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Ridgecrest, CA

California · Kern County · Bakersfield-Delano Metro

Ridgecrest is a small city in California with a population of 28,138. Residents earn $88,107 per year, which is 17% above the national average.

Data updated April 2026

3.4 /5.0
B Good
28,138 Population 1,349/sq mi density
$88,107 Median Income $40,173 per capita
$235,800 Home Value $265,453 Zillow
$1,178 Median Rent 25.0% income on rent
65°F Avg Temperature 330 sunny days/yr
488 Violent Crime/100K 1,378 property/100K
B
Overall
3.4 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$88,107 median income, 5.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$235,800 home value, $1,178/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
488 violent crimes/100K (28% above avg)
B+
Education
3.5 / 5.0
31.7% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Ridgecrest, CA

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $88,107
17% higher than US avg
Home Value $235,800
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 488/100K
28% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 31.7%
6% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,178
1% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 32.1%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 7.7%
38% lower than US avg

How Ridgecrest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population28,138
Median Age34.8 yrs
Density1,349/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans15.3%

Economy

A
Median Income$88,107
Per Capita$40,173
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$63,070M
Commute16 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$235,800
Rent$1,178
Ownership59.7%
Zillow$265,453
Housing Units12,186
Rent Burden25.0%

Crime

F
Violent488/100K
Property1,378/100K
Murder10.3/100K
Assault347/100K
Burglary409/100K

Health

Obesity32.1%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking12.9%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.3%

Climate

Avg Temp65°F (19°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain4.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation2,287 ft (697 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+31.7%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+11.2%
School Score3.96

Community

2024 VoteR 59% / D 38%
Commute16 min
Broadband92.2%
EV Stations4
Libraries28

Is Ridgecrest a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Ridgecrest receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Ridgecrest offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Ridgecrest is $88,107, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Ridgecrest is $235,800, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,178 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 488 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,378 per 100,000, 30% below the national average.

Education

31.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.

Climate & Weather

Ridgecrest enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 88°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 4.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.

Ridgecrest has a population of 28,138 with a density of 1,349 people per square mile, spread across 21.4 square miles. The median age is 34.8 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (68.7%), with 3% Hispanic, 4.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.1% of residents, while 14.9% speak Spanish. 15.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.

Population

28,138
Total Population
1,349
People / sq mi
34.8yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
21.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.3%
Female 49.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Ridgecrest vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 85.1%
8% above US avg
Spanish 14.9%
11% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Ridgecrest vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Ridgecrest is $88,107, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,173. The average weekly wage is $1,155, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.7% 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. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Ridgecrest vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$88,107
17% above US avg
Per Capita Income$40,173
Avg Weekly Wage$1,155
IRS Avg AGI$61,998
Gini Index0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.3%
47% above US avg
Poverty Rate7.7%
38% below US avg
Establishments (County)27,950
County GDP$63,070M

Business (County)

Restaurants1,569
Healthcare1,838
Retail2,004
Manufacturing417

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$5,285
51% above US avg
Cost of Living110.70 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate2.24%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time15.8 min
Drive Alone75.5%
Public Transit0.2%
Work from Home9.6%

Walkability

The median home value in Ridgecrest is $235,800, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,453, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,178 (1% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 12,186 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $5,285 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$235,800
16% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$265,453
Median List Price$273,700

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$273,700
$/Sq Ft$182
Homes Sold28
Sale-to-List Ratio99.2%
Price Drops27.5%
Inventory102

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,178
1% above US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$1,389
Rent Burden25.0%

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

Homeownership59.7%
Owner-Occupied59.7%
Renter-Occupied40.3%
Housing Units12,186
Median Year Built1981

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$5,285
51% above US avg
Effective Rate2.24%
In Ridgecrest, 32.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% 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.

Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)

PM2.5
5.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
9.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
8.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
O₃
51.0
μg/m³
Ozone
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
141.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide

Health Metrics: Ridgecrest vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity32.1%
0% below US avg
Diabetes9.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
High Blood Pressure29.7%
Asthma10.9%
COPD5.6%
Cancer6.9%
Stroke2.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking12.9%
8% below US avg
Binge Drinking18.8%
Physical Inactivity22.9%
Depression24.9%
Mental Distress19.7%
Physical Distress13.4%
Short Sleep36.2%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate96.2%
Uninsured8.3%
3% below US avg
Primary Care1:2,090
Dentists1:1,901
Mental Health1:393
Checkup Rate72.0%
Dental Visits64.2%
Premature Death10,697/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.2/10
Exercise Access85.3%
Healthcare Facilities1,838
Ridgecrest has a violent crime rate of 488 per 100,000 residents, 28% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 347.1 per 100,000, robbery at 24.1, rape at 106.5. The murder rate is 10.3 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,378 per 100,000, 30% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 835, burglary at 409, vehicle theft at 134 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 197 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ridgecrest receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Ridgecrest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent488.0/100K
28% above US avg
Murder10.3/100K
64% above US avg
Rape106.5/100K
Robbery24.1/100K
Assault347.1/100K

Property Crime

Total Property1,378.0/100K
30% below US avg
Burglary408.9/100K
Theft835.0/100K
Vehicle Theft134.0/100K
Arson13.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)197
Traffic Accidents559
Avg Accident Severity2.0 / 4.0
FEMA Disasters273

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Ridgecrest enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 88°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 4.7 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 2,287 feet.

Temperature

46°F Jan (8°C) 88°F Jul (31°C)
Annual Average65.3°F
21% above US avg
January Average46°F (8°C)
July Average88°F (31°C)
Sunny Days330 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,287 ft (697 m)
Area21.4 sq mi (55.5 km²)
Population Density1,349/sq mi
Coordinates35.6285°N, 117.6640°W
TimezoneAmerica/Los_Angeles
CountyKern County County
Nearest AirportBob Hope (BUR)
106 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 4.7"
88% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan) 0.67"
Driest Month (May) 0.04"

Air Quality

AQI Median48.0
RatingGood

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 RiskRelatively High
Risk Score98.9 / 100
Social Vulnerability61.1 / 100
Community Resilience6.5 / 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

8,387 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 17 km
Jul 4, 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence M6.4 17 km
Jun 24, 2020 18km SSE of Lone Pine, CA M5.8 95 km
Sep 20, 1995 16km NNE of Ridgecrest, California M5.8 15 km
Jul 11, 1992 12km NW of California City, California M5.7 59 km
Jun 4, 2020 17km S of Searles Valley, CA M5.5 21 km
Jul 6, 2019 15km ESE of Little Lake, CA M5.5 31 km
Jul 6, 2019 20km E of Little Lake, CA M5.4 31 km
Jul 5, 2019 16km W of Searles Valley, CA M5.4 17 km
Aug 17, 1995 17km N of Ridgecrest, California M5.4 16 km
Nov 27, 1996 27km E of Coso Junction, California M5.3 50 km
Mar 18, 1997 20km ENE of Barstow, California M5.3 106 km
Mar 6, 1998 28km E of Coso Junction, California M5.2 49 km
Aug 7, 2024 24 km SW of Lamont, CA M5.2 142 km
May 28, 1993 21km SW of Lamont, California M5.2 141 km
Oct 3, 2009 18km NE of Olancha, CA M5.2 87 km
Jul 17, 2001 7km ESE of Coso Junction, CA M5.2 47 km
Jan 7, 1996 16km N of Ridgecrest, California M5.2 15 km
Mar 7, 1998 30km E of Coso Junction, California M5.0 50 km
Sep 29, 2004 25km SSW of Bodfish, California M5.0 91 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

4 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF0.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
Apr 16, 2019 EF0 3 km 0
Jun 26, 1995 EF0 77 km 0
Mar 26, 1991 EF0 2 km 0
Mar 25, 1991 EF0 6 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Nearby Volcanoes

2 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Golden Trout Creek (100 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Golden Trout Creek Volcanic field 2,886 m (9,469 ft) -5550 100 km
Ubehebe Craters Maar(s) 752 m (2,467 ft) -150 156 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: MCNALLY (146,540 ac, 2002).

