Living in Selma CA 🏡 | What to Know Before You Start Moving to Selma

Living in Selma CA is quite something! The Mono and Yokuts peoples lived in the area of Selma for thousands of years until the Southern Pacific Railroad was built in the 1870s. Towns were established along the railroad, and one of them became Selma. Selma was incorporated as a city on March 15, 1893, and it was named after Selma Michelsen, the wife of a Southern Pacific Railroad employee.

Selma grew gradually across the 20th century. It was a wheat-growing community at first, but then it became known for its orchards and vineyards. The city got the nickname “Home of the Peach” for its peach farms. It now has the slogan “Raisin Capital of the World,” as a number of Selma vineyards produce raisins.

Selma is best known today for its raisins, peaches, table grapes, and other produce. It’s a nice place to live, with quaint cul de sacs, beautiful parks, a small-town vibe, and great schools.

Moving to Selma is very easy, but you shouldn’t start packing your bags just yet. You should get the facts so you make the most of your new life in this thriving city. Here’s what to know about living in Selma CA.

Where Is Selma?

Where is Selma, and what county is Selma CA in? Selma is in Fresno County, inside the Fresno metropolitan area. Selma is a suburb of Fresno, but it does not border the city directly. It is 16.9 miles from Selma to Fresno. Cities near Fresno like Fowler, Parlier, Del Rey, and Kingsburg border Selma.

Selma is in a largely undeveloped area, with large farms and vineyards around it. However, the city of Selma itself is well-developed. It’s mostly residential with compact and walkable cul de sacs, but it also contains commercial sectors, including hotels. 

The Fresno County Rural Transit Agency serves all residents living in Selma CA. The Southeast Route is a bus route that runs directly through Selma and provides access to downtown Fresno. Selma has two stops on the route, one at the Family HealthCare Network and another at the Selma Station Shopping Center. State Route 99 runs through the community, and most residents living in Selma CA use their cars to get around, though streets have smooth and walkable sidewalks.

Ready to set up your moving day to Selma? Contact Grace Moving and start your big move to Selma CA today!

Selma Population and Demographics

The Selma population is 24,674, up by 5.8% since 2010. The population has grown in nearly every decade, and it’s nearly quadrupled since 1970. The Selma population density is 4,303.92 people per square mile, over 20 times higher than the countywide density and nearly equal to Fresno’s density.

Notable people from Selma include Bobby Cox, Victor Davis Hanson, and William R. Shockley. Selma demographics include:

• 51.5% male, 48.5% female
• Median age: 31.3
• Racial and ethnic composition: 84.0% Hispanic or Latino, 58.8% White (10.0% non-Hispanic), 12.6% two or more races, 3.3% Asian, 1.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
• Median household income: $53,874 (41.4% lower than the California median)
• Educational attainment: 72.3% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 11.4% have a bachelor’s degree
• Foreign-born population: 24.1%

Selma has a diverse population similar to a big city in Southern California. Selma is a hub for the Hispanic and Latino communities of Central California. Its rate of Hispanic and Latino residents is two times higher than the California rate. 48.7% of residents speak Spanish at home, far higher than the state and national averages. Selma is a very family-friendly community, with 43.2% of households in the city being families with children. Nearly one-third of residents are under the age of 18.

Here are Selma’s latest crime rates according to the FBI:

• Total crime rate: 2,590 offenses per 100,000 people (0.3% higher than the California rate, 10.4% higher than the national rate)
• Violent crime rate: 456 crimes per 100,000 residents (3.2% higher than the state rate, 17.6% higher than the national rate)
• Property crime rate: 2,134 crimes per 100,000 people (0.2% lower than the state, 9.0% higher than the country)

Though Selma has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, it's safe compared to nearby major cities. The Modesto crime rate is 22.7% higher than the Selma crime rate. Most residents living in Selma never experience crime, and there are many safe places to live in. The City of Selma Police Department employs 32 sworn police officers who respond to all emergencies in the city.

