Madera, California

For the California wine region, see Madera AVA.

Madera, California
City
City of Madera water tower
Nickname:  "The Heart of California" [1]
Location in Madera County and the state of California
Madera, California Location in California Show map of California Madera, California Madera, California (the United States) Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 36°57′41″N120°03′39″W / 36.96139°N 120.06083°W / 36.96139; -120.06083 Coordinates: 36°57′41″N120°03′39″W / 36.96139°N 120.06083°W / 36.96139; -120.06083
Country	United States
State	California
County	Madera
Regions	Central Valley Northern California
Incorporated	March 27, 1907 [2]
Government
• Type	Council and Manager [3]
•  City council [4]	Mayor Santos Garcia Mayor Pro Tem Artemio Villegas District 6 Cecelia (Cece) Gallegos District 1 Jose Rodriguez District 2 Steve Montes District 3 Anita Evans District 4 Vacant District 5
•  City administrator	Arnoldo Rodriguez [5]
Area [6]
•  City	16.48 sq mi (42.67 km2)
• Land	16.48 sq mi (42.67 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0%
Elevation [7]	272 ft (83 m)
Population  (2020) [8]
•  City	66,224
• Density	4,000/sq mi (1,600/km2)
•  Metro	152,465
Demonym	Maderan
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP codes	93636–93639
Area code	559
FIPS code	06-45022
GNIS feature IDs	277552, 2410906
Website	www.madera.gov

Madera (Spanish for "Wood") is a city and county seat of Madera County, California. ^[9] As of the 2020 United States census, the city's population was 66,224. ^[8]

Located in the San Joaquin Valley, Madera is the principal city of the Madera Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the Fresno-Madera-Hanford Combined Statistical Area. The city is home to the Madera Unified School District.

History

The town was named after the Spanish term for lumber. ^[10] The town was laid out by the California Lumber Company in 1876. ^[10] From 1876 to 1931, a 63-mile (101 km) water flume carried lumber from the mountains to Madera where the lumber was shipped by train.

The first post office at Madera opened in 1877. ^{[11] [10]} On May 16, 1893, Madera County officially became a county of the state of California ^[12] and the town incorporated as the City of Madera on March 27, 1907. ^[10] One of the city's first African Americans to hold an elected office was Rev. Naaman N. Haynes, who was voted in as a Madera Unified School District school board trustee in the 1960s. ^[13]

Landmarks include the historic Madera County Courthouse, the notable Madera water tower, and a fully operational drive-in movie theater. ^[14]

• 
  Madera celebrates the completion of the "world's longest lumber flume" on October 27, 1900. ^[15]
• 
  The Madera flume terminus around 1901 ^[15]

Geography

Madera is located at 36°57′41″N120°03′39″W / 36.96139°N 120.06083°W / 36.96139; -120.06083 . ^[7] The geographic center of California is 38 mi (61 km) east of Madera. Via California Route 99, the city is 23 miles (37 km) northwest of Fresno and 72 miles (116 km) southeast of Modesto. According to the United States Census Bureau, Madera has a total area of 16.5 square miles (43 km²), all of it recorded as land. ^[6] The Fresno River, a tributary of the San Joaquin River, passes through the city north of downtown.

Madera is the location of the Madera AVA wine region.

Climate

Madera has a steppe climate (Köppen: BSk), ^[16] in the central zone of this climatic subtype. ^[17] Average January temperatures are a maximum of 54.2 °F (12.3 °C) and a minimum of 36.8 °F (2.7 °C). Average July temperatures are a maximum of 96.6 °F (35.9 °C) and a minimum of 62.3 °F (16.8 °C). Annually, there are an average of 103.9 afternoons with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher, 26.1 afternoons reaching or exceeding 100 °F (38 °C), and an average of 24.6 mornings with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The record high temperature was 116 °F (47 °C), recorded on July 13, 1961. The record low temperature was 15 °F (−9 °C), recorded on January 10, 1949.

The average annual rainfall is 11.87 inches (301.5 mm) and there are an average of 59.3 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1983 with 22.13 inches (562.1 mm) and the driest was 2013 with 4.49 inches (114.0 mm). ^[18] The most rainfall in one month was 7.11 inches (180.6 mm), in March 1991. The most rainfall in 24 hours was 1.98 inches (50.3 mm), on November 21, 1978. Although snowfall is rare, 4.0 inches (10 cm) fell in January 1962. ^[19]