Year Name Acres Distance
2002 MCNALLY 146,540 82 km
2021 WINDY 97,831 93 km
2000 MANTER 76,158 58 km
2016 ERSKINE 48,066 61 km
2020 COLES FLAT 41,143 50 km
2008 PIUTE 36,251 63 km
2016 CEDAR 29,191 84 km
2021 FRENCH 27,331 82 km
2011 BRECKENRIDGE COMPLEX 27,229 97 km
1984 BODFISH 23,189 66 km
1990 STORMY 23,157 80 km
2010 BULL 17,238 74 km
2017 SCHAEFFER 16,100 82 km
2008 CLOVER 14,778 68 km
2011 CANYON 14,707 95 km
2012 JAWBONE COMPLEX 12,211 64 km
2007 WHITE 11,784 100 km
2010 CANYON 11,064 80 km
1987 FAY 10,177 58 km
2005 CHINA LAKE 10,165 37 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 46°F (8°C) 0.7 in Wettest
February 50°F (10°C) 0.7 in
March 55°F (13°C) 0.4 in
April 62°F (16°C) 0.2 in
May 71°F (21°C) 0.0 in Driest
June 80°F (27°C) 0.0 in
July 88°F (31°C) 0.2 in Warmest
August 84°F (29°C) 0.3 in
September 77°F (25°C) 0.2 in
October 66°F (19°C) 0.1 in
November 53°F (12°C) 0.4 in
December 45°F (7°C) 0.5 in Coldest

Ridgecrest has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 45°F in December to 88°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 3.7 inches, with January being the wettest month (0.7") and May the driest (0.0").

View full weather details →
Ridgecrest is located in Kern County. It is classified as Metro / 250K–1M, part of a metropolitan area. 31.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 6% below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 11.2% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 4 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 59.3% of the vote, a 21.1-point margin. 92.2% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 4 EV charging stations. There are 28 public libraries serving the community. 1,838 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 75.5% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 59.3%
D 38.2%

Winner: Republican by 21.1 points

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)197
Traffic Accidents559
Avg Accident Severity2.0 / 4.0
FEMA Disaster Declarations273
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+31.7%
6% below US avg
High School+91.8%
Graduate Degree+11.2%
School Test Score3.96
B+ Education Grade (3.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 2Metro / 250K–1M
Population Density1,349/sq mi
Total Area21.4 sq mi
CountyKern County County

Services

Broadband Access92.2%
Avg Download Speed78.9 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed15.5 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
EV Charging Stations4
Alt Fuel Stations6
Public Libraries28
Healthcare Facilities1,838
Restaurants1,569
Retail Stores2,004

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute15.8 min
Drive Alone75.5%
Public Transit0.2%
Work from Home9.6%
Average costs for common services in Ridgecrest. 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)

Top Industries in Kern County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Agriculture & Forestry 57,718 835 $38,303 20.51
Health Care & Social Assistance 47,178 13,352 $54,894 0.95
Retail Trade 31,905 2,000 $40,848 0.92
Accommodation & Food Services 26,656 1,598 $28,334 0.84
Transportation & Warehousing 17,844 1,206 $70,042 1.21
Construction 15,984 1,424 $77,329 0.88
Manufacturing 13,261 494 $82,996 0.46
Administrative & Waste Services 12,747 768 $54,873 0.62
Professional & Technical Services 10,391 1,367 $82,103 0.43
Wholesale Trade 8,339 630 $78,682 0.61
Other Services 7,799 1,202 $47,218 0.75
Mining & Oil/Gas 6,717 172 $107,765 5.11
Finance & Insurance 4,433 572 $85,077 0.31
Real Estate 3,427 654 $68,019 0.63
Arts & Entertainment 2,995 186 $26,928 0.51
Management of Companies 2,841 64 $145,910 0.48
Educational Services 2,243 155 $39,401 0.31
Utilities 1,801 73 $148,146 1.36
Information & Technology 1,652 125 $64,393 0.25
Unclassified 6 23 $56,330 0.01

