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Fresno, California

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

45
Overall Score

Fresno, California, is a vibrant city located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, serving as a major economic hub for the region. Known for its rich agricultural heritage, Fresno is surrounded by some of the most productive farmland in the world, contributing significantly to its economy and cultural identity. The city offers a unique blend of urban amenities and access to natural beauty, with national parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon just a short drive away. People are drawn to Fresno for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major California cities, its diverse community, and its growing job market, particularly in healthcare and logistics. The city's character is shaped by its agricultural roots, a strong sense of community, and ongoing efforts in urban revitalization, making it an appealing destination for families and professionals alike.

About California

California is a diverse and populous state known for its significant economic output, ranking as the fourth largest economy globally if it were an independent nation. Its economy is driven by major industries such as technology (especially in Silicon Valley), real estate, finance, professional services, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Living in California generally entails a high cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly above the national average. The state boasts a varied climate, ranging from a Mediterranean-like environment with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters in coastal and central areas, to hotter, drier inland summers and colder, snowier conditions at higher altitudes. The lifestyle often emphasizes outdoor activities, health and wellness, and a diverse cultural experience, though it can also involve considerable traffic in major urban centers.

558,649
Population
$64K
Avg Salary
102
Cost Index
45.5
Quality Score
How this 46/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 55 / 100 55.0 30% 16.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 102.0 41.3 25% 10.3
Economy & jobs Median household income: $70,991 Income needed to live here: $75,000 Unemployment rate: 7.8% 22.9 20% 4.6
Growth Population growth rate: 0.56% Job growth rate: 2.1% 50.5 15% 7.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 65.0 10% 6.5
Overall score 45.5

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=84), last refreshed 1 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Fresno

Featured local businesses in Fresno.

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Quality Scores

Business
65
Livability
70
Affordability
75
Growth
72

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Fresno is generally more affordable than the California state average, though it is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 102. Housing costs are a primary driver of this index, being somewhat higher than the national average but significantly lower than in coastal California cities. While rent prices have seen some fluctuations, the median rent for all property types was around $1,675 per month as of September 2026. Other expenses like groceries and transportation also contribute to the overall cost, but the relative affordability of housing makes Fresno an attractive option for those seeking a California lifestyle without the exorbitant price tag of larger metropolitan areas.

Average Rent
$1,675/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$150/mo
Utilities
$250/mo
Healthcare
$300/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$15.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$20.00
Monthly groceries
$450.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$180.00

Salary Insights

Fresno's job market is dynamic, with a diverse economy driven by several key industries. Healthcare and Social Assistance is a leading sector, showing significant job growth and employing a large percentage of the workforce. Agriculture and food processing remain foundational to the region's economy, leveraging the fertile San Joaquin Valley to produce a vast array of crops and related products. The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector is also experiencing robust growth, benefiting from Fresno's strategic central location within California, which facilitates efficient logistics and distribution across the state. Manufacturing is another area of focus, with efforts to develop it into a globally competitive resource, while the Leisure and Hospitality sector also contributes to job growth. The average annual salary in Fresno was approximately $63,814 as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate in Fresno County was 7.8% in August 2026, which is higher than the national average.

The average salary in Fresno is $63,814 per year. You would need approximately $75,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Manufacturing +1.00% Leisure and Hospitality +33.00% Trade, Transportation, and Utilities +13.50% Healthcare and Social Assistance +21.10% Agriculture and Food Processing +2.00%

Climate

🌡️
67°F
Avg Temp
☀️
100°F
Summer High
❄️
41°F
Winter Low
🌧️
15.00"
Annual Rain
💧
55.00%
Humidity
🌤️
326
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Fresno primarily relies on personal vehicles, reflecting a medium car dependency. The average commute time is around 24.5 minutes. While the city has a public transit system, Fresno Area Express (FAX), its coverage and frequency mean that many residents find driving more convenient for daily errands and commuting. The city's overall walkability score is 47, indicating that most errands require a car. However, specific neighborhoods like the Cultural Arts District and Tower District are considerably more walkable, offering residents the ability to accomplish many tasks on foot. Efforts are ongoing to improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, but for now, a car remains essential for navigating the broader metropolitan area.

