countyscore
33
County Score
Income & Jobs 69.9Property Tax 58.2Water Quality 52.5

County Report Card

About Fresno County, California

Fresno lags national livability standard significantly

Fresno County's composite score of 33.0 trails the national median of 50.0 by 17 points, placing it well below average nationally. This below-median performance reflects consistent challenges across most livability dimensions in California's Central Valley.

Below-average livability within California context

Fresno's score of 33.0 falls notably below California's state average of 40.9, ranking it among the lower-performing counties in the state. The county faces headwinds that compound broader challenges facing the Central Valley region.

Affordable housing and low natural disaster risk

Fresno offers genuine affordability with a median home value of $362,600 and rent averaging $1,300/month, earning a cost score of 9.8 among the state's most accessible markets. The county also benefits from minimal natural disaster risk (score: 0.7) and a reasonable tax rate of 0.746%.

Safety and health crises define Fresno's struggles

Fresno's safety score of just 4.9 is among the state's worst, reflecting significant property and violent crime concerns. Health outcomes lag badly too, with a score of 46.6 and median household income of $71,434, limiting access to quality care and creating economic constraints.

Budget-conscious renters with crime tolerance trade-offs

Fresno appeals to cost-conscious individuals and families willing to tolerate elevated crime rates and weaker health infrastructure in exchange for low housing costs. It is less suitable for those prioritizing public safety, health care access, or school quality.

Score breakdown

Tax58.2Cost9.8Safety4.9Health46.6Schools52.2Income69.9Risk0.7Water52.5Weather48.3
🏛58.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Fresno County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fresno County

via TaxByCounty

Fresno's tax rate slightly exceeds state average

At 0.746%, Fresno County's effective tax rate edges above California's 0.714% average, placing it in the upper tier nationally. Its median property tax of $2,704 nearly matches the U.S. median of $2,690, despite California's higher-than-average tax burden.

Fresno ranks among higher-taxed California counties

Fresno's 0.746% effective rate places it in the upper third of California counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $2,704 falls below the state average of $4,045, reflecting Fresno's lower median home value of $362,600.

Fresno taxes exceed most Central Valley neighbors

Fresno's 0.746% rate outpaces Kings County (0.751%) and Kern County (0.912%) to the south, and Glenn County (0.647%) to the north. Despite regional variations, Fresno homeowners typically pay less in absolute dollars due to lower regional home values.

Budget about $2,704 in annual property taxes

With a median home value of $362,600, Fresno homeowners typically pay $2,704 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages may see $2,891 due to escrow, while owners without mortgages pay approximately $2,219.

Property tax appeals can reduce your burden

Overassessment is common across California's Central Valley, and Fresno homeowners may qualify for assessment reductions. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can save hundreds annually if your assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fresno County

via CostByCounty

Fresno renters spend less, earn less

Fresno County's 21.8% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below California's 22.4% average but above the national norm. However, the median household income of $71,434 trails the national median by $3,321, meaning affordability gains come from lower absolute wages, not higher purchasing power.

Middle-tier California affordability

Fresno County ranks in the middle range of California counties for housing affordability, with a 21.8% rent-to-income ratio that's close to the statewide average of 22.4%. The county's median home value of $362,600 is substantially below the state norm, reflecting Fresno's position in California's more affordable interior.

Fresno and the San Joaquin valleys

Fresno's median rent of $1,300 is lower than Glenn County ($1,103) but higher than Imperial County ($1,012), placing it squarely in the San Joaquin Valley affordability band. With a rent-to-income ratio of 21.8%, Fresno outperforms neighbors like Kern (21.6%) and Kings (21.4%) on this key metric.

Fresno's housing cost split

Fresno renters pay $1,300 monthly while homeowners face $1,548, with a median home value of $362,600 accessible to the area's $71,434 median household income. Together, housing consumes 21.8% of income, leaving 78.2% for food, transportation, healthcare, and savings.

Fresno works for cost-conscious movers

If you're moving from California's pricier regions, Fresno offers genuine savings—rents are $318 below state average while homes cost $60,000 less than many coastal markets. The trade-off is lower wages, so compare job prospects in your field before relocating to ensure Fresno's affordability translates to real financial gain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fresno County

via IncomeByCounty

Fresno households earn slightly below U.S. average

Fresno County's median household income of $71,434 falls 4.4% below the national median of $74,755. This reflects the county's significant agricultural base and regional economic pressures common to Central Valley communities.

Below California's income benchmark

At $71,434, Fresno's median household income trails California's state average of $87,001 by approximately $15,600. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among California's 58 counties for household earnings.

Fresno compares to Central Valley peers

Fresno ($71,434) earns similarly to Glenn County ($70,487) and Kern County ($67,660), reflecting the broader Central Valley income profile. El Dorado County ($106,190) significantly outearns Fresno, highlighting geographic income disparities within California.

