Selma, CA

• About the city
• Geography
• Climate and Weather
• Landmarks and Attractions
• Transport
• Medical Facilities and Healthcare
• Education and Academic Programs
• Sport and Local Athletics
• Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Selma is a city in Fresno County, California, known as the "Raisin Capital of the World" for its grape and raisin production, located in the San Joaquin Valley.

About the city

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

• Full Official Name: City of Selma.
• Administrative Role: Selma is a general law city incorporated on March 15, 1893 . It is not a county seat but is an incorporated municipality within Fresno County .
• Location and Region: Selma is located in the U.S. state of California, specifically in Fresno County. It sits in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the state's premier agricultural region, often called the "food basket of the world" .

Historical Names and Nicknames

Selma is best known by its official nickname, "Raisin Capital of the World" . This title was adopted in 1963 because over 90% of U.S. raisins are produced within an eight-mile radius of the city . Before this, it was known as the "Home of the Peach" and "A Peach of a City" through the 1960s, reflecting its earlier agricultural focus . According to local legend, the city was named after Selma Gruenberg Lewis, but historical investigation suggests it was actually named for Selma Michelsen (1853-1910), the wife of a railroad employee .

Date of Foundation and Age

• Year Founded: The first post office opened in 1880 . The city was formally incorporated on March 15, 1893 .
• Age: As of 2026, Selma is 133 years old.
• Founders: The townsite was developed by a partnership of four farmers: Jacob E. Whitson, Egbert H. Tucker, George Otis, and Monroe Snyder, who began auctioning lots along the Southern Pacific Railroad line .

Geographic Position and Coordinates

• Geographic Coordinates: 36°34′15″N 119°36′43″W .
• Location and Terrain: Selma is located in the flat, fertile floor of California's Central Valley .
• Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 308 feet (94 meters) above sea level .
• Settlement Type: It is a small city and an agricultural hub .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Selma is predominantly an agricultural and industrial center with a strong focus on food processing . Its economy is deeply rooted in the cultivation and processing of grapes and raisins. While agriculture remains the backbone, it also functions as a regional commercial hub for southeast Fresno County and is developing into a residential community for workers in the greater Fresno area . The city is actively developing industrial land, making it a growing center for logistics and light manufacturing .

Population and Demographics

• Population: As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,674 .
• Population Class: Selma is a small city.
• Demographic Features: It is a fast-growing and diverse community. A significant majority of the population (77.6%) is Hispanic or Latino, contributing to a rich cultural blend reflected in local businesses and cuisine .

City's "Calling Card" (Briefly)

Selma is a charming small town in California's agricultural heartland, best known as the "Raisin Capital of the World." It offers a stress-free escape with a historic downtown, authentic farm-to-table dining, and serves as a peaceful, affordable gateway to the majestic national parks of the Sierra Nevada .

Geography

Mountains and Ranges

While no mountains are within the city limits, Selma's location offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which forms a stunning distant backdrop to the east . The main entrances to Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite National Parks are just about 70 miles away, making Selma a practical and less hectic base for exploring these mountain landmarks .

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

The city is situated in close proximity to the Kings River, which flows through the region and is a vital source of irrigation for the surrounding farmlands . Historically, a seasonal irrigation channel known as the C&K Canal, or "Mill Ditch," ran through Selma and powered a water-driven flour mill in the late 19th century .

National and Natural Parks

Selma is strategically located as a gateway community to some of California's most famous national parks :

• Kings Canyon National Park: Entrances are approximately 70 miles away. Known for its deep canyons, giant sequoia groves, and the Kings River.
• Sequoia National Park: Entrances are approximately 70 miles away. Famous for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume.
• Yosemite National Park: The main entrances are about 70 miles away, offering world-renowned granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias .
• Sierra National Forest: Located east of Selma, providing a picturesque setting for hiking, camping, and fishing .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Selma has a Mediterranean climate, specifically a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa), which is characteristic of California's Central Valley . It is characterized by hot, arid summers and mild, wet winters. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with over 270 sunny days per year .

Average Monthly Temperatures

Temperatures vary significantly between seasons. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 100.1°F (37.8°C) and an average low of 73.0°F (22.8°C) . The coldest month is December, with an average high of 59.1°F (15.0°C) and an average low of 41.4°F (5.2°C) . The temperature typically ranges from 39°F to 98°F and is rarely below 30°F or above 104°F .