Colleges & Universities in Ridgecrest

Institution Type Enrollment Acceptance In-State Tuition Out-of-State
Cerro Coso Community College Public · Associate 8,063 $1,384 $10,264

Hospitals in Ridgecrest

Hospital Type CMS Rating Emergency Phone
RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL Critical Access Hospitals Yes (760) 446-3551

Schools in Ridgecrest

10 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Burroughs High High 1,479 72 20.5:1
Murray Middle Middle 690 30 23.0:1
James Monroe Middle Middle 548 26 21.1:1
Faller Elementary Elementary 538 21 25.6:1
Las Flores Elementary Elementary 526 21 25.0:1
Richmond Elementary Elementary 380 23 16.5:1
Gateway Elementary Elementary 348 15 23.2:1
Pierce Elementary Elementary 315 15 21.0:1
Ridgecrest Elem Acad for Language Music and Sci (Charter) Elementary 183 9 20.3:1
Sierra Vista Education Center
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Ridgecrest

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Campgrounds Near Ridgecrest

3 campgrounds found near Ridgecrest.

NameRatingSitesPrice
Chimney Creek Campground Free
Long Valley Campground Free
Walker Pass Campground Free

National Parks Near Ridgecrest

5 national parks and monuments found near Ridgecrest.

ParkTypeFee
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park State Park Free
César E. Chávez National Monument National Monument Free
Death Valley National Park National Park $30
Red Rock Canyon State Park State Park Free
Saddleback Butte State Park State Park Free

Trails Near Ridgecrest

15 trails found near Ridgecrest.

TrailMilesSurfaceHikeBikeHorse
PACIFIC CREST 16.1 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes
PACIFIC CREST 10.2 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes
WILDROSE 4.2 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
SCODIE 3.9 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes
PACIFIC CREST 3.2 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes
WILDROSE 2.3 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
PCT - PACIFIC CREST TRAIL 1.6 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
PCT - PACIFIC CREST TRAIL 1.3 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
HORTON 0.7 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes
WILDROSE 0.4 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
WILDROSE 0.3 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
37E403 0.2 NATIVE MATERIAL
PCT - PACIFIC CREST TRAIL 0.2 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
WILDROSE 0.2 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
PCT - PACIFIC CREST TRAIL 0.1 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes

Museums in Ridgecrest

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
NAVAL MUSEUM OF ARMAMENT & TECHNOLOGYGENERAL MUSEUMPO BOX 2177609393530$241,903
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF THE UPPER MOJAVE DESERTHISTORIC PRESERVATION230 W RIDGECREST BLVD7603758456$31,079
CHINA LAKE ARCHAEOLOGYHISTORIC PRESERVATION7603752991
MATURANGO MUSEUM OF THE INDIAN WELLS VALLEYSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM OR PLANETARIUM100 EAST LAS FLORES AVENUE
PAUL F. MEYERS VISUAL ARTS CENTERART MUSEUM

Farmers Markets in Ridgecrest

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Rancho Cucumonga Farmers MarketVineyard & Rancho Cucamonga

Hotels in Ridgecrest

14 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Best Western
Best Western China Lake Inn
Blue Horizon Inn
Clarion
Clarion Inn
Days Inn
Hampton Inn & Suites Ridgecrest
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ridgecrest - China Lake
Hotel Ridgecrest an Extended Stay Studios
Howard Johnson By Wyndham
Quality Inn
SpringHill Suites Ridgecrest
Suburban Studios
Travel Inn

