture and service industries. The poverty rate is higher than average at 23.7%, and a significant portion of the community has not completed higher education. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$20,700
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$57,800
Per Capita Income:
$18,900
Income Male:
$29,500
Income Female:
$21,800
Poverty Rate:
23.7%
Non English Speakers:
56.3%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
70.1%
Bachelors or More:
8.6%
Education
How are the schools in Selma, CA?
Selma supports local families with several public and private schools, including Selma High School and Eric White Elementary, both offering manageable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Reedley College is just 10 miles away, while Fresno State is within an 18-mile drive. The city’s educational opportunities cater to students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Selma High School
Street:
3125 Wright St
Phone:
559-898-6550
Students:
1,950
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Eric White Elementary
Street:
2001 Mitchell Ave
Phone:
559-898-6630
Students:
615
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
1272 N St
Phone:
559-896-6240
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Reedley College
City:
Reedley
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
6,200
Name:
Fresno State (California State University, Fresno)
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
23,000
Healthcare
Selma offers convenient access to local healthcare, including Adventist Health Selma, with additional major hospitals located in nearby Fresno. Nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage, and there are about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people. Emergency services and general care are readily available for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Adventist Health Selma
Address:
1141 Rose Ave, Selma, CA 93662
Phone:
(559) 896-6500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Community Regional Medical Center
Address:
2823 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone:
(559) 459-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
66.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Selma, CA?
The housing market in Selma features median home prices of $303,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,150. Just over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a stable rental market with a vacancy rate of 5.7%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making it an accessible place for first-time buyers.
Median Home Price:
$303,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Selma residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office located at 655 W Olive Ave in Fresno. The DMV provides all standard licensing and vehicle registration services, and appointments can be made online or by phone. Easy access to these services helps streamline settling into the area.
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.