Is Lemoore Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lemoore

Lemoore, California, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and strategic importance, nestled in the heart of the fertile San Joaquin Valley. This city is known for its agricultural roots and its significant role as a home to Naval Air Station Lemoore, a vital U.S. Navy facility. Residents and potential newcomers often seek to understand the multifaceted aspects of life in Lemoore, from its safety and cost of living to its employment opportunities and community life.

The community provides a distinct lifestyle, shaped by its agricultural landscape and its proximity to a major military installation. Understanding these elements is key for anyone considering a move to Lemoore, as it offers a specific set of advantages and considerations for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Lemoore?

Lemoore’s crime rate presents a mixed picture. While overall crime rates are reported as lower than the national average, there are nuances to consider. Violent crimes in Lemoore are reported as being higher than the national average, with a specific concern noted for motor vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Conversely, property crime rates are significantly lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Lemoore is about 1 in 67 (as reported by AreaVibes). For violent crimes, the chance is approximately 1 in 246 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, some analyses indicate that Lemoore’s total crime rate is 30% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Lemoore offers a range of options, with a median listing price of approximately $399,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®). The median home value in Lemoore is around $382,910, showing a slight increase of 2.4% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This indicates a stable market for both buyers and sellers.

Rental prices in Lemoore are competitive, with the median rent for all property types around $1,833 per month (as reported by Zillow). Houses for rent in Lemoore typically range between $1,040 and $2,600 per month (as reported by Zillow). For those looking to buy, the median sale price for homes has been around $365,000 in recent periods (as reported by Redfin).

Home Prices

The median listing price for homes in Lemoore is approximately $399,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®). This figure provides a benchmark for potential homebuyers considering the area. Year-over-year, home prices have seen a slight decrease of about 1.97% (as reported by Realtor.com®).

The average home value in Lemoore is currently $382,910, reflecting a 2.4% increase over the last year (as reported by Zillow). This suggests a generally appreciating market, which can be attractive to investors and homeowners alike.

Rental Market

For renters, Lemoore offers a median rent of approximately $2,200 per month (as reported by Realtor.com®). This figure represents a significant year-over-year increase of nearly 40% (as reported by Realtor.com®), indicating a strong demand in the rental market.

The average rent across all property types in Lemoore is around $1,833 per month (as reported by Zillow). This price point is slightly lower than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Cost of Living

Lemoore is considered to have a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. Housing costs are notably less expensive, with expenses for a single person estimated at $1,104 per month and $2,025 for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com). This makes Lemoore an attractive option for those looking to manage their expenses.

Food expenses are also below the national average, costing an individual approximately $351 per month and a family of four around $1,141 (as reported by Salary.com). While energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are slightly higher than the national average, these are offset by the savings in housing and food.

Daily Expenses

The overall cost of living in Lemoore is estimated at $2,467 per month for singles and $5,432 for families of four (as reported by Salary.com). These figures are 0% lower than the U.S. national average, indicating a balanced cost of living that is more affordable than many other areas (as reported by Salary.com).

Compared to other California cities, Lemoore is significantly more affordable. For instance, it is 90% less expensive than San Francisco and 18% less expensive than Miami (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability is a key draw for individuals and families relocating to the area.

Job Market and Employment

Lemoore’s job market is influenced by its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, government, and private sector employment. The average annual salary in Lemoore is approximately $48,025, translating to about $23.09 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure can vary significantly based on industry and role.

The city benefits from a hardworking labor force, with a mix of skilled and semi-skilled workers. Many residents are connected to the Naval Air Station Lemoore, contributing to a stable employment base. Technical training and educational opportunities are available through local institutions like Lemoore College.

Major Employers

Naval Air Station Lemoore is a primary employer in the region, providing numerous opportunities for both military personnel and civilians. Other significant employers include those in the agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of the local economy. Additionally, city government positions and various private businesses contribute to the employment landscape.

The City of Lemoore itself offers employment opportunities, with an estimated average total compensation package of around $70,151 annually (as reported by Salary.com). This includes base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, offering a comprehensive view of earnings within the municipal sector.

Unemployment Rate

Specific current unemployment rate data for Lemoore is not readily available from the provided search results. However, the general economic climate of the region, supported by major employers and a diverse workforce, suggests a relatively stable employment situation.

The city is actively working to attract new businesses and foster economic growth, indicating a commitment to maintaining and improving employment opportunities for its residents. This pro-business attitude is a key factor in the local economic development strategy.

Climate and Weather

Lemoore experiences a climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. Temperatures typically range from a low of 38°F in the winter to a high of 98°F in the summer, rarely dropping below 28°F or exceeding 104°F (as reported by Weather-us). The area is generally arid, with clear skies dominating the summer months.

The rainy season spans from mid-October to late April, with February typically seeing the most rainfall, averaging around 2.1 inches (as reported by Weather-us). Conversely, August is the driest month, with almost no precipitation. The city receives an average of about 9 inches of rain annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Average Temperatures

During the summer, from June to September, average daily high temperatures exceed 89°F, with July being the hottest month at a high of 98°F and a low of 65°F (as reported by Weather-us). The cooler season, from late November to mid-February, sees average daily high temperatures below 64°F, with December being the coldest month, with an average low of 38°F and a high of 57°F (as reported by Weather-us).

The overall temperature variation throughout the year is significant, offering distinct seasonal experiences for residents. The comfortable weather, characterized by mild temperatures and low humidity, is most prevalent from late May to late September (as reported by Weather-us).