Restaurants in Ridgecrest

30 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Albertacos
Ale's Steakhouse & Bar
Bahay Kubo
Bangkok House
Casa Corona
Casey's
Chen's Sushi & Kitchen
China Express
Classic Gyros
Denny's
Dumpling Street
Ephen Tacos SmokeHouse Junction
Golden Ox
Happy Hours Bar & Grill
John’s Pizza
Kristy's Family Restaurant
La Fiesta
Lugo's Grill
Mon Reve
Mulligan's
Oasis Mexican Restaurant
Olvera's
Pizza Factory
Pizza Hut
Saigon Flavor
Taqueria Bernadino's
Tokyo House
VEN
Ven: A Communal Eatery
Xin Bowl Asian Bistro

Cafes in Ridgecrest

11 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Beanster's Espresso
Cafe Potpourri
Crest Donuts
Dutch Bros. Coffee
Kung Fu Tea
Midway Cafe
Pony Espresso
Pure Healing Foods
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks

Cinemas in Ridgecrest

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Ridgecrest Cinema

Theatres in Ridgecrest

1 theatres within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Sherman E. Burroughs Performing Arts Center

Clinics in Ridgecrest

3 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Heatherstone Medical Clinic
Southern Sierra Medical Clinic
Southern Sierra Medical Clinic

Dentists in Ridgecrest

3 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Anderson Dental Hygiene
Dr. Paul K. Mayberry
The Dentist House

Veterinaries in Ridgecrest

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Vetinary Hospital

Bus Stations in Ridgecrest

1 bus stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

US #1512784835

Gas Stations in Ridgecrest

10 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

1-Stop
Chevron
Fastrip
Kwik Serve
Ridgecrest Mini Mart
Ridgecrest Mini Mart
Ridgecrest Mini Mart
SAS Gasoline
Shell
Spirit

Banks in Ridgecrest

5 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

AltaOne Federal Credit Union
AltaOne Federal Credit Union North Branch
Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union
U.S. Bank

Gyms in Ridgecrest

4 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

760 Fitness
Chavez Boxing
Love Yoga & Pilates
Ridgecrest Athletic Club

Golf Courses in Ridgecrest

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

China Lake Golf Course

Nursing Homes in Ridgecrest

1 nursing homes and rehabilitation centers (CMS data).

Facility Ownership Beds Residents Overall Health Staffing Quality Phone
RIDGECREST REGIONAL TRANSITIONAL CARE AND REHABILI
1081 NORTH CHINA LAKE BOULEVARD
Non profit - Corporation 124 77 3/5 5/5 3/5 7604463551

Pharmacies in Ridgecrest

6 pharmacies and drugstores.

Pharmacy Address Phone
ALBERTSONS-SAVON - 6331 927 SOUTH CHINA LAKE BOULEVARD 760-384-4020
CENTER PROFESSIONAL HEALTH MART PHARMACY 1109 NORTH CHINA LAKE BOULEVARD 760-446-4141
NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER WEAPONS DIVISION - CHINA LAKE BRANCH HEALTH CLINIC PHARMACY-DOD 1403 BLANDY AVENUE 760-939-8000
RITE AID - 5845 101 NORTH CHINA LAKE BOULEVARD 760-375-0223
WAL-MART - 1600 911 SOUTH CHINA LAKE BOULEVARD 760-371-4979
WALGREENS - 9030 101 DRUMMOND AVENUE 760-384-2358

EV Charging Stations in Ridgecrest

NameAddressNetworkLevel 2DC FastConnectorsAccess
U.S. Bank144 N China Lake BlvdLOOP1CHADEMO J1772COMBOpublic
RPD RDGCRSTCTYHALL1100 W California AveChargePoint Network2J1772public
RPD RDGCRSTCTYHALL2100 W California AveChargePoint Network2J1772public

Cell Towers in Ridgecrest

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
Highway 395 and Pearson Road (24255)MTOWER46
Highway 395 and Pearson Road (24255)MTOWER46
2600 S. China Lake Blvd.TOWER40
4467 HWY 395 (47893)MTOWER40
4467 HWY 395 (47893)MTOWER40
4854 HWY 395 (50847)LTOWER37
4854 HWY 395 (50847)LTOWER37
EL PASO PEAKS ELECTRONICS SITE (9563)LTOWER21
EL PASO PEAKS ELECTRONICS SITE (9563)LTOWER21