Cost of Living in Selma

The Selma cost of living can be hard to estimate, but you can use statistics from Bakersfield and other San Joaquin Valley cities to determine Selma’s cost of living. The Bakersfield cost of living is 110.1, meaning items in the area cost 10.1% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Fresno County would need to earn $100,676 to cover the cost of living. Child care is the biggest expense for a family of four, costing $21,468 a year. This means that singles and couples without children can live an affordable lifestyle. A couple without children needs only $56,613 a year to cover their cost of living.

Selma CA real estate is also very affordable. According to Redfin, houses for sale in Selma CA have a median sale price of $279,000, with a median price per square foot of $224. According to RentCafe, Selma apartments have an average cost of $1,413 a month.

Typical Selma* Living Expenses

• 1 regular cappuccino: $4.48
• 1 gallon of regular milk: $4.01
• 1 pound of chicken fillets: $4.00
• 1 pound of oranges: $1.62
• 1 head of lettuce: $1.96
• 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.83
• Average Selma* utilities per month: $347.34

Source: Numbeo

*Living expenses actually for Fresno

Are you ready to start living in Selma CA today? Call 209-551-7772 for a free quote, and start your stress-free relocation now!

Selma Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Selma

Selma does not have any formal neighborhoods or subdivisions. The Selma CA real estate market is fairly small, with only 89 homes for sale sold in 2023. Houses for sale in Selma CA are scattered throughout the community, though you can find properties in a close proximity to State Route 99. Homes for sale tend to be single-family homes with two or three bedrooms and 1,000 to 2,000 square feet of space. Many properties have been built since 2000, so you can move into them immediately and enjoy modern features like gas fireplaces and eco-friendly kitchen appliances. Prices for homes are around the median home value of $251,300.

Selma has a small rentable real estate market. There are no major complexes for Selma apartments, but there are options for houses for rent. Houses for rent have similar features to houses for sale, being two or three bedroom properties with around 1,500 square feet of space. Prices vary, but nearly all homes for rent cost less than $2,500 a month.

Selma Weather and Climate

Selma has a Mediterranean climate with hot and sunny summers and mild but cloudy winters, similar to the climate in Stockton, CA. July is the hottest month in Selma, with an average temperature of 82 degrees and an average high of 97. The average high remains above 90 degrees between early June and late September, at which point temperatures drop rapidly. December is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 46 degrees and an average low of 39. The average low remains below 50 degrees until mid-April.

Roughly 90% of days in the summer are clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy. Nearly half of days in the winter are overcast and mostly cloudy. Selma receives 13.0 inches of rain, but the community experiences almost no humidity during the summertime. The most common form of severe weather in Selma is extreme heat, with temperatures rising to 110 degrees during the summer. You should avoid going outside and drink water to avoid heat sickness.

October is the best month for visiting and moving to Selma. The average temperature is 65 degrees, and the average high is 80, so you can remain comfortable in a light shirt and pants. Outdoor attractions and parks are still open in October, so you can enjoy the sunny weather at various locations around town.

Are moving to Selma and enjoying Selma weather perfect for you? Schedule an appointment with Grace Moving now!

Things to Do in Selma

Things to do in Selma are unique, beautiful, and affordable, including kid-friendly parks and top stores. The Selma Flea Market is one of the best flea markets in the state, with vendors providing fresh produce, meat, and household goods. You can also get groceries at Food 4 Less and the Sierra Market.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is one of the best outdoor points of interest in the city, containing walkable and dog-friendly trails. The park is a hub for live music and special events throughout the year, including Earth Day celebrations.

Off McCall Avenue, Selma, CA, 93662

Selma Cinema

Selma Cinema is a locally run movie theater that screens movies at discount prices. You can watch movies for $5 on Tuesdays, and seniors and children can get discounts on other days of the week. The cinema screens major blockbusters as well as independent films and foreign-language films.

2705 Cinema Way, Selma, CA, 93662, 559-891-8600

Selma Arts Center

The Selma Arts Center is a kid-friendly indoor performing arts center home to theatrical, musical, and stand-up comedy performances throughout the year. You can also view art installations with works from local residents.

