Local

Fresno-area city is among ‘safest and most affordable’ in US, study says. Where did it rank?

The Fresno area is home to one of the safest and most affordable cities in the nation, according to a new GoBankingRates study.

The personal finance website recently ranked the largest cities in the United States based on the cost of living, average crime rates and other factors — and Clovis made the list.

“Choosing a family-friendly place to live is a significant decision that involves a balancing act between safety and affordability in any big city,” GoBankingRates writer Caitlyn Moorhead wrote in an Aug. 3 article titled “50 Safest and Most Affordable U.S. Cities to Live In.”

“Several cities in America stand out for offering a combination of low crime rates and reasonable cost of living, even when compared to small towns,” she wrote.

Elgin, Illinois, was No. 1 on the list of safe, inexpensive cities, while Cary, North Carolina, came in second place and Gilbert, Arizona, was third.

Here’s where Clovis ranked.

The neon Gateway to the Sierras sign marking the entrance to downtown Clovis at Clovis Avenue and Fourth Street is seen in 2005. The Fresno County city is among the safest and most affordable in the United States, according to GoBankingRates.
The neon Gateway to the Sierras sign marking the entrance to downtown Clovis at Clovis Avenue and Fourth Street is seen in 2005. The Fresno County city is among the safest and most affordable in the United States, according to GoBankingRates. Mark Crosse Fresno Bee Staff Photo

Why is Clovis among safest, most affordable cities in US?

A total of three California cities made GoBankingRates’ list of the 50 top spots in the nation for safety and affordability — including Elk Grove at No. 46 and Roseville at No. 48.

Clovis landed at No. 36 on the list.

The Fresno County city, which has more than 124,000 residents, had a median household income of $98,554, according to GoBankingRates.

The average household mortgage cost was $3,086, the site said, while the total monthly cost of living was $5,122.

Clovis residents experience 2,173 property crimes and 236 violent crimes per 100,000 people, GoBankingRates said.

A Clovis police vehicle is shown in this photo released Oct. 20, 2023, by the department. The Fresno County city is among the safest and most affordable in the United States, according to GoBankingRates.
A Clovis police vehicle is shown in this photo released Oct. 20, 2023, by the department. The Fresno County city is among the safest and most affordable in the United States, according to GoBankingRates. CLOVIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

What are the top 10 US cities for safety, affordability?

These were the top 10 safest and most affordable cities in the United States, according to GoBankingRates:

  1. Elgin, Illinois
  2. Cary, North Carolina
  3. Gilbert, Arizona
  4. League City, Texas
  5. Rochester, Minnesota
  6. Sugar Land, Texas,
  7. Pearl Land, Texas
  8. Meridian, Idaho
  9. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
  10. Olathe, Kansas
A shopper walks past storefronts in Old Town Clovis in 2014. The Fresno County city is among the safest and most affordable in the United States, according to GoBankingRates.
A shopper walks past storefronts in Old Town Clovis in 2014. The Fresno County city is among the safest and most affordable in the United States, according to GoBankingRates. CRAIG KOHLRUSS Fresno Bee Staff Photo

How did GoBankingRates come up with its rankings?

To come up with its rankings, GoBankingRates analyzed the largest cities in the United States by population, as sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey, based on the costs of living and crime rate averages.

Researchers looked at a number of factors including:

  • Total population
  • Total households
  • Household median income
  • Cost of living index
  • Violent and property crime counts
  • Average single-family home value

In addition to the American Community Survey, information sources included Sperlings BestPlaces, Livability Index, the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, Zillow Home Value Index and Federal Reserve economic data to find the average mortgage cost.

All data was collected on May 3.

Have a question about life in California?

How to California — a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.

We’ll answer your questions — big and small — about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.

Ask your questions in the form below (can’t see it? Click here) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com.

This story was originally published August 8, 2024 at 7:33 AM.

Sarah Linn
The Tribune
Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER