Fresno and Long Beach are two renowned cities in California, each with its unique characteristics. Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, is surrounded by agricultural lands, while Long Beach nestles in the southernmost part of LA County. Comparing these cities offers useful insights into factors such as crime and safety, cost of living, education, work and economy, and other vital aspects shaping their identities and lifestyles.
Distance between
Fresno, CA and
Long Beach, CA : 225.4 miles
Fresno's population is larger by 19%. Its population has grown by 116,858 people (27.3%) since 2000. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.
Safety is a notable concern for both residents and tourists. Being larger and more densely populated, Long Beach naturally has a higher frequency of crime compared to Fresno. However, both cities are generally safe to live and visit. Policing efforts in both areas consistently focus on curtailing crime rates and ensuring public safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,478 registered sex offenders living in Fresno and 807 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fresno is 353 to 1; the ratio in Long Beach is 583 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Fresno than in Long Beach.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Long Beach is markedly higher than in Fresno, attributable to factors like housing and transportation costs. Long Beach's firm proximity to Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean explains these higher expenses. Nevertheless, both cities offer a wide range of affordable options in terms of groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
Income Tax
Income tax rates in both Fresno and Long Beach adhere strictly to California state law, with the same progressive income tax system applicable in both cities.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in these cities again follow California's state guidelines. However, the average property tax paid tends to be higher in Long Beach due to more expensive real estate.
Sales Tax
The sales tax for both cities is higher than the national average, predominantly due to California's notable high state sales tax. However, Long Beach has a marginally higher combined city and state tax compared to Fresno.
Income
Type
Fresno
Long Beach
Estimated median household income
$61,250
$73,905
Estimated per capita income
$28,499
$37,217
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.3
142
If you make $50,000 in Fresno, you will have to make $73,728 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Fresno is within the San Joaquin Valley and surrounded by farmland, while Long Beach is a coastal city with a bustling port, providing an attractive ocean-front landscape.
Both cities are home to top-rated universities and public schools. Fresno is recognized for institutions like California State University, Fresno City College, and numerous public schools. Similarly, Long Beach has California State University, Long Beach City College, and a diverse array of public schools.
Fresno's economy is primarily underpinned by agriculture, healthcare, and education. Long Beach, meanwhile, is a hub for aerospace, health services, and the port industry. Both cities boast diverse workforces and are constantly developing their economies.
Biggest Employers
In Fresno, Community Medical Centers, Fresno County, and the City of Fresno are among the key employers. In Long Beach, the city’s largest employers include Long Beach Unified School District, City of Long Beach, and the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
There were 1,911 building permits issued in Fresno in 2012 (1205 more than in 2011) compared to 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 more than in 2011).
In Fresno (Fresno County), 49.8% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
2020
53.0%
71.0%
45.2%
26.9%
1.8%
2.1%
2016
49.2%
72.0%
43.2%
22.5%
7.5%
5.5%
2012
49.8%
69.7%
48.0%
27.8%
2.2%
2.4%
2008
50.2%
69.2%
48.1%
28.8%
1.8%
1.9%
2004
42.0%
63.3%
57.8%
35.7%
0.3%
1.0%
2000
43.2%
63.6%
53.3%
32.4%
3.5%
4.0%
1996
45.3%
59.3%
47.4%
31.0%
7.3%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
CATHOLIC CHURCH
31.0%
36.1%
6.1%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.0%
8.1%
9.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
2.6%
2.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.5%
2.4%
3.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.2%
2.0%
1.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.7%
0.6%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.4%
Weather
Fresno experiences a Mediterranean climate, categorized by wet winters and hot, dry summers. The city typically has over 300 sunny days per year. Conversely, Long Beach sees a Mediterranean climate with semi-arid qualities. Known for its warm and sunny weather year-round, it’s a terrific spot for tourists desiring sunny beach days.
Weather and climate
Type
Fresno
Long Beach
Temperature - Average
63°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
60.9%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
67%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
88%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
21%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11.6 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
32.4%
26.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
96%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
63%
Wind speed - Average
6.5 mph
6.1 mph
Average climate in Fresno, California
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
Fresno
Long Beach
2018
128
124
0.35
0.37
9.7
17.2
31.7
22.1
N/A
0.008
39.7
27.5
14.8
13.5
0.6
0.7
2017
132
122
0.35
0.36
9.2
18.1
33.2
23.2
N/A
0.007
38.3
26.7
14.3
14.5
0.6
0.8
2016
128
115
0.35
0.36
8.4
18.5
31.4
21.9
N/A
0.007
34.7
24.1
13.5
11.6
0.5
0.9
2015
134
111
0.32
0.38
8.7
19.9
31.1
22.5
N/A
0.005
34.2
25.0
13.9
13.9
0.5
0.9
2014
139
127
0.33
0.50
10.1
20.3
32.4
22.0
0.004
0.007
39.3
26.7
16.4
14.3
0.5
1.3
2013
136
126
0.37
0.48
11.1
20.0
31.0
24.7
0.005
0.005
43.3
32.3
19.1
14.6
0.6
1.0
2012
140
132
0.36
0.48
9.7
19.3
31.9
24.4
0.004
0.004
36.1
30.8
14.2
14.1
0.6
0.6
2011
139
119
0.34
0.43
8.7
20.2
33.5
23.4
N/A
0.006
30.2
28.4
21.1
15.6
0.8
1.2
2010
121
115
0.27
0.38
6.9
20.8
31.1
22.7
N/A
0.011
N/A
24.1
N/A
11.9
0.7
0.7
2009
107
132
0.31
0.50
7.3
21.0
29.6
22.0
N/A
0.008
N/A
27.7
N/A
13.1
1.6
1.1
2008
130
124
0.33
0.53
9.3
20.8
31.1
23.2
N/A
0.008
N/A
27.2
22.2
21.6
1.0
1.0
2007
146
109
0.34
0.60
10.0
20.3
28.4
21.1
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
26.0
N/A
0.7
1.4
2006
104
119
0.36
0.76
11.3
21.4
29.7
19.9
0.006
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2005
101
108
0.33
0.74
10.7
24.3
28.1
20.5
N/A
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.7
2004
103
125
0.34
0.56
11.5
28.0
30.8
22.9
N/A
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
2003
115
130
0.44
0.83
15.0
28.1
31.2
22.4
N/A
0.032
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.1
2002
139
120
0.43
0.90
15.2
29.6
44.8
22.2
N/A
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
2001
143
124
0.42
0.81
15.1
30.3
47.3
21.5
N/A
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2000
136
142
0.51
0.71
15.4
31.5
41.0
19.6
N/A
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
Fresno
Long Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9.9%
18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
8,613%
6,875.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
57%
Transportation
Both cities have solid public transportation systems. Fresno boasts an extensive bus network, while Long Beach secures transportation through buses, a metro rail and bike-sharing programs. Commuting times in Long Beach are noticeably higher than in Fresno due to heavier traffic patterns.
