Hanford is a prominent commercial center for the south central San Joaquin Valley. The region is a major distribution network for agricultural and other types of goods for numerous national and international markets. The once prominent heavy industry sector has been in decline for years. Many Hanford residents work at the close by NAS Lemoore, the Navy's largest master jet base, and for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation which operates three state prisons located in Kings County.
The major sectors for employment in Hanford are:
- Services
- Government
- Farming
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction
Some of the most popular occupations in Hanford that are filled primarily by college graduates are wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, teachers, education administrators, accountants and auditors, financial managers, sales managers and network and computer systems administrators.
Noteworthy data about Hanford: In 2008 the cost of living index was at 90.2. The national average is 100. In 2007 the estimated median household income was $49,000. Regarding the population over 25 years of age, approximately 14% have a bachelor's degree or higher.
The City-Wide Business Loan Program offers below-market rate loans for new and expanding companies. The Downtown Loan Program provides low-interest loans for downtown business development and expansion.
The major employers in Hanford are provided below:
- King County - Government
- Adventist Health System - Healthcare
- Hanford Elementary School District - Education
- Del Monte Foods Co - Canned Specialties (MFRS)
- Marquez Brothers International - Cheese and dairy products producer
- Central Valley General Hospital - Hospitals
- Central Valley Meat Co Inc - Meat Packers (WHLS)
- Con Agra Foods Inc - Food Brokers (WHLS)
- Hanford Community Hospital - Hospitals
- Hanford Community Medical CTR - Hospitals
- Nichols Farms - Farming
- Sentinel - Newspapers (Publishers/MFRS)
- Walmart Supercenter - Department stores
- Warmerdam Packing - Fruits & vegetables - Growers & shippers
Business organizations offering assistance to Hanford companies:
- Kings County Economic Development Corporation
- City of Hanford Community Development: Economic Development
- Hanford Chamber of Commerce
The Hanford Sentinel provides information about the current business activities in Hanford.