Fresno
California

What stands out

If you had to describe Fresno County in numbers, start here: natural-hazard risk is in the top 2% of American counties (98 of 100), unemployment is in the top 3% of American counties (6.4%), and homeownership is in the bottom 3% of American counties (54%). Within California it ranks 17th of 58 counties for natural-hazard risk.

Where you are

You live in Fresno County, California. 1,008,280 people live here with you, which makes it one of the country's big urban counties. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -6,015).

California's 13.3% top income-tax rate applies only to income above roughly $1 million, and Proposition 13 caps property-tax growth at 2% a year for as long as you own the home, so long-time owners pay far less than new buyers on identical houses. Wildfire risk now drives insurance availability in much of the state, and several major carriers have stopped writing new homeowner policies.

Money

The typical household here brings in $67,756 a year, higher than 69% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,904. Unemployment runs 6.4%, higher than 97% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

California takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,805 a year.

Home

The median home costs $410K, pricier than 87% of American counties, about 4.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,158 a month. Property tax is 0.77% of home value, roughly $2,605 a year on that median home, lower than 58% of American counties. 54% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 65% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 76.6 years, longer than 60% of American counties. There are 2,696 active physicians in the county, about 26.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.8 of 5 stars. 7.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.79 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 81% of American counties. 78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 6 points. 60% of eligible voters turned out. Under California law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 58°F, highs near 70 and lows near 45, warmer than 58% of American counties. About 21 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 98 out of 100, riskier than 98% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 261 Mbps down, faster than 79% of American counties. There are 19 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 14 breweries, 12 museums.