RANK #674 / 996 · POP 157,243 · CA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.1%
Madera County, California, is often recognized as a primary gateway to Yosemite National Park, with the town of Oakhurst serving as a popular entry point to the park. Located in the geographic center of California, it spans from the agricultural San Joaquin Valley to the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering diverse landscapes. The county seat, Madera, is situated along Highway 99, providing access to larger cities like Fresno, which is nearby. Commute times vary depending on location within the county, with some residents commuting to Fresno. The community offers a blend of rural charm and outdoor recreation, including Bass Lake for boating and fishing, and numerous hiking trails in the Sierra National Forest.
Life in Madera County blends agricultural traditions with a growing economy. The county has seen significant residential development, attracting families and others seeking a more affordable lifestyle compared to coastal California. Local school districts, such as Madera Unified and Golden Valley Unified, serve the area's families. The economy is driven by agriculture, with crops like almonds, grapes, and pistachios, alongside recent investments in commercial, residential, and energy sectors. Healthcare is also a focus, with efforts to expand access to care and the reopening of Madera Community Hospital. Public transportation options like Madera Metro and Madera County Connection offer local and intercity bus services.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.9x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
North Fork Mono Casino and Resort
North Fork Rancheria Economic Development Authority
|
$300M | Under Construction |
|
Puma Storage
Unknown
|
$204M | Planned |
|
New Leaf Energy Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
New Leaf Energy
|
$200M | Proposed |
|
Flores Storage
Unknown
|
$152M | Planned |
|
Madera Transit Station Specific Plan (MTSP)
San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Riverstone Master-Planned Community
Various Homebuilders (e.g., McCaffrey Homes, Lennar)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Madera County has a Boom Town Index score of 32/100, ranking #674 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +4.1% and a median household income of $73,543, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Madera County is $340,300 with median rent at $1,185/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2161, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +4.1%. Home values changed +1.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.82% of Madera County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.