The Fresno metro is home to 1,170,942 people (up 19.7% over five years), with a median household income of $71,897. Typical rent of $2,052/month works out to 34.2% of the median household income — above the 30% affordability threshold, a strain signal (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of Fresno's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Education & health care | 25.3% |
| Retail trade | 10.0% |
| Professional & management | 9.0% |
| Agriculture & mining | 8.5% |
| Arts, food & hospitality | 8.2% |
Education & health care is the metro's largest employment base — sectors like education and health care are recession-resilient anchors for rental demand.
Rents at 34.2% of median income leave little headroom — expect tenant price sensitivity. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the Fresno market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $2,052/month suggests a household income around $82,000/year. The metro's median household income is $71,897.
By workforce share: Education & health care (25.3%), Retail trade (10.0%), Professional & management (9.0%) (Census ACS 5-year).