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Madera, CA


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Madera, California

Introduction to Madera, California

Madera, California, in Madera county, is 21 miles NW of Fresno, California. It's situated in California's Central Valley and includes a prominent Latino community. It features numerous almond groves and factory farms. The county is a major producer of grapes. The city's name is derived from the Spanish word for "timber." Agriculture is the primary factor for the region's economy. A variety of manufacturing facilities provide employment in the county.

Madera History

The Miwok, Yokut and Mono Indians were the original inhabitants of the region. In 1827 a small contingent of hunters arrived from Salt Lake City. The Gold Rush of 1849 brought miners to the county and serious problems occurred between the miners and the Indians. The Miwok and the Yokut were almost destroyed by a local battalion. Settlers arrived to farm the fertile soil. Grapes and wheat were common crops.

The first lumber mill was constructed in 1852 and lumber became an important factor for the region's economy. In 1874 the California Lumber Company established a business in the county. The company constructed flumes and filled them with water to transport timber down to the city of Madera. The arrival of the timber was a major factor in the development of Madera. The city was incorporated in 1907.

Madera Attractions

  • Madera Speedway
  • Madera County Historical Museum
  • Madera District Fair
  • Old Timers Day
  • Coarsegold Rodeo
  • Logger's Jamboree

Madera Activities

The beautiful Yosemite National Park is approximately 40 miles away and is popular for camping, hiking and enjoying the scenic views. The nearby Sequoia National Park, Inyo National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Minarets Wild Area and the Nelder Grove of giant redwoods are popular destinations. Bass, Madera, Eastman, Hensley and Black Hawk lakes are some of the locations enjoyed for outdoor recreation. Visitors enjoy the Madera Wine Trail which includes numerous wineries.

The nearby Chilnualna Fall, Eagle Peak and Buena Vista trails provide opportunities for scenic hikes. The Fresno River, Chowchilla River and Coarse Gold Creek are utilized for whitewater paddling. The ski resort at Badger Pass is approximately 29 miles away. Golf enthusiasts enjoy the region's courses including the Ahwahnee Golf Course, Brighton Crest Country Club and the Madera Municipal Golf Course.

Madera Higher Education

The city is home to the Madera Center Community College.

High Points

Madera strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

CategoryTrophy
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. Peers)
Top 10%Madera Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents
(vs. State)
Top 17%Madera Affordability of Rents

Comparative Profile of Madera, CA

Comparing Madera to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Children Under 5 Years Old1010
Male Share of the Population109
Racial Diversity87
Senior Citizens34
Female Share of the Population12
Age of the Population11
Well-Paid Single Men12

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size109
Portion of People Married75

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults13
Median Family Income11
People in Middle Class or Better11
People Above Poverty11

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work86
Working at Home63
Short Commute Times57
Public Transportation Use55

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Property Taxes109
Affordability of Rents89
Housing Recently Built88
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals86
Seasonal and Vacation Housing44
People Living Alone24

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime43
Low Violent Crime21
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