25 min
Avg Commute
35.00/10
Transit Score
47.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
More affordable cost of living compared to other major California cities, with a cost of living index of 102.
Strong and growing job market in key sectors like Healthcare and Social Assistance, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.
Proximity to major national parks (Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon) offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Rich agricultural heritage provides access to fresh, local produce and a unique cultural identity.
Diverse population and community, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene and varied dining options.
Drawbacks
Unemployment rate of 7.8% in August 2026 is higher than the national average.
Car dependency is medium, with an average walk score of 47, meaning most errands require a car.
Some hospitals have received lower safety grades, indicating mixed healthcare quality across facilities.
Median household income of $70,991 is lower than the national median.
Poverty rate of 20.08% is a significant concern.

Questions about Fresno

What people ask about living in and moving to Fresno, California.

What outdoor activities are popular in Fresno? Things to Do 1 answer

Fresno sits near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, offering easy access to a variety of outdoor recreation. The city maintains numerous parks with walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. Within a short drive, you can reach regional forest lands and mountain trails suitable for day hikes, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. For specific trail maps and conditions, consult the county parks department websi...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Fresno? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Fresno is about $1,675 per month, which includes a range of unit sizes and locations. One‑bedroom apartments in central areas often fall near this average, while smaller units or those farther from the core may be cheaper, and newer or larger units can be higher. To get a precise sense of current listings, check online rental platforms, local classifieds, or contact property management firms. Also...

How are public schools rated in Fresno? Schools & Education 1 answer

Fresno’s public schools are administered by several school districts that publish performance metrics on their websites. Test scores and graduation rates vary widely across the city, with some schools performing at or above state averages and others below. For detailed, up‑to‑date information, visit the state department of education’s school report card portal or the individual district’s site, where you can compare...

How does Fresno’s cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Fresno’s cost‑of‑living index is 102, meaning it is roughly 2 % above the national average (which is set at 100). Housing costs are the biggest driver, with the average rent at $1,675 per month. Other expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are close to national norms. Overall, you may find modest savings in some categories but will likely spend a similar amount on housing compared to many other U.S...

What is the average salary in Fresno and what industries dominate? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average annual salary in Fresno is $63,814. The local economy is anchored by agriculture, food processing, education, healthcare, and logistics due to the city’s central location and major transportation corridors. Salaries in these sectors tend to hover around the city average, with some specialized roles paying higher. To gauge competitiveness for logistics positions, review job postings on regional employment...

What should I know about moving costs to Fresno? Moving Here 1 answer

Moving to Fresno typically involves transportation costs that depend on distance, volume of belongings, and timing. Because the cost‑of‑living index is only slightly above the national average, you may find that housing costs align closely with your budget if you target the average rent of $1,675. To estimate moving expenses, request quotes from several moving companies, compare insurance options, and consider the pr...

Is Fresno a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Fresno has a safety score of 55 out of 100, indicating moderate safety concerns relative to other U.S. cities. Crime rates differ by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing higher incidents of property crime and others reporting lower levels. To assess safety for a specific location, consult the city’s police department crime map, review neighborhood watch groups, and check recent resident reviews on community for...

What public transportation options are available in Fresno? Getting Around 1 answer

Fresno is served by a city transit authority that operates a network of bus routes covering most urban and suburban areas. The system includes regular routes, express lines, and a downtown circulator. While there is no commuter rail within the city, regional rail connections are accessible from nearby stations. For schedules, fare information, and route planning, visit the transit authority’s website or use a transit...

Where can I find hospitals or urgent care in Fresno? Healthcare 1 answer

Fresno hosts several major hospitals, community health centers, and urgent‑care clinics spread throughout the metropolitan area. These facilities provide emergency services, specialty care, and routine outpatient visits. To locate the nearest provider, use the state health department’s facility locator or the city’s health services directory. Check whether your insurance network includes these hospitals and verify ap...

What’s the climate like year‑round in Fresno? General 1 answer

Fresno experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summer daytime highs often exceed 90 °F (32 °C), while winter lows typically stay above 30 °F (0 °C). Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, and snowfall is rare in the city itself, though nearby mountains receive snow. A light jacket is sufficient for most winter days, but you may need a heavier coat during occasional...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Fresno? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

California FAQ answer

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.
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