Best Web Design in Selma, CA (2026)

Web Design for Selma, California

Selma is a city in Fresno County, California, in the central San Joaquin Valley about 16 miles southeast of Fresno along State Route 99. Incorporated March 15, 1893, it grew from a Southern Pacific Railroad townsite developed by four farmers. Surrounding vineyards make the area a leading raisin producer, and Selma adopted the nickname "Raisin Capital of the World" in 1963.

AppWT works with Selma, CA businesses from Livonia, Michigan, mostly online and travelling as needed.

About Selma

History. Selma was incorporated on March 15, 1893, growing from a townsite platted along the Southern Pacific Railroad line by a partnership of four farmers: Jacob E. Whitson, Egbert H. Tucker, George Otis, and Monroe Snyder. The town was named for Selma Michelsen (1853-1910), wife of a railroad employee; George Otis chose the name from a list of candidate names. A competing local legend credits Governor Leland Stanford with naming it for Selma Gruenberg Lewis, but that account lacks documentary evidence. The city officially adopted the slogan 'Raisin Capital of the World' in 1963; before the raisin industry dominated, the area had been promoted as the 'Home of the Peach.'

Local economy. Agriculture anchors the economy: vineyards around Selma help make the Fresno County region a leading U.S. raisin producer (roughly 90 percent of the nation's raisins are grown in the area), alongside grapes, peaches, and plums. Adventist Health Selma, a 57-bed acute care hospital serving the area since 1999, and the Selma Unified School District are among the city's largest employers.

Culture and community. Selma Pioneer Village on Art Gonzales Parkway is an outdoor agricultural and history museum with relocated historic buildings, including a Swedish-style home, blacksmith shop, and firehouse; the land was donated in the 1970s by retired industrialist Carl Ruegg. The city hosts the annual Selma Raisin Festival, featuring a carnival, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment. The Selma Arts Center (Cultural Arts Center on High Street) houses community theater groups such as the Raisin Cain Players and Cool Kids Players.

What makes Selma distinct. Selma has officially billed itself as the 'Raisin Capital of the World' since 1963, reflecting the surrounding region's dominance in dried-fruit production. Notable natives include longtime Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox and classicist and author Victor Davis Hanson; MLB pitcher Matt Garza, who threw the Tampa Bay Rays' first no-hitter, also grew up in Selma. The city sits directly on State Route 99, the main north-south highway through the San Joaquin Valley, about 16 miles southeast of Fresno.

A Fresno County farming city in the San Joaquin Valley, long tied to raisin and tree-fruit agriculture.

Selma Landmarks and Local Life

• Selma Pioneer Village - Outdoor museum of relocated 1880s-era Selma-area buildings
• Selma Arts Center - City-run performing arts theater at 1935 High Street
• Lincoln Park - Downtown park with a bandstand, plaza and senior center
• Salazar Park - Park with a youth center, water spray park and ball field

Selma at a Glance

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023.

• Median household income: About $55,839
• Adults with a bachelor degree or higher: About 11%
• Housing: About 59% of housing units are owner-occupied
• Housing: About 72% of homes are single-family houses