Madera County Profile
Madera County, with a population of more than 162,590, offers a strategic location in California’s Central Valley with strong connectivity, affordability, and room for growth. Positioned along Highway 99 and State Route 41 with access to Interstate 5, Union Pacific rail, and major ports, the County serves as a central distribution hub for Northern and Southern California.
More than 100 manufacturing operations call Madera County home, including Ardagh Glass, Baltimore Aircoil, CertainTeed, Evapco West, Advanced Drainage Systems, Georgia-Pacific, Oldcastle Infrastructure, and Sealed Air. This diverse industrial base supports advanced manufacturing, distribution, building products, and industrial equipment, backed by an experienced workforce. The industrial market remains competitive, with a 4.6% vacancy rate and approximately 250,000 SF available.
Madera County is California’s fastest-growing county for housing unit growth in 2025 (2.7%). Tesoro Viejo (1,600 acres) and Riverstone (2,000 acres) are driving residential and commercial expansion, including the Tesoro Business Park. Supporting infrastructure includes a $25 million water treatment facility and a $14 million fire station. Recent investments, including a 560,000 SF AutoZone facility and Calbee’s R&D center, highlight strong, sustained economic momentum.
Madera County Economy Overview
Madera County
165,933
Population
76,562
Total Labor Force
$78,658
Median Household Income
Latest Economic Development News
Top Real Estate Deals/Expansion 2025-26
- AutoZone Distribution Center celebrated its grand opening along Highway 99 and Chowchilla Blvd in Chowchilla. The warehouse created approximately 300 new jobs for the surrounding area.
- CalBee just had their ribbon cutting for their new research and development facility off of HWY 99 and AVE 20 1/2.
- Freedom Industrial Park has completed construction of a new 50,000 sq. ft. building at the northwest corner of South Pine St. and Independence Dr., with tenant improvements now underway.
- California Custom Processing has completed a 53,000 sq. ft. industrial expansion at the northeast corner of Aviation and Condor Drives, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities.
- Raley’s O-N-E Market will anchor a 61,000-square-foot retail expansion at Riverstone’s Riverwalk (Avenue 12 & Highway 41), offering fresh foods, organic products, and a café. Construction begins early 2026; opening is planned for Spring 2027.
- Yosemite Travel Center is developing a state-of-the-art facility at SR 41 and Tesoro Viejo Blvd, featuring a convenience center with Jamba Juice and a car wash. The project is expected to open in Spring 2026.
- Valley Children’s Healthcare is planning “The Hill,” a 220-acre mixed-use medical campus in Madera with 400+ housing units, retail, hotel, offices, and trails. Entitlements are secured; construction is anticipated by 2028.
- Valley Children’s Healthcare broke ground to develop the largest renewable energy microgrid for any pediatric healthcare institution in the United States, ensuring uninterrupted care for patients, even during power outages.
- The Butcher Boss, situated off of Highway 41, is a one-stop butcher shop and eatery offering fresh meat, produce, sandwiches, salads, BBQ combos, and catering services, reflecting ongoing growth near the Madera Ranchos.
- Vezina Industries, a popular installer for windows, fireplaces, insulation, and roofing, among home builders and homeowners across the Central Valley has relocated to 31266 Avenue 12, Madera, CA.
- Madera Community Hospital has officially reopened, restoring critical healthcare services to the region.
- The North Fork Mono Casino is under phased construction, with casino completion by 2026. Future hotel and resort expansion is planned over 5–10 years, expected to boost nearby real estate and the adjacent industrial park.
- Outbound Yosemite is under construction on a 17-acre retreat near Sierra National Forest and 15 miles from Yosemite’s South Gate, featuring 104 cabins and over 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.
Highlights of Utility Infrastructure
- Pacific Gas & Electric provides utilities throughout the County.