Tulare (pronounced /tuːˈlɛəri/) is a city in Tulare County, California, United States. The population was 43,994 at the 2000 census. As of 2007 it is estimated that 55,935 live within the city limits. Just eight miles (13 km) south of Visalia, it is considered part of the Census Bureau's designation of the Visalia Metropolitan Area. The city is named for Tulare Lake, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Great Lakes, currently drained. Tulare Union High School, Tulare Western High School, and Mission Oak High School are located within the city of Tulare.
Tulare is located at 36°12′24″N 119°20′33″W / 36.20667°N 119.3425°W (36.206601, -119.342404). Located directly between Fresno and Bakersfield, Tulare is in the heart of the Central Valley.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.7 square miles (43.2 km²), of which, 16.6 square miles (43.0 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (0.42%) is water.
As of the census of 2000, there were 43,994 people, 13,543 households, and 10,753 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,648.2 people per square mile (1,022.6/km²). There were 14,253 housing units at an average density of 858.0/sq mi (331.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 56.38% White, 5.02% African American, 1.40% Native American, 2.02% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 29.09% from other races, and 5.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 65.59% of the population.
There were 13,543 households out of which 46.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.6% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.22 and the average family size was 3.57.
In the city the population was spread out with 34.6% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,637, and the median income for a family was $36,935. Males had a median income of $31,467 versus $23,775 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,655. About 16.9% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.1% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.
In the state legislature Tulare is located in the 18th Senate District, represented by Republican Roy Ashburn, and in the 34th Assembly District, represented by Republican Bill Maze. Federally, Tulare is located in California's 21st congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +13 and is represented by Republican Devin Nunes.
The World Ag Expo - Held annually each winter (around February) at the International Agri-Center complex, it is the world's largest farming and agricultural equipment show and attracts guests and representatives from all over the globe. During the week of the show, the town's population nearly doubles in size and hotels are booked months in advance.
The Preferred Outlets At Tulare - features stores like Nike, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Izod, Polo Ralph Lauren, PacSun, Volcom, Quiksilver, Eddie Bauer, etc. as well as Galaxy Theatres Tulare Stadium 10, the area's only Digital DLP Projection movie theatre.
Tulare City Historical Museum - Has been noted as one of the best small town museums in California, showcasing the history and triumphs of the city.
The Tulare County Fair - The Tulare County Fair is also held at the fairgrounds here each year September.
Sequoia National Park - The entrance to Sequoia National Park and National Forests are about 45 minutes from Tulare. Sequoia Park is home to the biggest tree in the world, General Sherman.
Tulare Water Tower - Famously designed to resemble a glass of milk complete with a striped red straw rising from the top. This pays homage to the towns prominent position as one of the leading dairy producers in California. Located near Tulare Union High School, the water tower has become a local favorite and focal point.