Housing costs press on household budgets

With a 21.8% rent-to-income ratio, Fresno households dedicate a substantial share of earnings to housing costs, approaching the 30% affordability ceiling. The median home value of $362,600 represents significant leverage relative to local incomes, requiring careful financial planning.

Stretch your income with smart planning

Fresno's moderate income requires disciplined budgeting to build savings and wealth. Explore lower-cost investment options, employer retirement benefits, and financial counseling to maximize your household's long-term economic security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fresno County

via CrimeByCounty

High Crime Rates Challenge Fresno Residents

Fresno County reports a safety score of 94.4, indicating significant public safety challenges. Its total crime rate of 3,521.6 per 100,000 people is substantially higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Trailing the California Safety Standard

The county's safety score sits below the California average of 96.3. Data from 27 reporting agencies highlights the complexity of managing safety in this large urbanized region.

Fresno vs Regional Safety Trends

Fresno’s crime rate is nearly triple that of El Dorado County, which reports only 1,364.5. It also exceeds the state average crime rate of 2,355.2 by a wide margin.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Both crime categories are elevated, with violent crime at 725.2 and property crime at 2,796.4. These numbers represent a high frequency of incidents impacting the local community.

Prioritizing Comprehensive Home Security

High incident rates make active monitoring and reinforced home security a vital investment. Strengthening neighborhood ties can also help deter crime in urban residential areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fresno County

via HealthByCounty

Fresno's health challenges run deep

Life expectancy in Fresno County is 75.9 years—about 3.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.1—while 24.3% of residents report poor or fair health, more than one-third higher than the national 18% rate. These metrics point to significant health disparities affecting the county.

Lagging California health outcomes

Fresno's 75.9-year life expectancy falls nearly 3 years short of California's 78.5-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 24.3% poor/fair health rate is significantly higher than the state trend, indicating persistent health challenges.

Competing with struggling Central Valley

Fresno's life expectancy slightly exceeds Kern County (74.2 years) but trails Inyo County (76.6 years), reflecting broader Central Valley health struggles. With 68 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Fresno has more capacity than neighboring Kings County (37 per 100K) but less than healthier regions.

Insurance gaps compound health barriers

Fresno's 7.7% uninsured rate exceeds California's 7.2% average, leaving roughly 1 in 13 residents without coverage when medical needs arise. Limited mental health providers (489 per 100K) and moderate primary care availability (68 per 100K) mean many residents face barriers to both preventive and specialized care.

Fresno: get covered today

Over 24,000 Fresno residents lack health insurance—putting them at risk for financial hardship from unexpected illness. Check CoveredCA.com or call 1-800-300-1506 to find affordable coverage and mental health support options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fresno County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Central Valley School System

Fresno County manages a vast network of 357 public schools serving 204,755 students across 55 districts. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 206 elementary schools, 43 middle schools, and 77 high schools. This system supports a wide range of learners, including 36 charter schools and 51 alternative education centers.

Steady Performance in Large Districts

The county reports an 86.3% graduation rate, which sits just below the state average of 87.5% and the national average of 87.0%. Funding reaches $8,707 per pupil, nearly matching the California average of $8,762. With a composite school score of 55.3, the county delivers results comparable to state-wide trends within its large urban and rural schools.

Major Hubs of Learning in Fresno and Clovis

Fresno Unified is the powerhouse of the region, operating 101 schools for over 69,000 students. Clovis Unified follows with 42,771 students and includes some of the county's largest campuses, such as Clovis High with 2,905 students. These districts define the academic landscape, offering everything from large-scale athletics to specialized charter programs.

Urban Centers and Expanding Suburbs

With 155 schools located in city settings, the county has a distinct urban feel, though 71 rural schools maintain its agricultural heart. The average school size is 592 students, but flagship campuses like Sunnyside High and Clovis East High serve nearly 3,000 students each. This diversity allows families to choose between bustling city campuses and quieter, town-based schools.

Build Your Future in Fresno's Schools

Families looking for variety will find Fresno County offers an unmatched range of district sizes and school types. From the high-enrollment campuses of Clovis to specialized charters, there is a neighborhood for every educational priority. Investing in a home here means joining one of California's most significant and diverse educational communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fresno County

via RiskByCounty

Fresno faces relatively high national risk

Fresno County's composite risk score of 99.30 places it in the 'Relatively High' category, well above the national average. The county ranks among California's most hazard-exposed areas, experiencing significant exposure across multiple disaster types. This elevated risk profile demands comprehensive disaster preparedness from all residents and businesses.

Fresno ranks among California's highest risks

With a composite score of 99.30 versus California's 88.72 average, Fresno substantially exceeds the state baseline. The county ranks in the top tier of California's 58 counties for overall natural disaster risk. This high ranking reflects consistently elevated hazard exposure across earthquake, flood, and wildfire domains.

