Median Income
$51,811
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$222,600
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
929/100K
145% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,065
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.3%
48% higher than US avg
How Barstow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population25,198
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density610/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 37%
Economy
C+
Median Income$51,811
Per Capita$25,531
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty18.3%
County GDP$137,914M
Commute28 min
Housing
A
Home Value$222,600
Rent$1,065
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$261,106
Crime
F
Violent929/100K
Property3,345/100K
Murder4.3/100K
Assault655/100K
Burglary1,405/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F
AQI48 (Good)
Rain5.0 in/yr
Elevation2,653 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+83.8%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute28 min
EV Stations23
Libraries48
Is Barstow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Barstow receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Barstow has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Barstow is $51,811, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Barstow is $222,600, 21% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,065 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
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
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Barstow enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 5.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Barstow has a population of 25,198 with a density of 610 people per square mile. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (36.5%), with 6% Hispanic, 18.9% Black.
Population
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 71.4% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Spanish | 28.6% |
| 113% above US avg |
The median household income in Barstow is $51,811, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,811 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,531 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,199 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,148 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.3% |
| 48% above 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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.3 min |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Barstow is $222,600, 21% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,065 (8% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,106.
Home Values
| Census Median | $222,600 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $261,106 |
| Median List Price | $299,999 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $299,999 |
| $/Sq Ft | $196 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.4% |
| Price Drops | 11.9% |
| Inventory | 67 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,065 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,314 |
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
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,047 |
| 73% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.72% |
In Barstow, 38.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 22.2% report depression. 30.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Barstow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,378/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5,144 |
Barstow 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 US avg). The murder rate is 4.3 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Barstow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 929.4/100K |
| 145% above US avg |
| Murder | 4.3/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rape | 47.1/100K |
| Robbery | 222.7/100K |
| Assault | 655.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,344.9/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,404.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,314.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 625.3/100K |
| Arson | 30.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 419 |
| FEMA Disasters | 455 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Barstow has an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. Annual precipitation is 5.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
87°F Jul (31°C)
| Annual Average | 65.7°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (31°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 5.0 inches |
| 87% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,653 ft (809 m) |
| Area | 41.3 sq mi (107.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 610/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.8670°N, 117.0430°W |
| County FIPS | 06071 |