Living in Coalinga CA Is Lovely 😍 | Explore Our Moving to Coalinga Guide

Moving to Coalinga is a big step, so let us give you some backstory about the city first. Here’s a bit more about Coalinga’s history. Coalinga, CA, once a small mining town, is famous for its prominent oil and coal industries. Although the city was named for its coal mining, in 1989, oil was discovered in Coalinga in the Blue Goose well, which was drilled by the Home Oil Company. This borehole helped build the city into the community it is today.

Coalinga was incorporated as a city on April 3rd, 1908, but was formerly referred to as Coaling Station A, Coalingo, and Coalinga Station. Living in Coalinga CA isn’t just great because of its rich history; read more about its benefits below.

Is Coalinga a Nice Place to Live?

Living in Coalinga CA, is great thanks to Its nearby amenities, strong sense of community, and diverse economy. It’s one of the more developed valley cities, making it a terrific option for professionals or people looking to commute to Fresno.

Many factors are considered when relocating to a new city, and Grace Moving has all the information you’ll need below. If you decide this is the city for you, call our Fresno movers at (209) 551-7772.

Where Is Coalinga California?

Coalinga is located in Central California in Fresno County (not Kern County), in the Western San Joaquin Valley. It’s 61.8 miles from Coalinga to Fresno and 118 miles to Salinas.

Cities Near Coalinga

If you ultimately decide that living in Coalinga CA, isn’t for you, you may want to consider one of the other cities near Fresno, like Lemoore, Avenal, Hanford, Mendota, King City, Kerman, Corcoran, and Atascadero.

Coalinga Population & Demographics

The population of Coalinga, California, is 17,590, per the 2020 census; Coalinga’s 2024 population estimate is 17,284. Residents have a median household income of $68,976 (US $75,149) and an income per capita of $23,456 (US $41,261). While it boasts the 16th-highest median income, 18.7% of people living in Coalinga CA, are impoverished (US 11.1%).

Additional demographics to consider:

• Median age: 35
• Sex ratio: 60 males to 40 females
• Marital status: 41 married to 59 single
• Ownership of occupied units: 53% owned, 47% rented
• Educational attainment: 69.9% have high school diplomas, and 12% have bachelor's degrees
• Foreign-born population: 20.6%
• Veteran population: 5%

Coalinga has a diverse racial makeup: 39.5% of residents are White (26.3% White, non-Hispanic or Latino), whereas 63.1% are Hispanic or Latino. 18.1% of individuals living in Coalinga CA, are two or more races, and 3.9% are Black or African American. American Indian and Alaska Native (2.3%), Asian (2.1%), and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (0.3%) are the city’s smallest racial and ethnic groups.

Coalinga, CA, USA, has a small veteran population, a young median age, and a high Hispanic or Latino population. There are 20% more males than females in Coalinga, and the city is slightly less educated (about 50%) than its metro area.

Notable people:

• Jeffrey L. Bannister
• Hal Finney
• John McCollum

Is Coalinga CA Safe?

When deciding where to live, an area’s crime rate should be of top property. The benefits of residing in a safe city are endless but include the freedom to enjoy what you love without fear, a positive impact on mental health, reduced stress and anxiety, and lower insurance costs.

Luckily for you, the community you’re considering is far safer than most other US cities! According to FBI data, Coalinga has a notably lower crime rate, with 44.7% less crime than the average city and 32.2% less than the US average. That is equivalent to a 1 in 64 chance of being affected by any type of crime.

With a crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 people, Coalinga is well below California’s 2,843 and the nation’s 2,324 per 100,000 people. Property crime is also lower here—63.5% below the state average and 56.3% below the national level. There is only a 1 in 117 chance you will be affected by property crime when living in Coalinga CA.

Although violent crime rates are slightly higher in Coalinga (718 per 100,000 people), the Coalinga Police Department remains committed to protecting residents and maintaining the city’s safe, welcoming environment. The murder rate in Coalinga is 0 per 100,000 people, which is 00% lower than the state and US average.

Coalinga’s crime rates per 100,000 people compared to the state and national averages:

• Coalinga CA crime rate per 100k people: 1,573
• California crime rate per 100k people: 2,843
• US crime rate per 100k people: 2,324
• Coalinga property crime rate per 100k people: 855
• California property crime rate per 100k people: 2,343
• US crime rate per 100k people: 1,954
• Coalinga violent crime rate per 100k people: 718
• California violent crime rate per 100k people: 500
• US violent crime rate per 100k people: 370

For emergency assistance, the Coalinga Police Department is the place to call. Its dedicated officers ensure the safety of everyone living in Coalinga CA.

