Fresno, CA

Fresno CA scores 42/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 81% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 181 (100 = avg); violent crime index 196; property crime index 165. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

Crime index 181 with violent index 196 and property index 165 puts Fresno about 81% above the national average on this report. A 19/100 safety score is among the weakest in the catalog; treat block research as mandatory, not optional.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Fresno. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Fresno is about $1,421/month (moderate). At $1,421/month for a typical unit, you need about $51,156+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $374,800.

Median household income is $70,991, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($70,991) clears the $51,156 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Median home price at $321,800 and 28-day typical sales times mean affordable purchase math exists for buyers who accept the safety tradeoff. Property tax at 1.45% adds to the monthly stack beyond rent.

Average temperature is about 83°F (highs near 96°F, lows near 71°F).

Midafternoon outdoor time is limited most of summer without shade and water. Plan on summer electric bills around $200–$300/month for a typical apartment if you run AC hard. If you visit, go in July or August. That is the real test.

Highs near 91°F and lows near 67°F with a 79°F average push summer AC hard. Heat and air quality spikes in Central Valley summers are part of the cost picture, not a side note.

Fresno is cheap at $1,227/month rent and median income of $63,001 clears the $44,172 comfort line, but the 19/100 safety score and crime index 181 (violent 196, property 165) are severe. This is not a city you pick for lifestyle browsing. Move here when you already have a job, family, or agricultural tie that justifies the risk profile. Anyone choosing Fresno for affordability alone without visiting target blocks after dark is taking the wrong bet.

Fresno scores 42/100 on safety with $1,421/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.