Home Value
$115,100
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
929/100K
145% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$883
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.6%
6% lower than US avg
How Baker Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population482
Median Age28.9 yrs
Density179/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 55%
Veterans0.6%
Economy
Per Capita$24,663
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty11.6%
County GDP$137,914M
Commute12 min
Housing
Home Value$115,100
Rent$883
Ownership30.4%
Zillow$142,206
Housing Units264
Rent Burden34.3%
Crime
F
Violent929/100K
Property3,345/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured20.8%
Smoking15.7%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain4.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation946 ft (288 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+76.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.33
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute12 min
Broadband74.7%
EV Stations7
Libraries48
Is Baker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Baker receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Baker has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 11.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Baker is $115,100, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 929 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,345 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Baker enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 94°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 4.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Baker has a population of 482 with a density of 179 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 28.9 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (54.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 16.5% of residents, while 83.5% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 84.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.9yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
16.5%
79% below US avg
Spanish
83.5%
523% above US avg
Per capita income is $24,663 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,199, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 77,170 business establishments, including 4,197 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $24,663 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,199 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,148 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.6% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 77,170 |
| County GDP | $137,914M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4,197 |
| Healthcare | 5,144 |
| Retail | 5,298 |
| Manufacturing | 1,765 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,047 |
| 73% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Baker is $115,100, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,206, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $883 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 30.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 264 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $6,047 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,100 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,206 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $883 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.3% |
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 | 30.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 30.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 69.6% |
| Housing Units | 264 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,047 |
| 73% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.25% |
In Baker, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 15.0% report binge drinking. 33.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.4% report depression. 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 20.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699. The dentist ratio is 1:1,299. 86.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Baker vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.7% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Short Sleep | 40.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.4% |
| Uninsured | 20.8% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,699 |
| Dentists | 1:1,299 |
| Mental Health | 1:322 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.4% |
| Dental Visits | 45.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,378/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5,144 |
Baker has a violent crime rate of 929 per 100,000 residents, 145% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,345 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 419 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 455 federally declared disasters. Overall, Baker receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Baker vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 929.4/100K |
| 145% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,344.9/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 419 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 455 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Baker enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 94°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 4.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 946 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
94°F Jul (34°C)
| Annual Average | 70.3°F |
| 30% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 94°F (34°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 946 ft (288 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 179/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2769°N, 116.0717°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | San Bernardino County County |
| Nearest Airport | Harry Reid International (LAS)
76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
4.3"
89% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
0.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0529 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 22.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.25 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.28 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very High |
| Risk Score | 99.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very High |
| Wildfire |
Very High |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10,277 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.3. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2025.
| Jun 28, 1992 |
The 1992 Landers, California Earthquake |
M7.3 |
124 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
The 1999 Hector Mine, California Earthquake |
M7.1 |
77 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M7.1 |
149 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M6.4 |
138 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
The 1992 Big Bear, California Earthquake |
M6.3 |
138 km |
| Apr 23, 1992 |
The 1992 Joshua Tree, California Earthquake |
M6.1 |
148 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
13km WSW of Ludlow, CA |
M5.8 |
70 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
3km NE of Yucca Valley, California |
M5.8 |
131 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
2km SSW of Joshua Tree, California |
M5.7 |
131 km |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
3km ESE of Yucca Valley, California |
M5.7 |
134 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
7km ENE of Running Springs, CA |
M5.6 |
145 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
11km SSE of Big Bear Lake, California |
M5.5 |
143 km |
| Jun 4, 2020 |
17km S of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
129 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
0km E of Yucca Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
133 km |
| Jul 5, 1992 |
21km SW of Ludlow, California |
M5.4 |
81 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
26km NNW of Yucca Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
112 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
32km SSW of Ludlow, California |
M5.4 |
94 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
16km W of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
146 km |
| Jul 1, 1992 |
24km N of Yucca Valley, California |
M5.3 |
111 km |
| Nov 27, 1992 |
10km NNW of Big Bear City, California |
M5.3 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
3 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 25, 1998 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1990 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1990 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: YORK (94,736 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
YORK |
94,736 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
HACKBERRY COMPLEX |
69,967 |
72 km |
| 2020 |
DOME |
43,628 |
44 km |
| 2005 |
GOODSPRINGS |
33,448 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
CALICO |
9,274 |
91 km |
| 1993 |
OPAL 2 |
8,223 |
98 km |
| 1994 |
FORT PIUTE |
6,350 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
ZIPPER |
6,306 |
97 km |
| 1986 |
NSCRIPTION |
4,710 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
KINGSTON |
3,739 |
61 km |
| 2020 |
COTTONWOOD |
2,783 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
MOJAVE |
2,499 |
29 km |
| 2005 |
RANGE |
2,473 |
62 km |
| 2007 |
GOLDEN |
2,062 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
WELLS |
1,841 |
28 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,802 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
OPAL 2 |
1,458 |
96 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,325 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
SUN |
1,164 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
TOUGH NUT |
1,139 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| May |
77°F (25°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| June |
87°F (30°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| July |
94°F (34°C) |
0.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
92°F (33°C) |
0.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
86°F (30°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Baker has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 49°F in January to 94°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 3.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (0.5") and June the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Baker. 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 | $1,664 |
| Toddler | $959 |
| Preschool | $749 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,173 |
| Toddler | $1,034 |
| Preschool | $968 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Baker
What is the population of Baker?
Baker has a population of 482 residents and is located in California. The population density is 179 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Baker expensive to live in?
Baker is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median home value is $115,100 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Baker safe?
Public safety is a concern in Baker, with a violent crime rate of 929 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,345 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Baker receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Baker?
Baker enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 94°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 4.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Baker?
The job market in Baker is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,199. There are 77,170 business establishments in the area, including 4,197 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Baker?
The median home value in Baker is $115,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,206. For renters, the median monthly rent is $883. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 30.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,047.
How are the schools in Baker?
Schools in Baker have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Baker hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Baker?
The obesity rate in Baker is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 33.7% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 20.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699.
What is transportation like in Baker?
The average commute in Baker is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Baker?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Baker is 54.8% White. 16.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 83.5% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 84.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
