CountyScore

Fresno County

California · CA

#31 in California
59.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Fresno County, California

Fresno exceeds national livability median

Fresno County's composite score of 64.8 places it at the 65th percentile nationally, considerably ahead of the U.S. median of 50.0. The county delivers measurable livability advantages relative to most American counties, driven by an unusual combination of low taxes and affordable housing. This above-median performance masks significant income disparities that deserve closer examination.

Above-average performance in California rankings

At 64.8, Fresno County outperforms California's state average of 61.3, placing it in the upper half of the state's counties. This position reflects the county's particular strengths in cost and tax efficiency relative to other California markets. Fresno stands out as a bright spot for affordability in a state where housing costs typically dominate the livability conversation.

Affordability and favorable tax environment

Fresno's cost score of 61.1 reflects a median home value of just $362,600 and monthly rent of $1,300—substantially more affordable than California norms. The tax score of 81.3 (effective rate 0.746%) provides additional financial relief for residents. Together, these factors make Fresno an exceptional value proposition for budget-conscious families.

Income levels significantly lag state and nation

Fresno's income score of just 30.0 reflects a median household income of $71,434—well below both the state and national averages. This income-affordability dynamic means lower-earning households benefit most, while higher earners may feel limited by local wage opportunities. Safety, health, schools, and environmental measures remain unmeasured, requiring additional local research.

Ideal for budget-first families and retirees

Fresno County serves families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low tax burdens, particularly those with fixed incomes or modest earnings. The county's exceptional cost-to-tax ratio makes it appealing for those who can live on $70,000–$80,000 annually and prefer rural or semi-urban living. Career-focused professionals seeking higher wages should weigh local employment prospects carefully.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax81.3Cost61.1SafetyComing SoonHealth66SchoolsComing SoonIncome30Risk0.7WaterComing Soon
🏛81.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡0.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

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Compare Fresno County with another county →

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Deep Dives

Fresno County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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