*Source: Tomorrow.io *

Precipitation and Humidity

• Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 429 mm (17 inches), with the vast majority falling in the winter months .
• Wettest Month: February, with an average of 2.5 inches of rain .
• Driest Month: August, with virtually no rainfall .
• Average Annual Snowfall: 0 mm (0 inches). Snow is extremely rare .
• Humidity: Humidity levels average around 73%, but summers are characterized by dry heat, with humidity dropping significantly, making high temperatures more bearable .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Based on the tourism score, the best time to visit Selma for warm-weather activities is from late May to late September .

• Spring (March-May): Temperatures are comfortably warm, and the valley turns green with new growth. Orchards blossom, making it a beautiful time for scenic drives. Highs range from the upper 60s°F to mid-80s°F .
• Summer (June-August): This is the hottest and driest part of the year. Days are long, sunny, and frequently exceed 100°F (38°C). It's an ideal time for swimming and enjoying water-based activities, but visitors should be prepared for extreme heat .
• Fall (September-November): This is harvest season. The weather remains warm and pleasant, especially in September and October, with cooling temperatures as the season progresses. It's a perfect time for agricultural tourism and enjoying the local bounty .
• Winter (December-February): Winters are mild and cool, with the majority of the year's rain falling during these months. Days are often partly cloudy, with highs in the 50s and 60s°F. It's a quiet time to visit, with clear views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains .

Landmarks and Attractions

Selma's Historic Downtown and Murals

The heart of Selma is its walkable downtown, a delightful place with historic brick buildings, wide streets, and shaded sidewalks that evoke a simpler time . Unlike many homogenized American downtowns, Selma's is filled with family-owned businesses. A key feature is the collection of colorful murals adorning several buildings, which tell the story of the town's agricultural heritage and community spirit. The Selma Irrigator mural is one notable example that captures this connection to the land .

Pioneer Village

This attraction offers a glimpse into the area's past, featuring historic buildings and artifacts that tell the story of the early settlers who transformed the fertile valley into farmland. It's a place where local history is preserved and shared by enthusiastic volunteers .

Selma Arts Center

The development of the Selma Arts Center has significantly expanded the quality of life for residents and visitors . It presents surprisingly professional theater productions, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year, drawing talent from throughout the region and providing cultural entertainment without big-city prices .

Parks and Recreation

Selma has several well-maintained parks, including Brentlinger Park, W. H. Shaver Park, and Sal M. Salazar Park, offering green spaces perfect for picnics, sports, and relaxation . These neighborhood parks provide ample shade during the warmer months and are hubs for community activity .

Agricultural Landmarks: Vineyards and Farms

The real landmark of Selma is its surrounding landscape. Miles of vineyards stretch in neat rows, changing with the seasons . Depending on the season, visitors can find farms offering tours or U-pick experiences for fresh produce. The raisin production process, where grapes are laid out to dry in the sun, is a unique and iconic sight in the late summer and early fall .

Transport

Main Airports

• Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): Located about 20 miles northwest of Selma, this is the primary passenger airport for the region, offering service to major domestic and some international destinations .
• Selma Aerodrome: This is a smaller airport in Selma that provides services for private aviation .

Other Airports (Alternative)

• Highway Access: Selma is easily accessible via Highway 99, which runs through the city and connects it to the rest of the Central Valley . Highway 43 also runs through the city, while Highways 180 and 41 are just north and northwest, respectively. Interstate 5 is 52 miles to the west .

Main Railway Stations

While Selma itself does not have a passenger terminal (the historic one now serves as the police station ), passenger rail service is available via Amtrak San Joaquins within a 15-mile commute . The closest station is likely in Fresno. The city is served by the San Joaquin Valley Railroad (SJVR) for freight, which interchanges with major national carriers .

Public Transportation System

• Bus Service: Local transit is provided by Selma Transit through the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency. The Southeast Transit service connects Selma, Fowler, and Kingsburg to Fresno . There are also transit services available to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks .
• Ridesharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Uber Eats operate in Selma, providing an alternative way to get around town and order food delivery .

Major Highways and Roads

• Highway Access: Selma is easily accessible via Highway 99, which runs through the city and connects it to the rest of the Central Valley . Highway 43 also runs through the city, while Highways 180 and 41 are just north and northwest, respectively. Interstate 5 is 52 miles to the west .

Ports

Selma is an inland city, but it has access to major California ports via highway:

• Port of Stockton: Located 142 miles northwest via Highway 99 .
• Port of Oakland: Located 190 miles northwest via Highway 99 .

