Median Income
$138,167
84% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
812/100K
114% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.7%
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.1%
127% higher than US avg
How Bowles Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population204
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density537/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$138,167
Per Capita$30,655
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty28.1%
County GDP$64,217M
Housing
Ownership62.5%
Zillow$468,210
Housing Units40
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent812/100K
Property2,619/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured16.1%
Smoking13.5%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation279 ft (85 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.7%
High School+83.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.46
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Broadband32.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries41
Is Bowles a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bowles receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Bowles has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bowles is $138,167, which is significantly higher than the national average / 84% above $75,149. This places Bowles among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 28.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
With 812 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 2,619 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
26.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bowles enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Bowles has a population of 204 with a density of 537 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (78.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 51.4% of residents, while 48.6% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
51.4%
35% below US avg
Spanish
48.6%
263% above US avg
The median household income in Bowles is $138,167, which is 84% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,655 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,114, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 28.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 44,409 business establishments, including 1,859 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $138,167 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,655 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,114 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,784 |
| Gini Index | 0.473 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.1% |
| 127% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 44,409 |
| County GDP | $64,217M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,859 |
| Healthcare | 2,686 |
| Retail | 2,404 |
| Manufacturing | 570 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,543 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 93.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $468,210. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 40 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $5,543 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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
| Homeownership | 62.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.5% |
| Housing Units | 40 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,543 |
| 58% above US avg |
In Bowles, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 16.4% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.9% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 16.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,480. The dentist ratio is 1:1,562. 83.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bowles vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 16.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,480 |
| Dentists | 1:1,562 |
| Mental Health | 1:205 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.2% |
| Dental Visits | 56.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,008/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,686 |
Bowles has a violent crime rate of 812 per 100,000 residents, 114% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,619 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 178 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Bowles receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bowles vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 812.3/100K |
| 114% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,619.4/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 178 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bowles enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 85°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 11.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 279 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
85°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 66.7°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 279 ft (85 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 537/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6089°N, 119.7526°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Fresno County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
1.89"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0471 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 13.6 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.54 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.32 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 99.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5,933 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Sep 28, 2004 |
2004 Parkfield, California Earthquake |
M6.0 |
104 km |
| May 15, 1999 |
9 km WSW of Aspen Springs, California |
M5.5 |
132 km |
| Oct 21, 2012 |
24 km NE of San Lucas, California |
M5.3 |
104 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M5.0 |
99 km |
| Jul 15, 1998 |
8 km W of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
135 km |
| Dec 20, 1994 |
3 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
100 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
8 km WNW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
138 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
129 km |
| Sep 30, 2004 |
13 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
99 km |
| Nov 30, 1997 |
2 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
135 km |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
6km SSW of Wasco, CA |
M4.9 |
123 km |
| Nov 22, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
135 km |
| Nov 14, 1993 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.8 |
99 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.8 |
138 km |
| Feb 16, 2016 |
8 km S of Wilkerson, California |
M4.8 |
137 km |
| Sep 28, 2004 |
12 km SE of Parkfield, California |
M4.7 |
104 km |
| May 15, 1999 |
11 km WSW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.7 |
130 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
21 km NE of Soledad, California |
M4.6 |
128 km |
| Jun 12, 2007 |
14km SE of Mammoth Lakes, CA |
M4.6 |
130 km |
| Nov 22, 1997 |
California-Nevada border region |
M4.5 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
70 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1980 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1962 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2020 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2002 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 1998 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jan 14, 1995 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 1991 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 1986 |
EF1 |
11 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1982 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 1980 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1979 |
EF1 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 1, 1964 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1957 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2024 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2019 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1901 |
MONTEREY BAY, N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
95 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Mammoth Mountain (130 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Mammoth Mountain |
Lava dome(s) |
3,369 m (11,053 ft) |
1260 |
130 km |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
131 km |
| Mono-Inyo Craters |
Lava dome(s) |
2,796 m (9,173 ft) |
1380 |
148 km |
| Mono Lake Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,121 m (6,959 ft) |
1790 |
167 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CREEK (381,441 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
CREEK |
381,441 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
ROUGH |
146,369 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
KNP COMPLEX |
89,960 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
GARZA |
48,404 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
MINERAL |
29,901 |
87 km |
| 2013 |
ASPEN |
23,564 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
SKYLINE |
21,694 |
73 km |
| 1985 |
LOSGATOSIV |
20,357 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
BOONE |
17,701 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
MERCY |
16,993 |
100 km |
| 1996 |
PANOCHE II |
14,760 |
78 km |
| 2014 |
FRENCH |
14,534 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
RAILROAD |
12,765 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
TEHIPITE |
12,205 |
92 km |
| 1989 |
POWERHOUSE |
11,532 |
62 km |
| 1986 |
DEER |
10,963 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
ELM 2 |
10,765 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
RIVER |
10,183 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
SHEEP COMPLEX |
9,614 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
THREE ROCKS |
9,336 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
85°F (29°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
Bowles has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 44°F in December to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (1.9") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Bowles. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,800 |
| Toddler | $1,082 |
| Preschool | $879 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,278 |
| Toddler | $1,085 |
| Preschool | $1,013 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowles
What is the population of Bowles?
Bowles has a population of 204 residents and is located in California. The population density is 537 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Bowles expensive to live in?
Bowles is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $138,167, 84% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Bowles safe?
Public safety is a concern in Bowles, with a violent crime rate of 812 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,619 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bowles receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bowles?
Bowles enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Bowles?
The job market in Bowles is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,114. There are 44,409 business establishments in the area, including 1,859 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Bowles?
Schools in Bowles have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 26.7% of adults in Bowles hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bowles?
The obesity rate in Bowles is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 16.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 83.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,480.
What are the demographics of Bowles?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowles is 78.4% White. 51.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 48.6% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.