Cost of Living in Coalinga

According to BestPlaces, the Cost of Living Index in Coalinga is 103.7, making it 3.7% more expensive than the average US city. Considering the Fresno, California, Cost of Living Index (107), you’ll appreciate this city’s affordability. Living in a city with a low cost of living brings a host of perks, like having extra financial freedom to enjoy what you love—think of all the memories you can make with your loved ones.

Coalinga offers a variety of attractions and dining options (which we discuss below), and with the savings, you’ll likely have room in your budget for it all!

The Economic Policy Institute says a family of four can live comfortably with a household income of $100,676.

Typical living expenses:

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: $19.00
• Gallon of milk: $3.93
• Dozen eggs: $3.46
• Loaf of white bread: $2.64
• Pound of local cheese: $4.64
• Average city of Coalinga utilities per month: $390 (per Doxo)

Source: Numbeo

Please note that the above statistics are for Fresno, meaning prices may differ when living in Coalinga CA. 

Living in Coalinga CA, means you could reap the benefits of investing in affordable housing; we’re talking about consistent returns, lower property taxes, and significant profit potential.

Coalinga Real Estate Overview - Homes for Sale + Rental Market

Before you can experience what it’s like living in Coalinga CA, you’ll need to secure a place to live. Its real estate market is slightly competitive, with Coalinga homes for sale sitting on the market for a median of 30 days.

The average price per square foot is $208 (the US median price per square foot is $233), and the median home price is $335,000. Coalinga, California’s median home price is $77,300 below the US median home price. Property prices have increased by 4.5% since last year, so you should act quickly before prices increase again.

Renting here is affordable; the average rent in Coalinga is $1,097 for an 889-square-foot unit.

Coalinga Neighborhoods

Before moving to Coalinga, you’ll have to find the perfect neighborhood. Here are the city’s two most notable communities you should look at when considering living in Coalinga CA.

Sandalwood - Proximity to Top Schools

Sandalwood, located off Highway 33, is a quant neighborhood 2.4 miles from the city’s heart. Vanessa's Little Sprouts Preschool is less than 1 mile away, making it ideal for anyone with little ones. George E Olsen Memorial Park, an expansive recreational area, is 1.8 miles away, and Neutra Elementary is 39 miles from the city. Living in Coalinga CA is great, but especially in Sandalwood.

Fox Hollow - Affordable Homes

Fox Hollow is an exclusive yet affordable neighborhood in Coalinga, California. Prices start around $300,000 and rarely go above $330,000. Its location is top-notch; Starbucks, Save Mart, and State Food Supermarket are within half a mile. Keck Park is 0.6 miles from Fox Hollow.

Coalinga Weather & Climate

When living in Coalinga CA, you’ll experience a beautiful climate. Coalinga has a Koopen climate classification of BSh, which is characterized by hot and arid summers and cold and cloudy winters. Temperatures here rarely go above 103°F or below 27°F; the cold season starts on November 20th, and the hot season begins on June 5th.

The summers are warm (average high of 88 degrees) and clear; in July, the average daily cloud coverage is only 8%. Precipitation is most prominent in the winter months, with February having a daily precipitation amount of 24%. Rainfall is also most frequent in the winter, beginning in October (0.5-inch average rainfall) and increasing to 2.5 inches over the month of February.

The best time to visit Coalinga is mid-June to mid-September when the skies are clear, and rainfall won’t affect your outdoor plans!

Things to Do in Coalinga CA

When living in Coalinga CA, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do in Coalinga, CA. These activities are mostly outdoor and are kid and family-friendly. Shopping is limited to the West Valley Shopping Center, but nearby Fresno has plenty of other options. Grocery stores in the city limits are Save Mart and State Foods Supermarket. With its small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and proximity to larger Central California destinations, Coalinga is also a great place to explore at a relaxed pace. For those planning a visit or wanting a flexible place to stay before settling in, vacation rentals can be a convenient option. Platforms like Smartours offer a variety of accommodation choices in and around Coalinga, making it easier to experience local attractions while enjoying the comfort of a home-like stay.

Keck Park

Keck Park is expansive, with multiple sports programs and aquatic and fitness centers. This is an excellent activity for kids, friends, or even a romantic date night, watching the sunset over the fields.

555 N Coalinga St, Coalinga, CA 93210, (559) 935-0727

Baker Museum

Baker Museum is a local history museum that boasts artifacts and memorabilia, including fossils, photos, paintings, and more.  This is one of the top things to do in Coalinga, thanks to its unique charm.

297 W Elm Ave, Coalinga, CA 93210, (559) 935-1914

Reel Time Entertainment

Reel Time Entertainment (Coalinga Movie Theatre) is beloved by people living in Coalinga CA, for its cozy atmosphere, central location, and movie variety. Reviewers acclaim its pricing, tasty popcorn, and spacious seats; it's ideal for a romantic date night or outing with friends.