Rainfall Patterns

Lemoore experiences a distinct wet season and dry season. The period from October to April is the wettest, with at least 0.5 inches of rainfall over a 31-day period (as reported by Weather-us). February typically receives the most precipitation, averaging 2.1 inches (as reported by Weather-us).

The dry season lasts from late April to mid-October, with August recording the least amount of rain, often near 0.0 inches (as reported by Weather-us). Annually, Lemoore receives approximately 7.91 inches of rain (as reported by U.S. Climate Data).

Education and Schools

Lemoore is served by the Lemoore Union Elementary School District and the Lemoore Union High School District, providing educational opportunities for students from kindergarten through high school. Lemoore Elementary School, serving grades K-6, has an overall Niche grade of B, with particular strengths noted in its teachers (as reported by Niche). Lemoore High School also receives a B+ overall grade from Niche, indicating a solid academic environment.

State test scores show that 34% of students at Lemoore Elementary are proficient in math and 46% in reading (as reported by Niche). At Lemoore High School, 22% of students are proficient in math and 57% in reading (as reported by Niche). These figures provide insight into the academic performance within the local school system.

Elementary Schools

Lemoore Elementary School is a public school that serves students from kindergarten to sixth grade. It has an overall Niche grade of B and is recognized for its teaching staff. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Within Kings County, Lemoore Elementary School ranks highly, being among the top public elementary schools in the area. This positioning suggests a commitment to quality education at the elementary level within the Lemoore community.

High Schools

Lemoore High School serves students in grades 9 through 12 and holds an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). It is recognized among the standout high schools in California and ranks well within Kings County for diversity and college preparation.

The school has a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 (as reported by Niche). Academic proficiency scores indicate that 22% of students are proficient in math and 57% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population

Lemoore has an estimated population of 27,038 residents as of the 2020 Census (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). The city’s population is projected to reach approximately 27,515 by 2026, indicating a modest annual growth rate (as reported by CUBIT). Lemoore is ranked as the 285th most populated city in California out of 1,570 cities (as reported by CUBIT).

The median age of Lemoore residents is 31.0 years (as reported by CUBIT). The population is diverse, with the largest racial/ethnic groups being Hispanic (52.6%), followed by White (30.3%) and Asian (6.4%) (as reported by CUBIT).

Racial Makeup

The racial composition of Lemoore shows a significant Hispanic or Latino population, making up 52.6% of the residents (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). White residents constitute 30.3% of the population, while Asian residents represent 6.4% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

Other racial groups include Black or African American at 5.7%, Multiracial at 4.5%, and Native American/Other at 0.5% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). Lemoore’s diversity is less pronounced when compared to the state of California overall.

Income and Poverty

The median household income in Lemoore was approximately $83,724 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). Despite this median income, 11.0% of Lemoore families live below the poverty line (as reported by CUBIT).

The average per capita income in Lemoore is $47,331 (as reported by CUBIT). These income statistics provide a financial snapshot of the community, highlighting both economic stability and areas of need.

Major Employers and Job Opportunities

Naval Air Station Lemoore is a significant economic driver for the region, providing substantial employment opportunities. Beyond the military base, Lemoore’s economy is supported by its agricultural sector, which offers a range of unskilled and semi-skilled labor positions (as reported by City of Lemoore). The city also benefits from a diverse workforce with skilled workers possessing various technical and educational backgrounds.

The City of Lemoore itself is an employer, with an average annual salary of $70,151 for its employees (as reported by Salary.com). This municipal employment, combined with roles in agriculture and the military, forms the backbone of Lemoore’s job market.

Workforce Diversity

Lemoore boasts a diverse labor force, influenced by its agricultural heritage and the presence of Naval Air Station Lemoore. Many residents have ties to military personnel or are veterans themselves, contributing to a unique community dynamic (as reported by City of Lemoore). Educational institutions like Lemoore College and others provide technical training, further enhancing the skill sets available within the workforce.

The city’s pro-business attitude and commitment to economic growth aim to attract and retain businesses, thereby creating a dynamic job market. This focus on development supports a varied employment landscape for residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Lemoore

Living in Lemoore offers several advantages, including a lower cost of living compared to the national and state averages, particularly in housing and food expenses (as reported by Salary.com). The community provides a small-town atmosphere with access to essential amenities and a strong sense of local identity.

However, potential drawbacks include a higher-than-average rate for certain types of crime, particularly violent crimes and motor vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The job market, while diverse, may offer lower average salaries compared to more urbanized areas.

Advantages

One of the primary advantages of Lemoore is its affordability. Housing costs are significantly lower than the California average, making homeownership more attainable for many (as reported by Livability.com). The community also offers a slower pace of life, which is appealing to those seeking a less hectic environment.

The presence of Naval Air Station Lemoore provides a stable economic anchor and a diverse community, attracting people from various backgrounds. Additionally, the city’s location in the San Joaquin Valley offers proximity to agricultural resources and natural landscapes.

Disadvantages

Crime rates, particularly for violent offenses, are a concern in Lemoore, with rates higher than the national average in some categories (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While property crime is lower, the overall safety perception can be impacted by these statistics.

The job market may present challenges, with average salaries being lower than in many other parts of California. Furthermore, Lemoore’s climate features very hot summers, which can be a significant factor for those unaccustomed to such conditions (as reported by Weather-us).