Thinking about moving to Fresno?
You’ll be in good company. Between 2010 and 2016, more than 27,388 people have moved to Fresno, an increase of 5.5%. New residents are attracted to Fresno’s affordability, arts scene, and easy access to nature. Fresno is one of the most livable cities in California.
Where Are All the New Residents of Fresno Moving From?
Fresno is the closest big city to the geographical center of California (in North Fork), and it’s near several renowned recreation destinations, including Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. So, perhaps it should come…
Fresno is ideally located in central California, making for easy weekend trips to the beach (the coast is about a three-hour drive) and easy day trips into the Sierra Nevada (about two hours). Even closer, you’ll find Yosemite National Park an hour’s drive north, King’s Canyon National Park an hour to the east, and Sequoia National Park a little over an hour’s drive to the southeast. When the first phase of California’s high speed rail corridor is finished in the mid-2020s, Fresnans will be able to zip up and down California, from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Fresno Population
Fresno is home to 522,053 Fresnans, making it the largest city in California’s central valley. With an area of 113.2 square miles, Fresno has a population density of 4,612 persons per square mile, which makes it more dense than many other cities of comparable size.
The Fresno, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts a population of 979,915 people, of which Fresno proper’s population makes up 53%.
Fresno Housing Market
One of the drawbacks of all of Fresno’s growth and livability are its relatively high housing prices. The median home value in Fresno is $214,100, 7% above the US median value, according to Zillow. The median price per square foot in Fresno is $139. Over the past 5 years, home values in Fresno have increased by 10%.
Renters in Fresno may have an easier time finding affordable housing. The median rent in Fresno is $1,246 per month, which is 13% lower than the US median. Over the past year, rental rates in Fresno have increased by 2.4%.
Fresno Local Economy
Fresno’s economy is growing strong. The Fresno metro area’s GDP grew by 20% between 2010 and 2015, from $32 billion in 2010 to $39 billion in 2015, a total increase of $7 billion. The metro area has a per capita GDP of $39,626. According to the US Census Bureau, the median household income in Fresno, CA is $45,233, 26% lower than the national median. Fresno’s unemployment rate is 8.4%.
