Is Kingsburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kingsburg

Kingsburg, California, often referred to as the “Swedish Village of Central California,” offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities. Located along State Route 99 in eastern Fresno County, the city provides a distinct character with its Swedish architecture and a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering a move to Kingsburg, detailing its safety, lifestyle, and economic landscape.

Kingsburg is a city that prides itself on its community spirit and historical roots. Its strategic location makes it a convenient hub for those who appreciate a quieter pace of life while remaining connected to larger urban centers. The city’s heritage is a significant part of its identity, contributing to a unique cultural experience for its inhabitants.

Is it Safe to Live in Kingsburg?

Kingsburg presents a mixed but generally manageable safety profile. The overall crime rate in Kingsburg is 29% lower than the national average, with 0.54 daily occurrences, including 0.06 violent crimes and 0.48 property crimes (as reported by AreaVibes). While the city is not among those with the very highest crime rates, the chance of becoming a victim of crime in Kingsburg is 1 in 66. This rate is higher than the California average, and Kingsburg is not considered one of the safest communities in America based on FBI crime data. However, residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with chances of being a victim ranging from 1 in 20 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 48 in the northeast (as reported by Crime Grade). Despite a D+ safety grade, indicating a slightly higher crime rate than the average US city, Kingsburg ranks in the 30th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 30% of cities (as reported by Crime Grade).

Further analysis of crime statistics reveals that violent crimes are reported at a rate of 1.68 per 1,000 residents, which is 53.7% lower than the national average. Property crimes are recorded at 1332 per 100,000 residents, 24.4% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident in Kingsburg is approximately $456 per year, which is less than the national and state averages (as reported by Crime Grade). Year-over-year crime rates have seen an increase of 5.3%, with violent crime up by 29.4% and property crime up by 2.9% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Market and Costs

The housing market in Kingsburg offers a range of options, with a median home value of approximately $373,800 (as reported by Data USA). This median home price is lower than the California average of $648,235 (as reported by Niche). Other sources indicate a median listing home price of $542,139 (as reported by Realtor.com®), and a median home value of $373,050 (as reported by Niche). In March 2026, Kingsburg home prices were down 12.5% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $467,000 (as reported by Redfin). On average, homes sell after 104 days on the market, a significant increase from 13 days the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental costs in Kingsburg present a more varied picture. The average rent in Kingsburg is $1,945 per month, which is 2.75% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). However, other data indicates a median rent of $1,277 (as reported by Niche), and a median rent of $1,550 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent average $2,225 per month, while apartments average $1,450 per month (as reported by Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for $1,200, a two-bedroom for $1,600, and a three-bedroom for $2,300 (as reported by Zillow).

Economic Landscape and Employment

Kingsburg’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Kingsburg grew by 1.29%, with the number of employees increasing from 5.25k to 5.32k (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for Kingsburg residents include Educational Services (733 people), Manufacturing (706 people), and Retail Trade (583 people) (as reported by Data USA). Major job groups include Office & Administrative Support Occupations (911 people), Education Instruction & Library Occupations (589 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (539 people) (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Kingsburg is 5.5%, which is below the national average of 6% (as reported by Niche). Major employers in the area include notable corporations like Sun-Maid Raisins, Guardian Glass, and Sacramento Container Company (as reported by Fresno EDC). Other significant companies include SunBridge Care Enterprises West, Van Beurden Insurance Services, and Kingsburg District Hospital (as reported by Zippia).

Cost of Living and Income

The cost of living in Kingsburg is generally considered affordable, especially when compared to the California state average. Kingsburg’s cost of living is 0% lower than the U.S. national average and 101% lower than California’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This reflects a 3% increase from the previous year (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are a significant factor, with a single person’s monthly housing expenses estimated at $1,104, and $2,025 for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com).

The median household income in Kingsburg is approximately $76,913 (as reported by Data USA). However, different sources report varying figures, with one indicating a median household income of $74,897 (as reported by Niche) and another $79,471 (as reported by Livability.com). The average annual household income was $92,540 in 2024, marking an 8% decrease from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Kingsburg is 10.77% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Kingsburg experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 37°F to 99°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with an average high of 97°F and a low of 66°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, the coldest month is December, with an average high of 56°F and a low of 39°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation in Kingsburg is relatively low, with an annual average of 10 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is January, receiving an average of 2.01 inches of rain, while August is the driest month with minimal to no rainfall (as reported by Time and Date). The rainy season typically spans from October to May, with February being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather, Time and Date). The city enjoys approximately 136 days of comfortable weather annually, with the most pleasant times to visit being from March to May and mid-October to mid-November (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School System

Kingsburg’s public schools demonstrate strong performance when compared to state averages. Kingsburg, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38%, exceeding the California public school average of 34%. Reading proficiency scores are also above average, with 51% of students proficient, compared to the statewide average of 47% (as reported by Niche). The schools in Kingsburg hold an average ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of California public schools (as reported by Niche).

Kingsburg High School itself has received positive recognition, with a Niche grade of A- and a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10. The school boasts an impressive graduation rate of 99% and an average GPA of 3.57 (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Kingsburg High School is 20:1, with average SAT scores of 1150 and ACT scores of 24 (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community Profile

Kingsburg is home to a population of approximately 12,800 residents (as reported by Data USA). The population is diverse, with 94.6% of residents being citizens and 12.8% born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). White, non-Hispanic residents constitute the largest demographic group, making up 50.1% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 42.81% (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Kingsburg is 38.6 years (as reported by Data USA).

The city’s demographic makeup also includes a significant Hispanic population, accounting for 50.13% of residents (as reported by Data USA). Other racial and ethnic groups include White (Non-Hispanic) at 5.46k people, White (Hispanic) at 2.2k people, and Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) at 1.84k people (as reported by Data USA). The population is growing, with an estimated 13,478 residents in 2026 and an annual growth rate of 1.32% (as reported by Data USA).