Median Income
$27,462
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$174,300
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
409/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.3%
103% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Onyx Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population574
Median Age56.1 yrs
Density50/mi²
Male / Female34% / 66%
Largest GroupWhite 53%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$27,462
Per Capita$18,088
Unemployment7.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$63,070M
Housing
B
Home Value$174,300
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$239,227
Housing Units408
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent409/100K
Property1,630/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking16.2%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation3,685 ft (1,123 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 38%
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries28
Is Onyx a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Onyx receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Onyx has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Onyx is $27,462, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 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 Onyx is $174,300, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. The price-to-income ratio of 6.3x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
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
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Onyx enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Onyx has a population of 574 with a density of 50 people per square mile, spread across 11.5 square miles. The median age is 56.1 years, 44% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 65.7% female and 34.3% male. The city is predominantly White (53.3%), with 17.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.7% of residents, while 15.3% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 49.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.1yrs
Median Age
44% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.7%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.3%
14% above US avg
The median household income in Onyx is $27,462, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,088 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,155, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.3% (above 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 27,950 business establishments, including 1,569 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 | $27,462 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,088 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,155 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,998 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.3% |
| 103% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 34.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Onyx is $174,300, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,227, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 408 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. 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. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.3x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $174,300 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $239,227 |
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 | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 408 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
In Onyx, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Onyx vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,901 |
| Mental Health | 1:393 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,838 |
Onyx 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, Onyx receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Onyx 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 | 109 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Onyx enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 3,685 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 61.2°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,685 ft (1,123 m) |
| Area | 11.5 sq mi (29.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 50/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6702°N, 118.2272°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Kern County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bob Hope (BUR) 102 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.87"
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
7,871 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 |
58 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M6.4 |
65 km |
| Jun 24, 2020 |
18km SSE of Lone Pine, CA |
M5.8 |
89 km |
| Sep 20, 1995 |
16km NNE of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.8 |
54 km |
| Jul 11, 1992 |
12km NW of California City, California |
M5.7 |
53 km |
| Jun 4, 2020 |
17km S of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
73 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
15km ESE of Little Lake, CA |
M5.5 |
50 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
20km E of Little Lake, CA |
M5.4 |
56 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
16km W of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
60 km |
| Aug 17, 1995 |
17km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.4 |
52 km |
| Nov 27, 1996 |
27km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.3 |
69 km |
| Mar 18, 1997 |
20km ENE of Barstow, California |
M5.3 |
150 km |
| Mar 6, 1998 |
28km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.2 |
69 km |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
24 km SW of Lamont, CA |
M5.2 |
101 km |
| Oct 3, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.2 |
87 km |
| May 28, 1993 |
21km SW of Lamont, California |
M5.2 |
98 km |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
7km ESE of Coso Junction, CA |
M5.2 |
50 km |
| Jan 7, 1996 |
16km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.2 |
53 km |
| Jan 19, 1994 |
10km SSW of Valencia, California |
M5.1 |
148 km |
| Mar 7, 1998 |
30km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.0 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
13 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 19, 1962 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2019 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2007 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 1997 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 1993 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1991 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1988 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Golden Trout Creek (77 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
77 km |
| Ubehebe Craters |
Maar(s) |
752 m (2,467 ft) |
-150 |
165 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CASTLE (174,424 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
CASTLE |
174,424 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
MCNALLY |
146,540 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
97,831 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
MANTER |
76,158 |
29 km |
| 2016 |
ERSKINE |
48,066 |
15 km |
| 2020 |
COLES FLAT |
41,143 |
72 km |
| 2017 |
PIER |
36,626 |
66 km |
| 2008 |
PIUTE |
36,251 |
22 km |
| 2016 |
CEDAR |
29,191 |
34 km |
| 2021 |
FRENCH |
27,331 |
31 km |
| 2011 |
BRECKENRIDGE COMPLEX |
27,229 |
53 km |
| 2011 |
COMANCHE |
25,965 |
78 km |
| 1984 |
BODFISH |
23,189 |
18 km |
| 1990 |
STORMY |
23,157 |
31 km |
| 2017 |
LION |
18,576 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
LION |
17,671 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
BULL |
17,238 |
26 km |
| 2017 |
SCHAEFFER |
16,100 |
49 km |
| 2008 |
CLOVER |
14,778 |
53 km |
| 2011 |
CANYON |
14,707 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
0.2 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
Onyx has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 40°F in December to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.0 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.9") and July the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Onyx. 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 Onyx
What is the population of Onyx?
Onyx has a population of 574 residents and is located in California. The population density is 50 people per square mile, spread across 11.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 65.7% female and 34.3% male.
Is Onyx expensive to live in?
Onyx 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 $27,462, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $174,300 (38% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Onyx safe?
The violent crime rate in Onyx 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, Onyx receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Onyx?
Onyx enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Onyx?
The unemployment rate in Onyx is 7.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 much does housing cost in Onyx?
The median home value in Onyx is $174,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,227. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,285.
How are the schools in Onyx?
Schools in Onyx have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.0% of adults in Onyx hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Onyx?
The obesity rate in Onyx is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What are the demographics of Onyx?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Onyx is 53.3% White, 17.4% Hispanic or Latino. 84.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.3% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 49.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.