Climate data for Madera, CA (near Independent Academy), 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1928-2014
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	79 (26)	83 (28)	90 (32)	99 (37)	107 (42)	115 (46)	116 (47)	113 (45)	115 (46)	101 (38)	92 (33)	75 (24)	116 (47)
Average high °F (°C)	54.0 (12.2)	61.2 (16.2)	67.2 (19.6)	74.8 (23.8)	83.9 (28.8)	91.6 (33.1)	98.2 (36.8)	96.4 (35.8)	90.9 (32.7)	80.3 (26.8)	66.1 (18.9)	55.2 (12.9)	76.7 (24.8)
Daily mean °F (°C)	44.9 (7.2)	50.1 (10.1)	54.5 (12.5)	60.1 (15.6)	67.6 (19.8)	74.2 (23.4)	79.8 (26.6)	78.1 (25.6)	73.1 (22.8)	64.0 (17.8)	52.8 (11.6)	45.4 (7.4)	62.0 (16.7)
Average low °F (°C)	35.9 (2.2)	39.1 (3.9)	41.8 (5.4)	45.5 (7.5)	51.3 (10.7)	56.7 (13.7)	61.4 (16.3)	59.9 (15.5)	55.3 (12.9)	47.8 (8.8)	39.6 (4.2)	35.7 (2.1)	47.5 (8.6)
Record low °F (°C)	15 (−9)	21 (−6)	24 (−4)	29 (−2)	33 (1)	38 (3)	42 (6)	39 (4)	34 (1)	24 (−4)	22 (−6)	16 (−9)	15 (−9)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	1.98 (50)	1.92 (49)	1.81 (46)	1.08 (27)	0.39 (9.9)	0.09 (2.3)	0.01 (0.25)	0.02 (0.51)	0.14 (3.6)	0.58 (15)	1.18 (30)	1.78 (45)	10.98 (278.56)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	8	7	7	4	2	1	0	0	1	2	5	7	44
Average relative humidity (%)	83	76	68	60	52	46	41	45	51	57	70	81	61
Source 1: WRCC [20]
Source 2: WeatherBase [21]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1880	217		—
1890	950		337.8%
1910	2,404		—
1920	3,444		43.3%
1930	4,665		35.5%
1940	6,457		38.4%
1950	10,497		62.6%
1960	14,430		37.5%
1970	16,044		11.2%
1980	21,732		35.5%
1990	29,281		34.7%
2000	43,207		47.6%
2010	61,416		42.1%
2020	66,224		7.8%
U.S. Decennial Census [22]

2010

The 2010 United States Census ^[23] reported that Madera had a population of 61,416. The population density was 3,889.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,501.8/km²). The racial makeup of Madera was 30,640 (49.9%) White, 2,069 (3.4%) African American, 1,933 (3.1%) Native American, 1,369 (2.2%) Asian, 72 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 22,603 (36.8%) from other races, and 2,730 (4.4%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race accounted for 47,103 people (76.7% of the population).

The Census reported that 60,825 people (99.0% of the population) lived in households, 418 (0.7%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 173 (0.3%) were institutionalized.

There were 15,938 households, out of which 9,003 (56.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 8,521 (53.5%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 2,917 (18.3%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,450 (9.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,323 (8.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 97 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,374 households (14.9%) were made up of individuals, and 1,077 (6.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.82. There were 12,888 families (80.9% of all households); the average family size was 4.09.

The population was spread out, with 21,338 people (34.7%) under the age of 18, 7,732 people (12.6%) aged 18 to 24, 17,287 people (28.1%) aged 25 to 44, 10,407 people (16.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 4,652 people (7.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.3 males.

There were 17,049 housing units at an average density of 1,079.8 per square mile (416.9/km²), of which 8,096 (50.8%) were owner-occupied, and 7,842 (49.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.1%. 28,785 people (46.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 32,040 people (52.2%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

As of the census ^[24] of 2000, there were 43,207 people, 11,978 households, and 9,438 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,515.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,357.3/km²). There were 12,521 housing units at an average density of 1,018.7 per square mile (393.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 48.2% White, 3.9% African American, 2.8% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 38.0% from other races, and 5.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 67.8% of the population.

There were 11,978 households, out of which 48.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.7% were married couples living together, 17.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.2% were non-families. 16.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.57 and the average family size was 3.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 35.4% under the age of 18, 12.5% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 14.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,033, and the median income for a family was $31,927. Males had a median income of $29,776 versus $23,210 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,674. About 25.6% of families and 32.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.0% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.

Current estimates

According to estimates by the US Census Bureau from July 1, 2019, the total population for the City of Madera was 65,860, and the median household income was $42,581. ^[25]

Government

Madera, is governed by a mayor elected at large, and six city council members elected by the people in their districts. Madera is the County seat of the County of Madera. In the California State Legislature, Madera is in the 12th Senate District , represented by Republican Shannon Grove, and in the 5th Assembly District , represented by Republican Joe Patterson. ^[26]

In the United States House of Representatives, Madera is in California's 16th congressional district , represented by Democrat Anna Eshoo. ^[27]

Education

• School districts
  • Madera Unified School District (K-12)
• High schools
  • Madera High School
  • Madera South High School
  • Matilda Torres High School
• Private schools
  • Saint Joachim School (preK-8) ^[28]
  • Crossroads Christian School (preK-8) ^[29]
• Higher education
  • Madera Community College
  • San Joaquin Valley College Madera (for-profit)
• Public libraries
  • Madera County Public Library ^[30]

Transportation

Within the city, State Route 99 carries traffic in a generally northwest / southeast orientation. East of the city, State Route 41 can be accessed via either eastbound county roads or via State Route 145, the latter of which turns from a northeast–southwest bearing to a directly south orientation within the city. The eastern terminus of State Route 152 is located 10 miles (16 km) to the north of the city, on State Route 99.

