Median Income
$62,232
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$248,200
12% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.2%
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Barstow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population76
Median Age63.3 yrs
Density136/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans76.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,232
Per Capita$37,862
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$279M
Housing
A
Home Value$248,200
Ownership75.6%
Zillow$268,150
Housing Units34
Rent Burden27.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property2,194/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking12.9%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain20.3 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation1,387 ft (423 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.2%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.37
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 32%
Broadband41.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Barstow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Barstow receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Barstow offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Barstow is $62,232, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Barstow is $248,200, 12% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Barstow is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,194 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Barstow experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.3 inches, including 46.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Barstow has a population of 76 with a density of 136 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 63.3 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (81.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 76.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 72.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.3yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Barstow is $62,232, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,862. The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 271 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 45.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,232 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,862 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,991 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 271 |
| County GDP | $279M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,383 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 45.5% |
The median home value in Barstow is $248,200, 12% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,150. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 34 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $3,383. 27.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $248,200 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $268,150 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.4% |
| Housing Units | 34 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,383 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.36% |
In Barstow, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 14.9% report binge drinking. 20.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:909. The dentist ratio is 1:1,241. 75.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Barstow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.1% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:909 |
| Dentists | 1:1,241 |
| Mental Health | 1:312 |
| Checkup Rate | 60.4% |
| Dental Visits | 54.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,026/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Barstow has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,194 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 455 federally declared disasters. Overall, Barstow receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Barstow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,194.4/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 455 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Barstow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 269 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 20.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 1,387 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,387 ft (423 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 136/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.7783°N, 118.1329°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Ferry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Spokane International (GEG)
85 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.3"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
2.36"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
118 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M3.1 on May 15, 2025.
| Jun 24, 1997 |
16 km WNW of Malott, Washington |
M4.6 |
137 km |
| Sep 1, 2015 |
15 km N of Nespelem Community, Washington |
M4.2 |
84 km |
| Nov 11, 2001 |
3 km NE of Spokane, Washington |
M4.0 |
133 km |
| Sep 10, 2016 |
23 km E of Oliver, Canada |
M3.9 |
93 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.9 |
141 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
Washington |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Mar 3, 1998 |
16 km NNE of Grand Forks, Canada |
M3.8 |
46 km |
| Jan 26, 1992 |
9 km SSE of Okanagan Falls, Canada |
M3.7 |
115 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
12 km SSW of East Hope, Idaho |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Jun 24, 1997 |
16 km NW of Malott, Washington |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
2 km SSE of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Oct 27, 1991 |
21 km N of Castlegar, Canada |
M3.3 |
90 km |
| Nov 12, 2001 |
3 km NNE of Spokane, Washington |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Aug 20, 1990 |
23 km NW of Nelson, Canada |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Sep 22, 2003 |
12 km NW of Rathdrum, Idaho |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
7 km SW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Apr 20, 2025 |
8 km NW of Tonasket, Washington |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Feb 15, 2020 |
37 km ESE of Nelson, Canada |
M3.2 |
118 km |
| Jul 31, 2001 |
2 km WNW of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Mar 3, 1998 |
15 km NNE of Grand Forks, Canada |
M3.2 |
43 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 17, 1978 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1972 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1997 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1997 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1997 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1997 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1983 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2004 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
9 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 19.8 m (65 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
— |
23 km |
| 1949 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
— |
108 km |
| 2024 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
14.3 m |
— |
23 km |
| 1944 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.1 m |
— |
23 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.0 m |
— |
109 km |
| 1953 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
4.8 m |
— |
23 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
3.6 m |
— |
98 km |
| 1953 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
— |
— |
23 km |
| 1952 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
— |
— |
23 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH STAR (218,547 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
NORTH STAR |
218,547 |
72 km |
| 2015 |
TUNK BLOCK |
180,111 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
CARPENTER RD. |
62,488 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
SUMMIT TRAIL |
54,855 |
50 km |
| 2015 |
STICKPIN |
54,119 |
21 km |
| 2019 |
WILLIAMS FLATS |
44,680 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
CHUWEAH CREEK FIRE |
37,393 |
89 km |
| 1985 |
BARKER MT |
32,839 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
WALKER CREEK |
26,165 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
DEVILS ELBOW COMPLEX |
25,988 |
70 km |
| 2015 |
TOWER |
24,779 |
80 km |
| 1988 |
WHITE MOUNTAIN |
21,855 |
37 km |
| 1996 |
TIMBERLINE COMPLEX |
17,009 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
MANILA CREEK |
16,248 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
FORD CORKSCREW |
16,179 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
TUNK GRADE |
15,007 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
RENNER |
13,975 |
5 km |
| 2020 |
KEWA FIELD |
11,811 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
ROCKY HULL |
9,927 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
BUFFALO LAKE |
9,709 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
Barstow has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 26°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.4 inches, with December being the wettest month (2.4") and September the driest (1.0").
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) |
$268 ($161–$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214–$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107–$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856–$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80–$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161–$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27–$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54–$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428–$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107–$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64–$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54–$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161–$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280–$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428–$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885–$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535–$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350–$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140–$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856–$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214–$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070–$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80–$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21–$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68–$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68–$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21–$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28–$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64–$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86–$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54–$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80–$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284–$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32–$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642–$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535–$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214–$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428–$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350–$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54–$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107–$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,026 |
| Toddler | $938 |
| Preschool | $938 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $857 |
| Toddler | $749 |
| Preschool | $749 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Barstow
What is the population of Barstow?
Barstow has a population of 76 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 136 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Barstow expensive to live in?
Barstow is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,232, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $248,200 (12% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Barstow safe?
Barstow is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,194 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Barstow receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Barstow?
Barstow has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.3 inches, with 46.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
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 $1,014. There are 271 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Barstow?
The median home value in Barstow is $248,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,150. The homeownership rate is 75.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,383.
How are the schools in Barstow?
Schools in Barstow have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.2% of adults in Barstow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Barstow?
The obesity rate in Barstow is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 20.1% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 75.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:909.
What are the demographics of Barstow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Barstow is 81.6% White. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 76.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.5% of residents have a disability. 72.2% have health insurance coverage.
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