Violent Crime
209/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
100.0%
197% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population13
Density13/mi²
Male / Female100% / 0%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans13.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$63,070M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$224,176
Housing Units292
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent209/100K
Property1,360/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Smoking18.7%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain19.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,672 ft (1,729 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+100.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 38%
Broadband13.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries28
Is Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) is below the national average at 209 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,360 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) is a highly educated community / 100.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.4 inches, including 6.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) has a population of 13 with a density of 13 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The gender split is 0% female and 100% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 100.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Race & Ethnicity
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) vs U.S. Average
The average weekly wage is $1,155, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 27,950 business establishments, including 1,569 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100.
Income: Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,155 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,998 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 27,950 |
| County GDP | $63,070M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,569 |
| Healthcare | 1,838 |
| Retail | 2,004 |
| Manufacturing | 417 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,176. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 292 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,285 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 292 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg |
In Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County), 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.8% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.0% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090. The dentist ratio is 1:1,901. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 23.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,901 |
| Mental Health | 1:393 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 52.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,838 |
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) has a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,360 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 197 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 209.2/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,360.0/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 197 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 19.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 5,672 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,672 ft (1,729 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 13/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7258°N, 118.5452°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Kern County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) 98 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.4"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 15.9 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.25 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6,888 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M7.1 |
86 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M6.4 |
94 km |
| Jun 24, 2020 |
18km SSE of Lone Pine, CA |
M5.8 |
95 km |
| Sep 20, 1995 |
16km NNE of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.8 |
82 km |
| Jul 11, 1992 |
12km NW of California City, California |
M5.7 |
72 km |
| Jun 4, 2020 |
17km S of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
102 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
15km ESE of Little Lake, CA |
M5.5 |
74 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
20km E of Little Lake, CA |
M5.4 |
80 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
16km W of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
88 km |
| Aug 17, 1995 |
17km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.4 |
80 km |
| Nov 27, 1996 |
27km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.3 |
90 km |
| Mar 6, 1998 |
28km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.2 |
90 km |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
24 km SW of Lamont, CA |
M5.2 |
85 km |
| May 28, 1993 |
21km SW of Lamont, California |
M5.2 |
82 km |
| Oct 3, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.2 |
96 km |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
7km ESE of Coso Junction, CA |
M5.2 |
69 km |
| Jan 7, 1996 |
16km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.2 |
81 km |
| Jan 19, 1994 |
10km SSW of Valencia, California |
M5.1 |
150 km |
| Mar 7, 1998 |
30km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.0 |
92 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
25km SSW of Bodfish, California |
M5.0 |
38 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
20 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 1, 1964 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 1962 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2019 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 2012 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 2010 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jan 27, 2008 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1997 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 1997 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jan 20, 1997 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1996 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 1993 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 1993 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1991 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1988 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Golden Trout Creek (73 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
73 km |
| Ubehebe Craters |
Maar(s) |
752 m (2,467 ft) |
-150 |
174 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CASTLE (174,424 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
CASTLE |
174,424 |
57 km |
| 2002 |
MCNALLY |
146,540 |
40 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
97,831 |
28 km |
| 2021 |
KNP COMPLEX |
89,960 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
MANTER |
76,158 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
ERSKINE |
48,066 |
26 km |
| 1997 |
LOKERN |
46,139 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
COLES FLAT |
41,143 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
PIER |
36,626 |
46 km |
| 2008 |
PIUTE |
36,251 |
32 km |
| 2016 |
CEDAR |
29,191 |
8 km |
| 2021 |
FRENCH |
27,331 |
4 km |
| 2011 |
BRECKENRIDGE COMPLEX |
27,229 |
40 km |
| 2011 |
COMANCHE |
25,965 |
70 km |
| 1984 |
BODFISH |
23,189 |
22 km |
| 1990 |
STORMY |
23,157 |
9 km |
| 2017 |
LION |
18,576 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
LION |
17,671 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
BULL |
17,238 |
13 km |
| 2017 |
SCHAEFFER |
16,100 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 39°F in December to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.1 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.3") and July the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County). Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,527 |
| Toddler | $892 |
| Preschool | $739 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,029 |
| Toddler | $889 |
| Preschool | $826 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County)
What is the population of Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County)?
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) has a population of 13 residents and is located in California. The population density is 13 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The population is 0% female and 100% male.
Is Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) expensive to live in?
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) safe?
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,360 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County)?
Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.4 inches, with 6.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County)?
The job market in Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,155. There are 27,950 business establishments in the area, including 1,569 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County)?
Schools in Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 100.0% of adults in Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County)?
The obesity rate in Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What are the demographics of Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County)?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alta Sierra CDP (Kern County) is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.0% of the population are military veterans. 100.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.