Violent Crime
409/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.4%
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.0%
261% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
38.5%
210% higher than US avg
How Johannesburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population77
Median Age50.1 yrs
Density31/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans77.0%
Economy
Per Capita$14,440
Unemployment13.0%
Poverty38.5%
County GDP$63,070M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$72,651
Housing Units94
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent409/100K
Property1,630/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking21.2%
Depression29.8%
Heart Disease7.8%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain6.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,573 ft (1,089 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.4%
High School+58.4%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 38%
Broadband26.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries28
Is Johannesburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Johannesburg receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Johannesburg faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 13.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 38.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,630 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 58.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Johannesburg enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 47°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 6.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Johannesburg has a population of 77 with a density of 31 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 50.1 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (0%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 29.8% of residents, while 70.2% speak Spanish. 77.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 59.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.1yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Johannesburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
29.8%
62% below US avg
Spanish
70.2%
424% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Johannesburg vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $14,440 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,155, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 38.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 27,950 business establishments, including 1,569 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 40.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Johannesburg vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $14,440 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,155 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,998 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.0% |
| 261% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 38.5% |
| 210% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 27,950 |
| County GDP | $63,070M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,569 |
| Healthcare | 1,838 |
| Retail | 2,004 |
| Manufacturing | 417 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 60.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 40.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $72,651. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 94 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,285 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% 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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 94 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg |
In Johannesburg, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 21.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 32.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.2% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090. The dentist ratio is 1:1,901. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Johannesburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.2% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.5% |
| Depression | 29.8% |
| Mental Distress | 25.2% |
| Physical Distress | 18.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 59.6% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,901 |
| Mental Health | 1:393 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.3% |
| Dental Visits | 46.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,838 |
Johannesburg has a violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,630 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 197 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, Johannesburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Johannesburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 409.3/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,630.3/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 197 |
| Traffic Accidents | 59 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Johannesburg enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 47°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 6.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 3,573 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
85°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,573 ft (1,089 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 31/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3719°N, 117.6418°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Kern County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bob Hope (BUR) 91 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
6.7"
82% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
0.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 15.9 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.25 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12,401 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M7.1 |
44 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M6.4 |
39 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
The 1992 Big Bear, California Earthquake |
M6.3 |
150 km |
| Jan 17, 1994 |
1km ENE of Granada Hills, California |
M5.9 |
145 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
The 1991 Sierra Madre, California Earthquake |
M5.8 |
127 km |
| Jun 24, 2020 |
18km SSE of Lone Pine, CA |
M5.8 |
123 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
13km WSW of Ludlow, CA |
M5.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 20, 1995 |
16km NNE of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.8 |
43 km |
| Jul 11, 1992 |
12km NW of California City, California |
M5.7 |
43 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
7km ENE of Running Springs, CA |
M5.6 |
137 km |
| Jun 4, 2020 |
17km S of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
33 km |
| Feb 28, 1990 |
The 1990 Upland, California Earthquake |
M5.5 |
137 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
15km ESE of Little Lake, CA |
M5.5 |
60 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
20km E of Little Lake, CA |
M5.4 |
60 km |
| Jul 5, 1992 |
21km SW of Ludlow, California |
M5.4 |
149 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
16km W of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
44 km |
| Aug 17, 1995 |
17km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.4 |
45 km |
| Nov 27, 1996 |
27km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.3 |
78 km |
| Nov 27, 1992 |
10km NNW of Big Bear City, California |
M5.3 |
133 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
1km N of Big Bear Lake, California |
M5.3 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
25 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 25, 1954 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1997 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1997 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1976 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 2021 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2019 |
EF0 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2017 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2013 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2007 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2007 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2005 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2000 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1997 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF0 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1991 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1990 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1990 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1988 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1987 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1855 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
148 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Golden Trout Creek (126 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
126 km |
| Ubehebe Craters |
Maar(s) |
752 m (2,467 ft) |
-150 |
184 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MANTER (76,158 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
MANTER |
76,158 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
ERSKINE |
48,066 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
COLES FLAT |
41,143 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
PIUTE |
36,251 |
65 km |
| 2016 |
CEDAR |
29,191 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
FRENCH |
27,331 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
BRECKENRIDGE COMPLEX |
27,229 |
96 km |
| 1984 |
BODFISH |
23,189 |
71 km |
| 1990 |
STORMY |
23,157 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
BULL |
17,238 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
CLOVER |
14,778 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
CANYON |
14,707 |
79 km |
| 2012 |
JAWBONE COMPLEX |
12,211 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
WHITE |
11,784 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
CANYON |
11,064 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
FAY |
10,177 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
CHINA LAKE |
10,165 |
63 km |
| 2020 |
JUNCTION RANCH |
9,337 |
74 km |
| 1994 |
LUCAS COMPLEX |
9,181 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
9,044 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
Wettest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| July |
85°F (29°C) |
0.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
Johannesburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 45°F in December to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 5.4 inches, with January being the wettest month (1.0") and June the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Johannesburg. 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 | $1,527 |
| Toddler | $892 |
| Preschool | $739 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,029 |
| Toddler | $889 |
| Preschool | $826 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Johannesburg
What is the population of Johannesburg?
Johannesburg has a population of 77 residents and is located in California. The population density is 31 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Johannesburg expensive to live in?
Johannesburg is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is Johannesburg safe?
The violent crime rate in Johannesburg is 409 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,630 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Johannesburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°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 6.7 inches, with 2.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Johannesburg?
The job market in Johannesburg faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,155. There are 27,950 business establishments in the area, including 1,569 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Johannesburg?
Schools in Johannesburg have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.4% of adults in Johannesburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 58.4% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Johannesburg?
The obesity rate in Johannesburg is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.2% of adults are smokers. 32.5% are physically inactive. 29.8% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What are the demographics of Johannesburg?
29.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 70.2% speak Spanish. 77.0% of the population are military veterans. 29.8% of residents have a disability. 59.6% have health insurance coverage.