Transport
Type
Fresno
Long Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
408
312
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
36
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fresno
Long Beach
Bicycle
0.8%
0.5%
Bus
1.3%
3.3%
Carpooled
10.7%
9.8%
Car alone
84.4%
81.8%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Subway
0.1%
0.5%
Walked
1.4%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fresno
Long Beach
Average
23.7 min
30.7 min
Other means
21.5 min
28.5 min
Public transportation
45.3 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fresno
Long Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.3%
89.7%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Long Beach is notably more expensive than Fresno due to its proximity to Los Angeles and desirable beachfront location. In contrast, Fresno offers more affordable housing options, with a thriving market attractive to first-time homebuyers.
Neighborhoods
Fresno touts diverse neighborhoods characterized by different cultural communities and socio-economic levels. Long Beach boasts vibrant neighborhoods entrenched in arts and culture, complete with beach access.
Houses and residents
Type
Fresno
Long Beach
Houses
188,756
179,856
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.8
Median year apartment built
1977
1964
Median year house/condo built
1983
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
181,841 (96.3%)
172,599 (96%)
Houses occupied by owners
91,233 (50.2%)
69,470 (40.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
90,608 (49.8%)
103,129 (59.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$958.34
$1,057
Median monthly housing costs
$1,209
$1,692
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$285,919
$520,992
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,300
$693,600
Median numbers of rooms
5
4.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
5.5
Median house price - detached houses
$375,492
$900,658
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,112
$823,515
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$196,355
$495,928
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$287,684
$488,399
Median house price - mobile homes
$100,122
$333,777
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$260,277
$634,684
Median house price - All housing units
$358,028
$805,766
Median house age
42
62
Renting percentage
50.9%
58.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,808.6
3,565.7
House value disparities
29.4%
21.3%
Household income disparities
46.4%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$97,354
$116,421
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$73,445
$79,392
Housing units without a mortgage
1,037 (1.7%)
394 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,880 (4.8%)
3,069 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,354 (98.3%)
49,321 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
68 (0.1%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,120 (6.8%)
3,709 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fresno
Long Beach
One, detached
59.0%
40.2%
One, attached
3.2%
4.9%
Two
3.0%
5.3%
3 or 4
7.8%
8.8%
5 to 9
9.6%
10.4%
10 to 19
3.6%
10.8%
20 to 49
3.4%
8.0%
50 or more
7.5%
10.6%
Mobile homes
2.6%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,428
18,532
State government workers
9,836
6,550
Unpaid family workers
890
178
Industries and Occupations
Fresno's robust sectors plant it firmly in agriculture, healthcare, and education. Long Beach, conversely, thrives with aerospace, maritime, and healthcare industries. These dominant sectors significantly influence the occupations prevalent in these cities.
While Fresno and Long Beach both offer quality healthcare, the latter is often rated higher in terms of healthcare access and quality. Both host significant hospital systems and numerous community health centers.
Fresno’s infrastructure is well-kept and continuously growing, marked by expanding suburban areas and downtown revitalization. Long Beach is known for its extensive port infrastructure and public amenities, making it a compelling place for tourists and new residents.
Infrastructure
Type
Fresno
Long Beach
Hospitals
32
17
TV stations
4
5
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
98
67
Bank institutions located here
25
18
Main business address for public companies
1
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fresno
Long Beach
1999
717
1,159
2000
484
710
2001
462
677
2002
569
708
2003
1,510
1,861
2004
2,462
2,162
2005
3,394
3,065
2006
3,441
3,591
2007
2,138
2,287
2008
760
887
2009
354
475
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Fresno, surrounded by agriculture, is renowned for fresh farm-to-table foods, several vineyards, and craft breweries. Meanwhile, Long Beach presents an eclectic array of global cuisines, thanks to its diverse population and coastal location.
Sports Teams
While neither city hosts any major professional sports teams, both maintain a passionate sports culture. Fresno enjoys minor-league baseball and soccer, while Long Beach offers water sports and sailing events.
Fresno, CA
Long Beach, CA
Fresno, CA and 
Long Beach, CA : 225.4 miles
