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Hanford, CA

Frequently asked questions

Hanford, CA

Hanford is the most populous city and the county seat of Kings County, California, located in the San Joaquin Valley region of the greater Central Valley. The population was 53,967 at the 2010 census.

Hanford is situated in the south-central portion of California's San Joaquin Valley, 28 miles (45 km) south-southeast of the city of Fresno and 18 miles (29 km) west of the city of Visalia. The city is 249 feet (76 m) above sea level and has a flat terrain. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.6 square miles (43 km2), all land. The only natural watercourse is Mussel Slough, remnants of which still exist on the city's western edge. The Kings River is about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) north of Hanford. The People's Ditch, an irrigation canal dug in the 1870s, traverses Hanford from north to south. Hanford's land was once a drainage basin for Tulare Lake.

Today's Hanford was once north of Tulare Lake, historically the largest body of fresh water west of the Mississippi River. The area was inhabited by the Tachi Yokuts Indians for several thousand years before Euro-American contact. They occupied locations along watercourses such as creeks, springs, and seep areas (such as sloughs), along perennial and seasonal drainages, as well as flat ridges and terraces.

From the mid-to-late 1870s, the Southern Pacific Railroad planned to lay tracks towards the developing farmland west of Visalia, spurring a growth in labor and population. Hanford's namesake was James Madison Hanford, an executive for the company. The earliest known document labeling the settlement as "Hanford" is an 1876 map of Tulare County which once included the territory of present-day Kings County. Tracks were laid through a sheep camp in 1877. According to History of Kings County: "It was but a short step from sheep camp to village and with the railroad as an attraction the village flourished and became a town within a few historic months." Many of those working on the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

Hanford focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by Hanford’s Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Hanford Cali Fitness, and Valley Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Hanford, such as Hidden Valley Park and Freedom Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Hanford, CA are Children’s Storybook Garden & Museum, Carnegie Museum of Kings County, and Hidden Valley Park.

Population: 60,594 (2024). ZIP codes: 93230, 93232. Area code: 559. Elevation: 249 ft. Area: 16.6 square miles (43 km2).

FAQs

Is Hanford, CA a good place to live?

Living in Hanford offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Hanford, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Hanford and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Hanford are above average.

What valley is Hanford, CA in?

Hanford is a commercial and cultural center in the south-central San Joaquin Valley and the county seat of Kings County, California. Incorporated in 1891, Hanford has steadily flourished into a community of more than 59,000 citizens. Hanford is proud of its small-town charm and rich history and offers its residents a high quality of living along with larger-city amenities.

What is the crime rate in Hanford, CA?

The crime rate in Hanford is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 20 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Hanford is 1 in 51. Based on FBI crime data, Hanford is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Hanford has a crime rate that is higher than 55% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Hanford

Hanford’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

Hanford Cali Fitness 

Valley Fitness

Hidden Valley Park 

Freedom Park

Children’s Storybook Garden & Museum

Carnegie Museum of Kings County

Hidden Valley Park

Niche

About Hanford

Neighborhoodscout

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