Fresno tops neighboring county risk levels

Fresno's 99.30 score significantly exceeds nearby Kern (98.89), Kings (92.43), and Inyo (79.33) counties, making it a regional risk leader. The county's particularly elevated flood (98.70) and wildfire (98.44) scores distinguish it from neighboring agricultural and foothill communities. Among its peers, Fresno stands out for consistently high exposure across multiple hazard types.

Earthquake, flood, and wildfire converge

Fresno's earthquake risk reaches 99.24, flood risk scores 98.70, and wildfire risk hits 98.44—creating a trifecta of major hazards. Tornado risk, at 57.12, also substantially exceeds most California counties, adding another dimension to seasonal threats. This convergence of multiple extreme risks makes Fresno one of the state's most hazard-exposed counties.

Triple coverage essential for Fresno homes

Fresno residents must secure earthquake, flood, and wildfire insurance simultaneously—standard homeowners policies exclude all three. Given the county's near-maximum scores for each hazard, these separate policies represent essential protection, not optional extras. Reviewing and updating coverage annually ensures your home and possessions remain protected against Fresno's multiple, convergent hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fresno County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Semi-Arid Central Valley

Fresno County averages 61.7°F annually, making it notably warmer than the typical American county. Its semi-arid climate delivers just 20.4 inches of rain, though it receives more moisture than the deep desert.

A Standard for Valley Heat

The county's 61.7°F average temperature ranks it as one of the warmer regions in California, exceeding the state average of 58.7°F. It represents the classic thermal profile of the central San Joaquin Valley.

Dry Heat Away From the Coast

Fresno shares its intense valley heat with Madera and Kings counties, though it receives slightly more precipitation at 20.4 inches. Unlike the coastal counties to the west, it lacks the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean.

Hot Summers and Negligible Snow

Summer averages reach 77.3°F with 97 days topping 90°F. Winters are mild at 46.8°F, and snowfall is almost non-existent at just 0.4 inches per year.

Prioritize Cooling and Water Efficiency

Reliable air conditioning is a non-negotiable requirement for the three months of extreme summer heat. Gardeners should prioritize drought-tolerant landscaping to manage the modest 20.4 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fresno County

via SoilByCounty

Central Valley’s Hidden Foundation

Fresno County currently lacks comprehensive soil pH and taxonomic records in this data set. We cannot determine how the local soil compares to the state average pH of 6.34. Knowing your pH is the first step toward optimizing crop yields.

Structure Yet to be Defined

The balance of sand, silt, and clay remains unrecorded for Fresno's vast acreage. This mix dictates how easily roots can penetrate the earth and how much air they receive. Most Central Valley soils are historically productive, but individual plots vary wildly.

Fertility Metrics Unlisted

Organic matter and available water capacity figures are missing from the current records. These numbers are essential for hitting the California organic matter average of 3.30%. Local farmers often supplement with organic inputs to maintain high productivity.

Hydrology in the Valley

Drainage classifications and hydrologic groups are not available for this region. Proper drainage is critical in the valley to prevent salt buildup in the root zone. Check with local agricultural extensions for site-specific drainage advice.

Citrus and Nut Paradise

Hardiness Zone 9b makes Fresno one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. Citrus, almonds, and grapes thrive in this warm, sunny climate. Dig in now and build your own rich soil legacy.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fresno County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Battles in Fresno

Fresno County presents a challenge for homeowners with a lawn difficulty score of 21.4, well below the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 9b, maintaining a green space requires significantly more intervention than the state average.

High Heat and Low Rain

The local climate features 97 extreme heat days annually, nearly double the California average of 59 days. With only 20.4 inches of annual precipitation, supplemental irrigation is vital to sustain a lawn during the hot summer months.

Preparing Your Fresno Soil

Local soil data is limited for this region, though San Joaquin Valley soils often require organic amendments to improve water retention. A professional soil test can help you determine the exact nutrients needed for success.

Managing Major Drought Stress

The county spent 32 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, making water conservation a top priority. To save water, mow higher to shade the soil and use smart irrigation controllers that adjust to the weather.

Selecting Heat-Hardy Grass

Heat-tolerant Bermuda or Zoysia grass is recommended to handle the 4,946 growing degree days seen here. Aim to start your lawn after the February 27 frost date to maximize the long growing season before peak heat hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fresno County's county score?
Fresno County, California has a composite county score of 33 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Fresno County rank among counties in California?
Fresno County ranks #56 among all counties in California on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Fresno County, California?
The median annual property tax in Fresno County is $2,704, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Fresno County a tax score of 58.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fresno County?
The median household income in Fresno County, California is $71,434 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fresno County earns an income score of 69.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fresno County, California a good place to live?
Fresno County scores 33/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in California. The best way to evaluate Fresno County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Fresno County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.