Living in Fresno, CA
Fresno is the 33rd-largest city in the US, home to about 556,000 people in 2025. It has grown 2.5% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (102.2 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 555,549+2.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $374,8005.3 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,421/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $70,991median, per year
- Price level
- 102.2US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 55° / 98°lows 41° / 69°
- Average commute
- 22 min11% work from home
- State income tax
- 13.3%top rate, graduated
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County: Fresno County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 308 ft
Metro area: Fresno, CA
Cost of living in Fresno
The median home in Fresno is worth $374,800 and the median household earns $70,991 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.3 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,421 a month, about 24% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Fresno, CA metro area at 102.2, with housing at 95.7 and goods at 105.2 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $76,600 here. California taxes wages at a top rate of 13.3%. The average combined state and local sales tax in California is 9.03%.
What would my salary be worth in Fresno?
Fresno weather
Average highs run from 55°F in January to 98°F in July, and January nights average 41°F. It gets 11 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 113 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are March to May and October to November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Fresno
People and work
The median resident is 32.8 years old, and 26% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 50% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 11% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 32.878th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 26%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 50%of households
- People per sq mile
- 4,793115.9 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 8.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 20.1%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1980median year
Who moves to Fresno, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Jose (Santa Clara County) and Bakersfield (Kern County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), Sacramento (Sacramento County) and Bakersfield (Kern County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Fresno County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: drought, wildfire, inland flooding, earthquake.
Home prices
+2% in a year
Up 36% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Fresno, CA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
29% good days
34 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Fresno, CA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Fresno
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Clovis Community College 11 miles
- Madera Community College 23 miles
- Lemoore College 33 miles
- Fresno Pacific University 5 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Fresno
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno Yosemite International Airport FAT | 5 mi | 1,318,250 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Fresno
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Fresno | 7 mi | 21,605 | $5,418 | 58% |
| Clovis Community College | 11 mi | 7,956 | $2,122 | 51% |
| Madera Community College | 23 mi | 4,808 | $1,879 | 37% |
| Fresno Pacific University | 5 mi | 1,544 | $17,491 | 49% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Fresno
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before January 14, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around December 1 and the first frost comes around December 14.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport, CA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Fresno.
Wildfire smoke in Fresno
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Fresno on about 53 days a year, including about 14 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Fresno
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 180,450 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Fresno
Downtown Fresno is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clovis Unified School District | K to 12 | 43,669 | 51 | 22.1 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Fresno Unified School District (68,131 students), Sanger Unified School District (13,313 students), Kings Canyon Joint Unified School District (9,696 students), Selma Unified School District (5,914 students), Parlier Unified School District (3,206 students), Fowler Unified School District (2,563 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Fresno's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Fresno's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Redding, CA75% matchCompare
- Hemet, CA72% matchCompare
- Denton, TX72% matchCompare
- Midland, TX68% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Fresno
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Fresno
- China Peak 43 miles
- Badger Pass Ski Area 63 miles
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Area 71 miles
- June Mountain Ski Area 77 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Fresno
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about Fresno?
Cons
- Data California's top income tax rate is 13.3%, among the highest in the country.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.03% on average with local taxes.
- Data Summers are long and hot: about 113 days a year reach 90°F.
- Data Air quality is a concern: 34 days in 2025 were unhealthy at least for sensitive groups (EPA).
Fresno report card from locals
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Fresno through locals' eyes
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Cities near Fresno
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clovis, CA | 6 mi | 129,347 | $482,700 | 102.2 | Compare |
| Visalia, CA | 35 mi | 146,541 | $371,500 | 99.8 | Compare |
| Merced, CA | 60 mi | 99,724 | $372,600 | 98.3 | Compare |
| Modesto, CA | 98 mi | 219,652 | $442,700 | 104.1 | Compare |
| Bakersfield, CA | 105 mi | 422,165 | $371,700 | 100.9 | Compare |
| Salinas, CA | 112 mi | 159,134 | $654,100 | 109.0 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Clovis, Sanger and Kingsburg lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Fresno.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Fresno with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Fresno a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show short commutes; the trade-offs are 113 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Compare Fresno side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Fresno?
The Census Bureau estimates Fresno had 555,549 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 542,228 in April 2020 (+2.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Fresno?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $76,600 in the Fresno area. The median household here earns $70,991.
When is the best time to visit Fresno?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to May and October to November are the most comfortable months. July averages 98°F and January 55°F for daytime highs.
What county is Fresno in?
Fresno is in Fresno County, California. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Fresno in?
Fresno is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Fresno?
About 308 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes. California has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 13.3% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Fresno. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Fresno, CA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport, CA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.