1935 High Street, Selma, CA, 93662, 559-891-2238

Additional Things to Do in Selma

• Berry Park
• Brentlinger Park Selma CA
• Shafer Park

If you’re not sure what to do in Selma, you can participate in events from the Selma Recreation Department. The department maintains public spaces and plans fun events like fireworks shows and fairs during the holiday season. You can view upcoming events on the Selma Recreation Department upcoming events page.

Selma Restaurants

Fresno restaurants present a wide range of experiences and dishes, including Chinese, Mexican, and Mediterranean food. You can enjoy a similarly wide range of cuisines at Selma restaurants, sampling unique dishes in casual and formal restaurants.

Cattlemens

Cattlemens is a steakhouse that offers generous portions. You can enjoy an all-you-can-eat salad with each entree, and Cattlemens offers 20-ounce and two-pound steaks for hungry customers. You can also order a dinner for two, sharing appetizers and entrees, making Cattlemens suitable for dates.

1880 Art Gonzales Parkway, Selma, CA, 93662, 559-896-8450

The Habit Burger Grill

The Habit Burger Grill is a fast food restaurant that serves chargrilled hamburgers, chicken and fish sandwiches, and grilled cheese. The Habit Burger Grill has seasonal menu offerings like apple pie milkshakes and burgers with French onion sauce, which you can enjoy for just $8.

3110 East Floral Avenue, Selma, CA, 93662, 559-460-9575

Golden Dragon Restaurant

Golden Dragon Restaurant is a family-friendly Chinese restaurant that serves classic dishes like chop suey, chow yuk, and fried rice. Almost all dishes cost less than $15, making the Golden Dragon Restaurant perfect for an affordable and quick lunch or dinner.

1952 East Front Street, Selma, CA, 93662, 559-896-0170

Jobs in Selma CA

10,350 people have jobs in Selma CA; the city has added over 1,000 jobs since 2013. Agriculture, manufacturing, and health care are the three largest job sectors in the city, with each contributing over 1,000 jobs to the economy. Each of these three sectors has median earnings of over $40,000 a year. According to Payscale, the average salary of Selma jobs is $65,000 a year, with an average base hourly rate of $20.02.

Major employers in Selma include Harris Ranch Beef, Fresno Valves and Castings, and Poindexter Nut. These three employers regularly post job postings. You can learn more about other Selma jobs by browsing Indeed, and you can also research City of Selma jobs on the city government’s website.

Do you want to start living in Selma CA and working in high-paying, rewarding Selma jobs? Call 209-551-7772 to begin your new life in Selma!

Selma Schools

The Selma Unified School District serves all students living in Selma CA. The Selma school district contains 12 schools, including eight elementary schools. US News ranks James Garfield Elementary School as the best elementary school in Selma. 72% of students at Garfield Elementary School test at or above the proficiency level in reading, 25 percentage points higher than the state rate.

The Selma Unified School District contains only one middle school, Abraham Lincoln Middle School. It also contains only one high school, Selma High School. US News ranks Selma High School in the top 800 high schools in California. The school has a graduation rate of 92%, and 54% of students test at or above the proficiency level in reading.

Selma does not contain any notable private schools or colleges. Selma Adult School provides English as a second language courses and high school diploma programs. The Selma Branch Library is the main public library in Selma, and it’s the second-largest library in the Fresno County Public Library system.

Selma Statistics and Information

• County: Fresno County
• Selma area: 5.77 square miles
• Selma zip code: 93662
• Selma area code: 559
• Selma elevation: 308 feet
• Selma time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
• Closest airport to Selma: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), 17.4 miles from Selma

Selma Map

You can use this Selma map to see where the best things to do, restaurants in Selma, and amenities are.

You’ll have everything you need while living in Selma CA! You can enjoy great restaurants, affordable homes for sale, and beautiful parks with your neighbors and children.

Moving to Selma is a cinch once you hire experienced Selma movers. Grace Moving has served over 15,000 customers. Call 209-551-7772 for a free estimate now.