Medical Facilities and Healthcare

Adventist Health Selma

The primary healthcare institution in Selma is Adventist Health Selma, a 62-bed general acute care hospital located at 1141 Rose Avenue . It is a community hospital that has been serving the area since its acquisition by Adventist Health in 1999 . The facility provides a comprehensive range of services including a 24-hour emergency department, a dedicated birthing center, surgery, laboratory, cardiology, and advanced imaging with CT, MRI, and digital mammography . It also features specialized services such as a Wound Healing Center with hyperbaric oxygen chambers, physical and occupational therapy, and speech therapy .

The hospital is recognized for its quality of care. It has received awards for high patient satisfaction scores and low emergency room wait times . According to the Fall 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Adventist Health Selma achieved perfect scores (100) in critical safety process measures, including computerized medication ordering, safe medication administration, ICU staffing by specially trained doctors, and handwashing . It also scored zero in several patient safety outcome measures, such as dangerous objects left in a patient's body and C. diff infections . The hospital is a teaching site, having graduated physicians from its family medicine residency program in partnership with Hanford . It also actively participates in community outreach, providing free health screenings, health education, and mentoring students from the local Doctors Academy as part of a program with the University of California, San Francisco-Fresno .

Primary Care and Specialty Clinics

In addition to the hospital, Selma hosts several outpatient clinics that provide primary and specialty care. Key facilities include:

• Adventist Health Medical Office - Selma: Located at 1041 Rose Avenue, this clinic offers primary care services .
• Kaiser Permanente Selma Medical Offices: Situated at 2651 Highland Avenue, this facility provides prenatal care, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) services, and other primary care . While prenatal care is available here, labor and delivery services are provided at the Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center .
• United Health Centers Selma Rose: Found at 1201 Rose Avenue, this is a community health center offering medical services .
• United Health Centers Selma Highland: Located at 2705 South Highland Avenue, this is another community health center providing medical care .

These facilities are part of a broader network, including Adventist Health and United Health Centers, that ensures residents of Selma and the surrounding Central Valley communities have access to a continuum of care .

Education and Academic Programs

Local Schools and Medical Education Pathways

While Selma itself does not host a four-year university, it is actively involved in higher education and professional training through partnerships with nearby institutions. The most notable connection is with the University of California, San Francisco-Fresno (UCSF Fresno) Latino Center for Medical Education and Research Program. Adventist Health Selma has mentored students from the Doctors Academy at Selma and Caruthers high schools as part of this program, which aims to create a pathway for local students into medical careers . Furthermore, the hospital has been a clinical training site, having graduated doctors from its family medicine residency programs in partnership with Hanford . The local hospital volunteers also give scholarships annually to students pursuing medical careers .

Higher Education in the Region

For university-level education, residents of Selma have access to several institutions in the nearby city of Fresno, approximately 15-20 miles north. These include California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) , the largest university in the region, and Fresno Pacific University.

Sport and Local Athletics

Local Sports and Community Events

As a smaller city, Selma does not have major professional sports franchises. The local sporting life is centered around community and school spirit. The Selma High School Bears are the heart of local athletics, with football, basketball, baseball, and soccer games being significant community events. The city also participates in broader community health initiatives. For example, Adventist Health Selma has been a lead sponsor at the Hanford Thursday Night Market Place and has participated in farmer's markets in nearby Reedley, providing hundreds of free health screenings and promoting active lifestyles .

Professional Sports in the Region

For major league sports, residents turn to the larger cities in the region. The closest major professional teams are based in the San Francisco Bay Area or the Los Angeles area, though Fresno has its own minor league teams, such as the Fresno Grizzlies (baseball), which provide accessible professional sports entertainment.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Selma is located in the heart of California's Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. The local cuisine is therefore deeply influenced by the abundance of fresh, locally-grown produce. The area is particularly famous for its fruit, and this shapes the culinary identity of the region.

The Selma Raisin

While not a dish, the Selma Raisin is the city's most famous agricultural product. Selma proclaims itself the "Raisin Capital of the World." The local cuisine features raisins prominently, from being added to breads, cookies, and salads, to being used in savory dishes like tagines or as a topping for oatmeal and yogurt. The annual Selma Raisin Festival celebrates this heritage with food, music, and community events.

Fresh, Seasonal Produce

The surrounding farmland yields an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables. Depending on the season, the local diet is enriched with:

• Tree Fruit: Peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots are abundant in the summer, often eaten fresh, baked into pies and crisps, or preserved as jams and juttings.
• Citrus: Oranges and lemons are a winter staple, used for fresh juice, in salads, and for zest in cooking and baking.
• Berries and Vegetables: Strawberries, tomatoes, almonds, and garlic are also significant local crops, all of which feature prominently in the regional California cuisine, which emphasizes fresh, simple preparation to highlight natural flavors.

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