Median Income
$48,125
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$256,800
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.1%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.8%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.2%
239% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Snelling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population265
Median Age32.1 yrs
Density491/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,125
Per Capita$24,549
Unemployment12.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$13,282M
Commute30 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$256,800
Rent$950
Ownership60.2%
Zillow$468,411
Housing Units111
Rent Burden19.5%
Health
Obesity32.8%
Uninsured14.0%
Smoking17.2%
Depression26.5%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI52 (Moderate)
Rain20.0 in/yr
Elevation260 ft (79 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.1%
High School+79.2%
Graduate+10.3%
School Score3.99
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Commute30 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations15
Libraries13
Is Snelling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Snelling receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Snelling has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Snelling is $48,125, 36% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Snelling is $256,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.3x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
7.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Snelling enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.0 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52.
Snelling has a population of 265 with a density of 491 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 32.1 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.6% female and 57.4% male. The city is predominantly White (68.7%), with 39.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.5% of residents, while 42% speak Spanish. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
265
Total Population
2023 Census
32.1yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.5%
11% below US avg
Spanish
42.0%
213% above US avg
The median household income in Snelling is $48,125, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,549 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,584 business establishments, including 403 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,125 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,549 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,281 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.2% |
| 239% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,584 |
| County GDP | $13,282M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 403 |
| Healthcare | 479 |
| Retail | 547 |
| Manufacturing | 116 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,616 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Snelling is $256,800, 9% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $468,411, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 111 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $4,616 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.3x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $256,800 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $468,411 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.8% |
| Housing Units | 111 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,616 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.80% |
In Snelling, 32.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 14.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387. The dentist ratio is 1:2,148. 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Snelling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.0% |
| Uninsured | 14.0% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,387 |
| Dentists | 1:2,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:398 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,849/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 479 |
Snelling enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52. 46% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 260 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 62.3°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 260 ft (79 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 491/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5245°N, 120.4363°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Merced County County |
| Nearest Airport | Merced Yosemite Regional (MCE)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.0"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
3.93"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 52.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 45.9% |
| Unhealthy Days | 35 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0467 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.3 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7,554 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Jul 8, 2021 |
Antelope Valley, CA |
M6.0 |
137 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
3 km NE of Mono City, California |
M5.8 |
130 km |
| May 15, 1999 |
9 km WSW of Aspen Springs, California |
M5.5 |
143 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
5 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M5.4 |
127 km |
| Oct 21, 2012 |
24 km NE of San Lucas, California |
M5.3 |
140 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km E of Interlaken, California |
M5.1 |
127 km |
| Aug 12, 1998 |
10 km SW of Ridgemark, California |
M5.1 |
125 km |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
32km SE of Markleeville, CA |
M5.0 |
137 km |
| Jan 16, 1993 |
9 km E of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
107 km |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
2 km E of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
126 km |
| Jul 15, 1998 |
8 km W of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
144 km |
| May 14, 2002 |
5 km SSW of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
120 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
127 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
123 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
8 km WNW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
145 km |
| Nov 30, 1997 |
2 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
132 km |
| Nov 22, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
133 km |
| Dec 28, 1995 |
9 km WNW of Topaz Lake, Nevada |
M4.8 |
149 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.8 |
139 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km N of Aromas, California |
M4.7 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
71 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1962 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1953 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2023 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2023 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2015 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2006 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2002 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2002 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 1998 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1996 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jan 14, 1995 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1967 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 4.5 m (15 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1868 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
4.5 m |
30 |
148 km |
| 1989 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.0 m |
62 |
139 km |
| 1865 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
134 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Mammoth Mountain (124 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Mammoth Mountain |
Lava dome(s) |
3,369 m (11,053 ft) |
1260 |
124 km |
| Mono-Inyo Craters |
Lava dome(s) |
2,796 m (9,173 ft) |
1380 |
128 km |
| Mono Lake Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,121 m (6,959 ft) |
1790 |
135 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (405,787 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX |
405,787 |
94 km |
| 2013 |
RIM |
257,084 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
FERGUSON |
97,307 |
57 km |
| 2017 |
DETWILER |
83,297 |
28 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE |
72,894 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
ACKERSON COMPLEX (ACKERSON) |
58,161 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
PAPER |
49,296 |
51 km |
| 1987 |
LARSON |
49,250 |
50 km |
| 2007 |
LICK |
47,424 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
HAMM |
39,333 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
CANYON |
36,851 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
TELEGRAPH |
33,479 |
38 km |
| 2022 |
OAK |
19,408 |
50 km |
| 1992 |
GULCH |
18,019 |
73 km |
| 1990 |
A-ROCK |
17,706 |
60 km |
| 1996 |
ROGGE |
17,559 |
50 km |
| 2003 |
ANNIE |
17,383 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
MERCY |
16,993 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
CORRAL |
16,138 |
91 km |
| 2001 |
DARBY |
14,734 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| February |
51°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
Snelling has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 46°F in December to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.0 inches, with January being the wettest month (3.9") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Snelling. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,059 |
| Toddler | $863 |
| Preschool | $715 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $999 |
| Toddler | $876 |
| Preschool | $825 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Snelling
What is the population of Snelling?
Snelling has a population of 265 residents and is located in California. The population density is 491 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.6% female and 57.4% male.
Is Snelling expensive to live in?
Snelling is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $48,125, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $256,800 (9% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Snelling?
Snelling enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 20.0 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 52.
How is the job market in Snelling?
The job market in Snelling faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 8,584 business establishments in the area, including 403 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Snelling?
The median home value in Snelling is $256,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $468,411. For renters, the median monthly rent is $950. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,616.
How are the schools in Snelling?
Schools in Snelling have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.1% of adults in Snelling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.2% have completed high school. 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Snelling?
The obesity rate in Snelling is 32.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 14.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387.
What is transportation like in Snelling?
The average commute in Snelling is 30 minutes. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Snelling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Snelling is 68.7% White, 39.2% Hispanic or Latino. 69.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 42% speak Spanish. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 86.0% have health insurance coverage.