Median Income
$36,951
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,700
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.3%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,188
2% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
35.3%
185% higher than US avg
How Bakersfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population246
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density180/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
D
Median Income$36,951
Per Capita$26,965
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty35.3%
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,700
Rent$1,188
OwnershipN/A
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity41.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease7.5%
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.3%
High School+66.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband59.7%
Is Bakersfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bakersfield receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bakersfield has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bakersfield is $36,951, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 35.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bakersfield is $87,700, 69% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,188 per month. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bakersfield has a population of 246 with a density of 180 people per square mile. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (99.6%).
Population
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bakersfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.5% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.5% |
| 96% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Bakersfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bakersfield is $36,951, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 35.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Income: Bakersfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,951 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,965 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 35.3% |
| 185% above US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Bakersfield is $87,700, 69% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,188 (2% above US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,188 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
In Bakersfield, 41.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 28.2% report depression. 34.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Bakersfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.9% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 10.2% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.6% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
Food & Exercise