Just north of Madera is the Madera Amtrak station. A California High-Speed Rail stop is also planned. ^[31]

There is a Greyhound bus station located downtown. ^[32]

The City of Madera provides local intracity public transportation services under the Madera Metro branding. ^[33] Madera residents can travel conveniently from neighborhoods to shopping centers, local schools, medical offices and work sites on the Madera Metro fixed-route transit services. Madera County Connection, a county agency, provides intercity bus services to other communities in Madera County. ^[34]

Madera Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport owned and operated by the City of Madera. It is situated on approximately 524 acres on the northwest edge of the city and is supervised by the Madera Public Works Department. Madera residents also have access to the nearby Yosemite International Airport, located in Fresno.

Notable people

Noteworthy persons from Madera include:

• Frank Bergon, author of four novels, including Jesse's Ghost (2011) which is set in Madera
• Connor Brogdon, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies
• Dwayne Crump, defensive back for the St. Louis Cardinals
• Lee Evans (1947–2021), Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder in track and field
• Zoila Frausto Gurgel, women's mixed martial arts champion ^[35]
• Lavar Johnson, American mixed martial artist who competed ^[36] as a heavyweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
• Jack W. Kelso (1934–1952), Medal of Honor recipient
• Oswaldo Lopez, winner of the 2011 Badwater Ultramarathon ^[37]
• Frank McNally, all-pro football player ^[38]
• Wally O'Connor, four-time Olympian in water polo & swimming and 1924 gold medalist
• Jeannine Riley, actress and star of Petticoat Junction
• Martha Baird Rockefeller, concert pianist, philanthropist, and wife of John D. Rockefeller Jr.
• Kathryn Grove Shipp (1904–1977), explosives expert; raised in Madera
• Avery Stafford, gospel and R&B vocalist
• Virginia Stroud, painter and former Miss Indian America
• La Schelle Tarver, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox
• Lorin Whitney, organist and recording artist
• Leroy Zimmerman, All-Pro professional football player, Hall of Fame softball pitcher, and teacher

See also

• California portal

• California wine

References

1. "City of Madera : The Heart of California". City of Madera. Archived from the original on August 31, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
2. "California Cities by Incorporation Date". California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on February 21, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
3. "Government". City of Madera. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
4. "Mayor & City Council". City of Madera. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
5. "City Administrator". City of Madera. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
6. "2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files: California". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
7. "Madera". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior . Retrieved April 9, 2015.
8. "P1. Race – Madera city, California: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
9. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
10. Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 798. ISBN   1-884995-14-4.
11. Kreamer, Matthew (October 10, 1999). "About Madera". The Fresno Bee.
12. "Welcome to Madera / Our History". Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
13. "Correction," The Madera Tribune, Feb 12, 2015, Page A2
14. "Madera Drive-In Facebook Page". Facebook . Retrieved July 11, 2020.
15. Johnston, Hank (1968). Thunder in the Mountains: The Life and Times of Madera Sugar Pine. Trans-Anglo Books. p. 11. ISBN   0-87046-017-X.
16. "Madera, California Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
17. James, John W. (1966). "A MODIFIED KOEPPEN CLASSIFICATION OF CALIFORNIA'S CLIMATES ACCORDING TO RECENT DATA*" (PDF). dspace.calstate.edu. Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 16, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
18. National Weather Service San Joaquin Valley; NOW Data – NOAA Online Weather Data Archived September 5, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
19. "MADERA, CALIFORNIA — Climate Summary". dri.edu. Archived from the original on June 7, 2008. Retrieved June 3, 2009.
20. "Madera, California (045233) - Climate Summary". Western Regional Climate Center. Archived from the original on June 21, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
21. "Monthly - All Weather Averages". WeatherBase. Archived from the original on August 28, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
22. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
23. "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Madera city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
24. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on December 27, 1996. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
25. "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Madera city, California; Madera County, California". Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
26. "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
27. "California's 16th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
28. "Home - Saint Joachim School". Archived from the original on February 5, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
29. "Crossroads Christian School | Private School | Madera, CA | Crossroads Christian School". Archived from the original on February 4, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
30. "Madera County Library | Madera County". Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
31. "High-speed rail plans Madera stop". fresnobee.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
32. "Contact And Directions For Madera Bus Station In Madera, California". Greyhound.com. Greyhound Lines, Inc. Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
33. "Transit". City of Madera. November 17, 2015. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
34. "Madera County Connection | Public Transit for Madera, Chowchilla, Fairmead, and North Fork". Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
35. "Madera MMA fighter wins title," The Madera Tribune, Oct. 29, 2010, Page A6
36. "Lavar Johnson cut by UFC after suspension, source says". ESPN. March 21, 2013. Archived from the original on May 17, 2014. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
37. Larkin, Duncan (July 13, 2011). "Oswaldo Lopez Prevails At The Badwater Ultramarathon". Competitor. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
38. "Frank McNally To Play Professional Football". Madera Tribune. August 28, 1931. p. 4. Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.

External links

• Official website
• The Madera Tribune, a Madera city newspaper, founded on March 31, 1892
• Madera Chamber of Commerce