Median Income
$88,438
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$224,400
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.7%
6% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bakersfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population377
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density363/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Economy
A
Median Income$88,438
Per Capita$37,537
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,856M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$224,400
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$337,864
Health
Obesity34.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F
AQI31 (Good)
Rain40.8 in/yr
Elevation719 ft
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.7%
High School+96.4%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 50%
Commute30 min
Libraries13
Is Bakersfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bakersfield receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Bakersfield stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bakersfield is $88,438, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bakersfield is $224,400, 20% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bakersfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.8 inches, including 83.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
Bakersfield has a population of 377 with a density of 363 people per square mile. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (98.7%), with 1.3% Hispanic.
Population
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bakersfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 89.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Spanish | 10.5% |
| 22% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Bakersfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bakersfield is $88,438, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Income: Bakersfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,438 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,537 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,202 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,544 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,561 |
| County GDP | $2,856M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 104 |
| Healthcare | 105 |
| Retail | 166 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,479 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.7 min |
| Work from Home | 15.5% |
The median home value in Bakersfield is $224,400, 20% below the national average. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $337,864.
Home Values
| Census Median | $224,400 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $337,864 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,124 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,203 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,487 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,479 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.44% |
In Bakersfield, 34.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 27.8% report depression. 18.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Bakersfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.2% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,299/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 105 |
Crime Rates: Bakersfield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Bakersfield has an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation is 40.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 40.8 inches |
| 7% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 83.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 31.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 719 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 363/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7820°N, 72.8033°W |
| County FIPS | 50011 |