Is Clovis Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clovis

Clovis, California, offers a blend of suburban comfort and access to natural beauty, making it an appealing place for many seeking a change of scenery. Situated in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, this city provides a distinct lifestyle with its own set of advantages and challenges.

Understanding the various facets of life in Clovis is essential for anyone considering a move. From the safety of its neighborhoods to the economic landscape and educational opportunities, a comprehensive overview can help in making an informed decision about whether Clovis is the right fit for you and your family.

Is it Safe to Live in Clovis?

Crime Rates

Clovis presents a crime rate that is generally considered to be higher than the national average across all communities. However, when compared to cities of similar population size, Clovis’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Clovis is 17 per one thousand population, which is above the national average.

Violent crime in Clovis occurs at a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants, with the chance of becoming a victim being 1 in 390. The overall crime rate in Clovis is 9.9% lower than the national average, with violent crime rates being 32% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are 5% lower than the national average.

Neighborhood Safety

The safety of residents in Clovis can vary significantly by neighborhood. Generally, the northeast part of the city is considered the safest, while the west neighborhoods may present a higher risk. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Clovis ranges from 1 in 19 in the west neighborhoods to 1 in 102 in the northeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

The total projected cost of crime in Clovis for 2025 is estimated at approximately $391 per resident. This figure accounts for criminal justice system costs, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living and Housing in Clovis

Cost of Living Index

The cost of living in Clovis is higher than the national average. It is 32% higher than the national average and 6% lower than the California average (as reported by AreaVibes). This means that overall expenses for goods and services tend to be more significant in Clovis compared to many other U.S. cities.

When considering a move, it’s important to note that Clovis is ranked as one of the more expensive cities globally and within the United States. The average cost of living is $2440 per month, which places it in the top 11% of expensive cities worldwide (as reported by Livingcost).

Housing Market

Housing costs in Clovis are a significant factor in its overall cost of living. The median home value in Clovis is $465,261 (as reported by Livability.com). However, other sources indicate a median home price of $368,000 as of December 2025 (as reported by Prop:Metrics).

Rental prices in Clovis are also above the national average. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Clovis, CA is $2,195, which is 13% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent in Clovis are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $2,395.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Clovis’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers. Key sectors include healthcare and education, with institutions like the Clovis Unified School District and Community Medical Center being significant contributors to employment. Other major employers include Walmart and Wawona Frozen Foods (as reported by Wikipedia).

The city’s employment landscape also includes roles in retail trade, health care, and social assistance, reflecting a broad economic base. The Clovis Unified School District is noted as one of the largest employers in the city (as reported by Livability.com).

Salaries and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Clovis is approximately $49,053, equating to about $23.58 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Clovis was reported as $99,241 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau via Point2Homes).

The unemployment rate in Clovis was 4.80% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts). Other sources cite the unemployment rate at 3.9% (as reported by the City of Clovis) and 4.4% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Rainfall

Clovis experiences a climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The warmest month is July, with an average maximum temperature around 99°F, while the coldest month is December, with an average minimum temperature around 38°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).

The annual average precipitation in Clovis is approximately 9.99 inches (as reported by IDcide). Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with March being the wettest month, receiving about 2.20 inches of rain. August is the driest month, with minimal rainfall.

Seasonal Variations

Summers in Clovis are typically sweltering and clear, with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F. Winters are colder and wetter, with partly cloudy conditions. Temperature variations between day and night can be significant during the summer, sometimes reaching up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (as reported by Weather and Climate).

The city enjoys a sunny climate, and residents have convenient access to natural wonders like Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Demographics

School District Performance

Clovis is served by the highly-rated Clovis Unified School District, which is recognized for its academic excellence. The district ranks among the top 20% of public school districts in California, with strong proficiency scores in math and reading (as reported by Public School Review).

The district boasts a high graduation rate of 95%, showing consistent improvement over recent years. Clovis Unified School District is also noted for its diversity, ranking among the top school districts in California for diversity (as reported by Niche).

Population and Diversity

As of 2024, Clovis has a population of approximately 125,000 people (as reported by Data USA). The city’s racial makeup is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group, followed by Hispanic and Asian populations (as reported by Clovis Demographics).

The population density is around 4,726.5 inhabitants per square mile. In 2024, about 12.9% of Clovis residents were born outside the United States, which is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA).