Median Income
$53,182
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,300
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
214/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.3%
96% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.7%
2% higher than US avg
How Barstow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population193
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density292/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 63%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,182
Per Capita$35,942
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty12.7%
County GDP$5,273M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,300
Ownership84.7%
Zillow$180,842
Housing Units161
Rent Burden32.8%
Crime
F
Violent214/100K
Property2,062/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured33.6%
Smoking13.1%
Depression18.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain10.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation2,567 ft (782 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.3%
High School+63.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.33
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 17%
Commute26 min
Broadband98.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Barstow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Barstow receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Barstow has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Barstow is $53,182, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 12.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Barstow is $99,300, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Barstow is below the national average at 214 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,062 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
1.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 63.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Barstow enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Barstow has a population of 193 with a density of 292 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.8% female and 64.2% male. The city is predominantly White (63.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 11.2% of residents, while 88.8% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 69.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
11.2%
86% below US avg
Spanish
88.8%
563% above US avg
The median household income in Barstow is $53,182, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,942. The average weekly wage is $1,555. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 403 business establishments, including 39 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,182 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,942 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,555 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,139 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 403 |
| County GDP | $5,273M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,430 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Barstow is $99,300, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,842, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 161 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,430 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,300 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,842 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.3% |
| Housing Units | 161 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,430 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.46% |
In Barstow, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 36.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.6% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 33.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:11,194. 85.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Barstow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 8.4% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 4.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.4% |
| Depression | 18.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 69.0% |
| Uninsured | 33.6% |
| 291% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:11,194 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,483 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 50.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,790/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Barstow has a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,062 per 100,000, 5% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Barstow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Barstow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 214.3/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,062.1/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Barstow enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 83°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 10.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 2,567 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
83°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.4°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,567 ft (782 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 292/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.4615°N, 103.3955°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ward County County |
| Nearest Airport | Midland International Air And Space Port (MAF)
78 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.1"
73% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
2.32"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,247 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 29, 2025.
| Apr 14, 1995 |
13 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M5.7 |
131 km |
| May 4, 2025 |
59 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M5.4 |
103 km |
| Mar 26, 2020 |
41 km W of Mentone, Texas |
M5.0 |
68 km |
| Feb 15, 2025 |
53 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
M5.0 |
78 km |
| Jul 21, 2022 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.9 |
100 km |
| Feb 18, 2025 |
52 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.7 |
108 km |
| Jan 2, 1992 |
12 km SSE of Eunice, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
101 km |
| Mar 25, 2022 |
56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
100 km |
| Jun 1, 2022 |
53 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
113 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
54 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
101 km |
| Mar 17, 2021 |
57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
94 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
95 km |
| Sep 1, 2022 |
38 km WSW of Mentone, Texas |
M4.4 |
59 km |
| Jul 28, 2021 |
54 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
M4.3 |
83 km |
| Jun 1, 2022 |
western Texas |
M4.3 |
58 km |
| Jun 6, 2022 |
52 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.3 |
112 km |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.3 |
90 km |
| Feb 22, 2023 |
western Texas |
M4.2 |
96 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
99 km |
| Jul 28, 2022 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
173 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 164 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 1987 |
EF4 |
58 km |
30 |
| May 14, 2010 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1977 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1999 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1999 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1992 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1990 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 1981 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1974 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1962 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1961 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1961 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1960 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1955 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRYING PAN RANCH (106,253 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
FRYING PAN RANCH |
106,253 |
96 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
20,724 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
PLEASANT FARMS |
15,516 |
94 km |
| 1993 |
JALTWO |
13,332 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
ELLISON |
11,140 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
JEFF DAVIS COMPLEX (LAST CHANCE MESA) |
8,661 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
MCELROY |
8,308 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,788 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
GRAND FALLS |
5,851 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,516 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
DUNCAN |
5,506 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
CRIDER RANCH |
4,056 |
31 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
3,953 |
56 km |
| 2008 |
TUBBS CORNER |
3,404 |
65 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
3,292 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,193 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
3,037 |
65 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,965 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
304 |
2,918 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
CRANE |
2,857 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
83°F (29°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Barstow has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 46°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (2.3") and March the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Barstow. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $624 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $598 |
| Toddler | $567 |
| Preschool | $559 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Barstow
What is the population of Barstow?
Barstow has a population of 193 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 292 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.8% female and 64.2% male.
Is Barstow expensive to live in?
Barstow has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,182, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,300 (65% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Barstow safe?
Barstow is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,062 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Barstow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Barstow?
Barstow enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Barstow?
The job market in Barstow is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,555. There are 403 business establishments in the area, including 39 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Barstow?
The median home value in Barstow is $99,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,842. The homeownership rate is 84.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,430.
How are the schools in Barstow?
Schools in Barstow have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 1.3% of adults in Barstow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 63.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Barstow?
The obesity rate in Barstow is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 36.4% are physically inactive. 18.6% of residents report depression. 33.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 85.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:11,194.
What is transportation like in Barstow?
The average commute in Barstow is 26 minutes. 63.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Barstow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Barstow is 63.2% White. 11.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 88.8% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability. 69.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
