Porterville
cityPorterville is a city located in Tulare County, California, nestled at the base of the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains on the eastern side of the San Joaquin Valley. It serves as the economic hub for the Southern Sierra region and acts as a gateway to outdoor recreational areas like the Sequoia National Forest. The city has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century and has grown significantly since its incorporation in 1902. Porterville's economy is a mix of agribusiness, light industry, and commercial enterprises. Key sectors include healthcare, agriculture, retail trade, and education. Major employers operate facilities in the city, contributing to the local job market. The city's location provides access to major transportation routes, facilitating its role as a trade area for a large population. Known for its small-town charm and family-oriented activities, Porterville offers a slower pace of life while still providing access to essential services and recreational opportunities. The city has several historical sites, parks, and community events that contribute to its distinctive character.
Porterville, California
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 06-58240
- Country
- United States
- County
- Tulare County
- Region
- San Joaquin Valley
- Elevation
- 459 ft
- Total Area
- 18.7 sq mi
- Land Area
- 18.65 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.054 sq mi
- Latitude
- 36.06861
- Longitude
- -119.0275
- Climate
- Hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
- Notable Features
- Tule River · Lake Success · Sierra Nevada Foothills
- Neighboring Areas
- Tulare · Lindsay · East Porterville
- Population (2020)
- 62,623
- Est. Population (2026)
- 63,773
- Median Age
- 30.9
- Median Income
- $60,461
- Poverty Rate
- 17.29%
- Owner-Occupied
- 54.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Porterville includes 34.1% Other Race, 32.97% White, 3.11% Asian, and smaller percentages for Native American, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations. A significant portion of the population, 73.6%, identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Porterville Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library


















































- Economic Profile
- Agribusiness · Light Industry · Commercial Enterprise
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting · Retail Trade · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Walmart Distribution Center · National Vitamin · Beckman Instruments · Sierra Pacific Apparel · Royalty Carpeting
- Students
- 13,963
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22:1
- School Districts
- Porterville Unified School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Porterville College
- Transportation
- State Highway 65 · Rail service
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospital · Porterville Municipal Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Sequoia National Forest · Lake Success Recreation Area · Tule River Parkway
- Parks & Trails
- Centennial Park · Murry Park · Veterans Memorial Park · Rails to Trails corridor
- Founded
- 1864
- Incorporated
- 1902
- Named After
- Royal Porter Putnam
- Historical Significance
- Developed as an agricultural center and a gateway to the Sierra Nevada
- Key Events
- Peter Goodhue established a stopping place in 1854 · Royal Porter Putnam bought land and established Porter Station in 1860 · Southern Pacific Railway arrived in 1888 · City incorporated in 1902
