RANK #671 / 996 · POP 473,446 · CA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.1%
Tulare County, California, stands out for its direct access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, home to some of the world's largest trees and the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney. Located in the southern San Joaquin Valley, east of Visalia, the county offers a blend of agricultural landscapes and mountain scenery. Commutes within the county are generally manageable, with local and commuter bus services connecting its communities. Residents enjoy a mild climate and abundant outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, boating, and skiing in areas like Lake Kaweah and the Golden Trout Wilderness.
Life in Tulare County offers a small-town feel with access to amenities. The county is a significant agricultural producer, particularly known for dairy, citrus, and other crops, which shapes much of its economy. Recent economic developments show investment in infrastructure and a focus on expanding opportunities for local businesses in towns like Visalia, Tulare, and Porterville. The region is also seeing growth in sectors such as healthcare, leisure and hospitality, and transportation and warehousing. Educational opportunities include various K-12 school districts and community colleges.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.8x 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Rexford Solar Farm (Phases 1 & 2)
AES Corporation / 8 Minute
|
$1,200M | Operating/Approved |
|
Interstate 99 Widening
Caltrans
|
$550M | Under Construction |
|
Bottleneck Energy Storage
VESI 12 LLC
|
$80M | Operating |
|
Vistra Energy Solar and Battery Storage (Terra Bella)
Vistra Energy
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Agri-Center Overpass
Caltrans
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Tulare County has a Boom Town Index score of 33/100, ranking #671 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.6% and a median household income of $64,474, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Tulare County is $280,900 with median rent at $1,137/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2295, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.6%. Home values changed +0.8% in the past 12 months.