Is Tulare Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tulare
Tulare, California, is a city nestled in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, offering a blend of agricultural roots and growing opportunities. This central California locale provides a distinct lifestyle shaped by its climate, economy, and community spirit.
The city’s identity is deeply intertwined with its agricultural heritage, a sector that continues to be a significant driver of its economy. However, Tulare is also a place where residents can find a balance between a strong sense of community and access to the amenities of a growing urban center.
Is it Safe to Live in Tulare?
The overall crime rate in Tulare is a significant consideration for potential residents. Crime rates in Tulare are 13.9% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). The city experiences approximately 4.74 crimes per day, with 1.12 violent crimes and 3.62 property crimes.
When examining specific crime statistics, Tulare has a murder rate of 11.2 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 6.1 (according to Niche). The violent crime rate is 59.3% higher than the national average, with a total of 410 violent crimes reported (according to AreaVibes). Property crimes are also a concern, with a rate that is 4.7% higher than the national average, totaling 1,321 incidents (according to AreaVibes).
Neighborhood safety can vary within Tulare. Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of becoming a victim of crime compared to southern neighborhoods (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, the south neighborhoods present a higher risk, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 20 (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tulare presents a mixed financial picture for its residents. Overall, the cost of living in Tulare is 17% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This is influenced by various factors, including housing, utilities, and groceries.
Housing expenses in Tulare are notably higher than the national average. The median home price in Tulare was $405,000 as of March 2026, reflecting a 2.4% decrease from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, renting can also be a significant expense, with the average rent for an apartment around $1,669 per month (as of March 2026, according to RentCafe).
While some costs are above the national average, Tulare County as a whole offers a more affordable housing market compared to the rest of California. The median home cost in Tulare County is $308,500, which is less than half the median price in California ($733,500) (according to Tulare County Economic Development Office). This contrast highlights a potential advantage for those looking to purchase property in the broader county area.
Housing Market
The housing market in Tulare shows dynamic trends with recent fluctuations in prices and sales volume. In March 2026, the median home price in Tulare was $405,000, marking a 2.4% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes were selling faster on average, with a median of 38 days on the market compared to 47 days in the prior year.
However, the number of homes sold in March 2026 saw a decrease, with 37 homes sold compared to 55 the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a shift in market activity, potentially influenced by various economic factors. The median sale price per square foot has seen an increase, rising by 7.6% since last year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in Tulare have also experienced a decrease. As of March 2026, the average rent for an apartment was $1,669, representing a 4.36% decrease from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). This trend suggests a more favorable rental market for tenants, with a wider range of options and potentially lower monthly payments.
Job Market and Economy
Tulare’s economy is driven by a diverse range of industries, with agriculture and food processing playing a central role. Major employers in Tulare County include the County of Tulare, Kaweah Health Care District, and Ruiz Foods Products, Inc. (as listed by Tulare County Economic Development Corporation). Other significant employers include Wal-Mart Distribution Center and College of the Sequoias.
The unemployment rate in Tulare County was 11.1% in January 2026, showing a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by USAFacts). This rate is higher than both the California state average of 5.5% and the national average of 4.7% during the same period (as reported by the California Employment Development Department). The education and healthcare sectors have been identified as the fastest-growing industries within Tulare County (as noted in the County of Tulare Trends Report).
The average annual salary in Tulare is approximately $47,143 (as of April 2026, according to ZipRecruiter). However, some sources indicate a higher average salary for jobs in Tulare, California, at $69,287 per year or $33 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). This disparity may reflect different methodologies in data collection or the inclusion of various job sectors and experience levels.
Climate
Tulare experiences a climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, typical of a Mediterranean-like climate. Daytime temperatures in the summer can reach significant highs, with July often seeing average temperatures around 96°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with fewer sun hours only in December.
Winter months bring cooler temperatures and the majority of the annual rainfall. December and January typically have the most precipitation, with December averaging around 40 mm (1.59 inches) (as reported by Tulare, CA weather and climate in 2026). Despite the cooler weather, winter days can still be mild, with temperatures reaching up to 55°F (13°C) in January (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The region’s climate is also impacted by its geographic location in the San Joaquin Valley. Tulare consistently experiences year-round air pollution due to geographic conditions and vehicle exhaust, contributing to air quality that is among the worst in the United States (as noted by Wikipedia). This environmental factor is a significant aspect of living in the area.
Schools
The educational landscape in Tulare County comprises a mix of public and private institutions, with public schools serving the majority of students. Tulare County public schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% and a reading proficiency score of 38%, which are below the California state averages (as reported by Niche). These schools have an average ranking of 3/10, placing them in the bottom 50% of California public schools.
Despite these statistics, there are highly-rated schools within the county. Top-ranked public schools in Tulare County include University Preparatory High School, Harmony Magnet Academy, and Oak Grove Elementary School (according to Niche). The Tulare City School District, serving grades K-8, received an overall Niche grade of C-minus, with a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
For families considering relocation, it’s advisable to research individual school performance and offerings. The Tulare Joint Union High School District serves students in grades 9-12, with high schools such as Tulare Western High School, Tulare Union High School, and Mission Oak High School receiving ratings between 3.87 and 4.04 out of 5 (according to Niche).
Demographics
Tulare’s population is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino representation. As of the 2020 census, the population of Tulare was 68,875, with 57.5% identifying as Hispanic or Latino (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s racial makeup also includes White (61.3%), African American (3.9%), Native American (1.2%), and Asian (2.2%) populations.
The median age in Tulare is 31.1 years, with a notable percentage of the population under 18 (30.7%) (as per the 2020 census data). The city’s population is projected to reach 74,234 by 2026, indicating continued growth. Foreign-born residents constitute a significant portion of the population, with 21.4% of residents born outside the United States as of 2024 (according to Data USA).
In terms of income, the median household income in Tulare was $69,517 in 2023 (as reported by Wikipedia). This figure is lower than the median household income for Tulare County, which was $71,300 from 2020–2024 (as reported by USAFacts). Approximately 18.0% of the population in Tulare lives below the poverty line (as of 2023, according to Wikipedia).