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Demographics

Kaweah Health building

Demographics

Visalia offers an appealing mix of quality living standards, cultural diversity, and significant opportunities for physicians entering residency at Kaweah Health, especially those seeking a dynamic and impactful work environment. The area's population growth, varied patient demographics, and the hospital's high-acuity case mix ensure diverse clinical training and the chance to make a meaningful difference.

  • Population: 147,400 (2025 estimate)
  • Median Age: 33.5 years
  • Median Household Income: $79,952
  • Major Groups: Hispanic (51.7%), White (36.3%), Asian (6.3%), multiracial and other backgrounds also substantial.
  • Residents born outside the U.S.: 14.6% as of 2023 (multilingual environment).
  • Family Poverty Rate: 8.8%
Socioeconomic Standards

Visalia offers affordable living relative to other California cities, but also presents economic and social challenges that enable physicians to serve a broad range of needs.

  • Median household income: $79,952.
  • Average household income: $102,140 (some affluent segments, but room for outreach and care for lower-income families).
  • Poverty rate: 11.33% overall; 8.8% of families affected (opportunity to work with underserved populations).
  • Unemployment rate: 7.4% (higher than state average; chance to impact health tied to economic hardship).
Health Standards and Patient Acuity

Kaweah Health is notable as the only major medical center in Visalia, serving as a trauma and STEMI center for a regional catchment nearing half a million people. Physicians see a wide array of cases, often with high acuity and complexity due to the medically underserved population.

  • High patient volume and acuity in Emergency Department; residents routinely handle diverse cases.
  • Community health challenges: higher rates of poverty, chronic illness, and injury; broad pathology and opportunity for meaningful intervention.
Quality of Living

Visalia offers clean neighborhoods, affordable housing, and family-friendly amenities, alongside well-rated senior living communities that regularly meet stringent state quality standards.

  • Affordable housing and cost of living, especially compared to other California regions.
  • Senior living and care communities often receive top marks for safety and quality, reflecting strong healthcare infrastructure for elderly patients.
  • Strong education system and public services, with ongoing improvements in housing and living environments.
Opportunities for Resident Physicians

Visalia and Kaweah Health provide an ideal setting for residents seeking  a hands-on approach and exposure to a wide diversity of patient backgrounds, conditions, and age groups.

  • Robust patient mix: pediatric to elderly, chronic health issues to acute trauma, ethnically diverse.
  • Significant potential to impact health disparities and make a measurable difference in the lives of underserved and high-need populations.
  • Real-world experience in high-acuity medicine—residents graduate ready to practice independently and make meaningful contributions regardless of their future location.