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With a population of over 57,000 as of 2023, Hanford, California is a mid-sized city located in Kings County in California's Central Valley. Once a stop along the Central Pacific Railroad, Hanford has grown into an agricultural hub and center of industry in the region.

History of Hanford

Hanford was founded in 1877 by the Central Pacific Railroad to serve as a station stop. The city was named after James Madison Hanford, a director of the Central Pacific Railroad. Hanford quickly grew as an agricultural community and was incorporated as a city in 1891.

Over the next few decades, Hanford continued to develop with the establishment of a courthouse, banks, hotels, schools, and more. The nearby Army Air Base served as a training center during World War II, bringing economic growth to the region. After the war, agriculture, food processing, and other industries continued to thrive in Hanford.

Today, Hanford retains its small-town charm and agricultural roots while also serving as a regional hub for business, healthcare, education, retail, and culture.

Hanford Demographics and Population

According to the latest Census data, Hanford has a population of 57,754 residents, making it the 25th largest city in the Central Valley and one of the more populous cities in Kings County. Hanford saw rapid population growth in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s before slowing down in the 2000s. The population has increased slightly over the past decade.

Hanford has a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population, making up over half of residents at 54.4%. 33.7% of residents identify as white, 5.2% as Asian, 1.9% as Black or African American, 0.8% as Native American, and 3.9% as two or more races. About 72.3% of residents speak a language other than English at home.

The median age in Hanford is 31.6 years old. About 29.8% of residents are under age 18, while 12.2% are over age 65. There are slightly more female residents at 50.7% compared to 49.3% male.

The average household size is 3.63 people. About 70.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied while 29.5% are renter-occupied. The median household income is $50,899 with a poverty rate of 22.7%.

Economy and Major Employers in Hanford

Agriculture remains essential to Hanford's economy. Surrounded by fertile farmland, major crops include nuts, fruits, legumes, and cotton. Food processing, sales, and distribution companies are also major employers. The top employers in Hanford include:

• Kings County Government - 1,862 employees
• Adventist Health Hanford - 1,500 employees
• Hanford Elementary School District - 866 employees
• Walmart - 500 employees
• Hanford Joint Union High School District - 456 employees
• Royalty Carpets - 350 employees
• City of Hanford - 346 employees
• Hanford Community Medical Center - 300 employees
• Safeway - 150 employees
• Star Rug Company - 140 employees

Other major industries include healthcare, education, retail, construction, tourism, renewable energy, and more. The city's prime location with easy access to major highways and railroads provides logistical advantages. With available land and infrastructure, Hanford seeks to attract more manufacturing, technology, and commercial companies to diversify the job market and stimulate economic growth.

Education in Hanford

Public education in Hanford is provided by several school districts:

• Hanford Elementary School District - Enrolls over 7,000 students in grades K-8
• Hanford Joint Union High School District - Over 3,000 students in grades 9-12
• Kings County Office of Education - Oversees services for school districts

Hanford is also home to Columbia College's Hanford campus, a community college that offers associate's degrees, certificates, and transfer programs. Nearby colleges and universities include Fresno State University, California State University, Stanislaus, and others within driving distance.

The Hanford Branch Library is part of the Kings County Library system. This public library serves the community with books, media, computer access, events, storytimes, and more.

Attractions and Landmarks in Hanford

As a former railroad town with historic architecture, attractions in Hanford celebrate the city's heritage. Popular sites include:

• Civic Auditorium - Music, events, meetings, and more held at this 1,500-seat auditorium built in 1924. Address: 400 N. Douty St, Hanford, CA 93230. Phone: (559) 585-2525.
• Carnegie Museum - Museum with exhibits on the city's history. Admission is free. Address: 108 E 8th St, Hanford, CA 93230. Phone: (559) 582-9113.
• China Alley - Well-preserved historic Chinatown district. Guided walking tours available.
• Hanford Fox Theatre - Beautifully restored 1929 Fox Theatre offering films, live shows, and events. Address: 326 N Irwin St, Hanford, CA 93230. Phone: (559) 584-7423.
• Civic Park - 37 acres with sports fields, playground, walking paths, and more. GPS coordinates: 36.327658, -119.645669. Address: 400 N Douty St, Hanford, CA 93230.
• Hanford Municipal Airport - Public airport 3 mi southeast of downtown Hanford. GPS coordinates: 36.268199, -119.616454. Address: 5570 S Lexington Ave, Hanford, CA 93230. Phone: (559) 585-2681.

Hanford is also home to a variety of museums, churches, hiking trails, breweries, wineries, and more to explore.

Public Transportation and Local Resources

The Kings County Area Public Transit Agency provides public buses throughout Kings County with routes serving Hanford. Bus fare is $1.50 for adults and $0.75 for those under 18 or over 60.

The Hanford Municipal Airport offers passenger flights, hangars, fuel, maintenance, and other services just southeast of downtown.

For emergency services, the Hanford Police Department can be reached at (559) 585-2540 and Hanford Fire Department at (559) 585-2550. The city's main post office is located at 111 W 5th Street.

Hanford is located in Kings County, governed by a Board of Supervisors. The county seat is in Hanford at 1400 W Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230. Phone: (559) 852-2300.

Residents in need can contact the Community Action Partnership of Kings County at (559) 582-4176 for services related to health, housing, education, and employment needs.

Hanford Sports Teams

Sports fans in Hanford can cheer on the local high school and collegiate teams:

• Hanford High School Bullpups - Hanford Joint Union High School District's sports teams compete in the Central California Conference.
• Columbia College Claim Jumpers - Men's and women's teams including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and more.

The Hanford community can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter for local news and events.

Visiting Hanford, California

Hanford makes a great home base for visitors exploring Kings County and the Central Valley region with its historic charm, architecture, and abundance of amenities. The Hanford Visitor's Bureau and Chamber of Commerce manage a helpful website with suggested itineraries, events, business directory, relocation information, and more.

The Kings County Economic Development Corporation also provides resources on living, working, and doing business in Kings County and Hanford at kingsedc.org.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend event or considering a move, Hanford offers community spirit, rich heritage, and a slice of classic California in the heart of the Central Valley.

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