Fresno city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Fresno city, California has a total population of 543,615, the 5th largest city in California, with a median household income of $66,804, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Fresno city is the 5th largest city in California with a population of 543,615.
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 8.6% is notably above the national average.
Fresno city Quick Facts
How Fresno city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Fresno city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to Fresno city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento city | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | 36.4% | 14.4% |
| Long Beach city | 458,491 | $83,969 | $762,200 | 34.8% | 15.0% |
| Bakersfield city | 408,366 | $77,397 | $347,300 | 23.3% | 16.0% |
| Oakland city | 438,072 | $97,369 | $924,700 | 47.9% | 13.7% |
| Stockton city | 320,470 | $76,851 | $412,900 | 19.1% | 15.4% |
Population Overview
Fresno city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 543,615. It ranks as the 5th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fresno city is 32.4 years. This is 14% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Fresno city is $66,804. This is 31% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 15% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%. This is 75% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.6%. This is 35% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $348,500. Housing costs are 50% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x. 49.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Fresno city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 50.5% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 24.7%.
Education
24.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 32% lower than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 80.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fresno city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fresno city, California?
Fresno city, California has a population of 543,615 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fresno city, CA?
The median household income in Fresno city is $66,804, which is 15% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Fresno city, CA?
The poverty rate in Fresno city is 20.9%. This means approximately 111,660 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fresno city, California?
Fresno city's population is 24.7% White, 6.3% Black, 50.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 13.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fresno city, CA?
The median home value in Fresno city is $348,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x.
How educated is Fresno city, California?
24.9% of adults (25+) in Fresno city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.