122 W Elm Ave, Coalinga, CA 93210, (559) 935-2000

Additional Attractions

• Keck Park Community Center
• Coalinga Rifle Club
• Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Living in Coalinga CA, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet people in your community through the various special events Coalinga Parks & Rec hosts. They also maintain the city parks.

Restaurants in Coalinga

How is living in Coalinga CA if you enjoy eating out? The city has dining options galore; check out three of the top restaurants in Coalinga, CA. The city of Coalinga, CA, offers countless Hispanic restaurants and popular chains.

Taqueria Gonzalez

Taqueria Gonzalez is a proclaimed Mexican restaurant offering unique options such as quesabirrias, pupusas, and tacos (street style.) Per their reviews, this is one of the top Coalinga restaurants.

260 Van Ness St, Coalinga, CA 93210, (559) 821-8002

The Salty Pickle

The Salty Pickle serves American cuisine and is renowned for its milkshakes, sweet potato fries, and Chipotle sauce. Their loaded tater tots are a must-try, and specialty lemonades are ideal for washing down a savory meal.

276 Coalinga Plaza, Coalinga, CA 93210, (559) 821-8078

Los Reyes Mexican Grill and Seafood

If you want to dine at one of the best restaurants in Coalinga, Los Reye Restaurant dishes out authentic options like homemade salsa, enchiladas, and tacos on corn tortillas. Customers love their food and service and find their cocktails tasty and refreshing. You’re not living in Coalinga CA until your try Los Reyes.

257 E Elm Ave, Coalinga, CA 93210, (559) 934-1022

Coalinga Jobs

Before living in Coalinga CA can become your reality, you should consider its economy and if it can support your career goals and needs.

The city of Coalinga has countless job opportunities to explore that are fit for professionals or young adults seeking career advancements. Coalinga’s economy employs 5,650 people, with leading agriculture, oil, education, and incarceration. Paramount Farms, West Hills Community College, and Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) are within the city limits.

There are currently 100 jobs in Coalinga, CA, hiring, but looking to Fresno County’s major employers—Air National Guard, Amazon Fulfillment Ctr, California State Univ Fresno—may result in great opportunities. City of Coalinga jobs are another great option if you work in the public sector.

Other notable companies in Coalinga: 

• Coalinga Lumber Co., Inc.
• Rio Vista Ranches & Farms Inc.,
• J&L Dairy
• Coaling State Hospital

People living in Coalinga CA earn a great living; the average hourly rate is $15.87, and the average salary is $33,000. While the unemployment rate is 3.9% above the US average, the city does have a future job growth prediction of 30.8%.

Coalinga Schools - Education in Coalinga

Coalinga is part of the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District, which contains 11 schools and serves 4,434 students. Five full-time counselors are on staff, and 86.9% of the teachers are certified. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 22 to 1, the district has the resources to give ample attention and guidance.

K-12 public school students living in Coalinga CA, attend various schools, including Coalinga Middle School, Coalinga High School, and Sunset Elementary School.

For more useful information and educational resources, explore the Coalinga-Huron District Library. It boasts notable online databases such as Gale Academic OneFile, Archives Unbound, Chilton Library, and more. Language learning courses and job searching assistance are available.

Colleges

Is living in Coalinga CA good for college students? Coalinga, California., has one college: West Hills Community College District (Coalinga College). However, the nearest university is National University in Fresno.

Moving to Coalinga FAQ

How Did Coalinga Get Its Name?

Coalinga, California, is named after coal, as it was a prominent mining community before oil was discovered.

What Does Coalinga Mean In Spanish?

The name "Coalinga" comes from the combination of "coaling" and "Station A," where "A" signifies "to arrive.

Does Coalinga Have a Hospital?

Yes, Coalinga Regional Medical Center is located in the city limits, making living in Coalinga CA a great option for elderly people or anyone who frequents the doctors.

Coalinga Statistics & Information

• Coalinga CA County: Fresno County
• Coalinga CA area: 6.88 square miles
• Coalinga CA zip code: 93210
• Coalinga CA area code: 559
• Coalinga elevation: 673 feet
• Coalinga time zone: Pacific Time Zone: (UTC-7 and -8)
  Closest airport to Coalinga: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is 65.8 miles from Coalinga

Coalinga CA Map

Explore more things to do while living in Coalinga CA with this Coalinga, California, map.

Moving to Coalinga With Grace Moving & Storage

Living in Coalinga CA, is great—the outdoor activities are abundant, and the community is tight-knit. There are plenty of career opportunities, minus the hecticness that residing in a large city can bring. If relocating here is in your future, Grace Moving & Storage at (209) 551-7772; we have top Coalinga movers ready to help.