Fire Stations in Ridgecrest

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Ridgecrest Volunteer Fire Department139 E Las Flores AVEVolunteer760-378-3966

Power Plants Near Ridgecrest

NameTypePrimary FuelCapacity (MW)Status
NAVAL AIR WEAPONS STATION CHINA LAKESOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC221114-117.7OP

Bridges in Ridgecrest

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Arch (Deck)Aluminum/Wrought Iron/Cast Iron20162110,000G
CulvertConcrete2016223,706G

Airports Near Ridgecrest

46 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
California City Municipal AirportMedium Airport
China Lake Naws (Armitage Field) AirportMedium Airport
Edwards Air Force BaseEDWMedium Airport
Mojave Air & Space PortMHVMedium Airport
Aciero Farms Landing FieldSmall Airport
Ballarat Road Landing StripSmall Airport
Boron AirstripSmall Airport
Boron East AirfieldSmall Airport
Brown Landing StripSmall Airport
Burch Ranch AirportSmall Airport
Cinder Cone Dry Lake Bed AirstripSmall Airport
Coso Dry Lake AirstripSmall Airport
Darwin Landing StripSmall Airport
Dunmovin East Landing StripSmall Airport
Dunmovin Fallow Alfalfa Landing FieldSmall Airport
Dunmovin Landing StripSmall Airport
Edwards Af Aux North Base AirportSmall Airport
Edwards AFB South BaseSmall Airport
Gills AirstripSmall Airport
Goler Heights AirstripSmall Airport
Grant Airpark (Olancha Airstrip)Small Airport
Hoff Private AirportSmall Airport
Holland Camp AirstripSmall Airport
Indian Ranch Road Landing StripSmall Airport
Inyokern AirportIYKSmall Airport
Johns Place AirportSmall Airport
Kelso Valley AirportSmall Airport
Kennedy Meadows South Landing StripSmall Airport
Kramer Junction AirstripSmall Airport
Little Lake Landing StripSmall Airport
Minnietta Mine AirportSmall Airport
Monache Meadows AirstripSmall Airport
Oak Creek Canyon Terrace Landing FieldSmall Airport
Olancha Old State Highway LandoutSmall Airport
Panamint Dry Lake Landing StripSmall Airport
Panamint Springs AirportSmall Airport
Pontious AirportSmall Airport
Porter Ranch AirportSmall Airport
Randsburg East AirportSmall Airport
Rick's StripSmall Airport
Ridgecrest AirstripSmall Airport
Sage Flat Landing StripSmall Airport
Tera UltralightportSmall Airport
Trona AirportTRHSmall Airport
Trona Pinnacles Landing StripSmall Airport
Werner AirportSmall Airport

Grocery Stores in Ridgecrest

28 grocery stores.

StoreTypeAddress
11 11 MarketConvenience Store927 E Ridgecrest Blvd
A-s Smoke 4 LessConvenience Store132 N China Lake Blvd
Albertsons 1376Supermarket1301 N Norma St
Albertsons 331Supermarket927 S China Lake Blvd
Alvord St Mini MartConvenience Store104 N Alvord St
China Lake NAWS Commissary 1804SupermarketE Inyokern Road
City Of Ridgecrest Farmers MarketFarmers and Markets217 Balsam St
DOLLAR GENERAL 14155Other500 W Drummond Ave
Dollar Tree 2177Other100 N China Lake Blvd
EASTRIDGE MARKETConvenience Store435 E Ridgecrest Blvd
Easy Stop Market And LiquorConvenience Store1501 N China Lake Blvd
Eds Mini MartConvenience Store1400 N Norma St
Fastrip Food Store 894Convenience Store345 S China Lake Blvd
Grocery Outlet Of Ridgecrest 446Supermarket120 N China Lake Blvd
Jack in the Box 3314Restaurant Meals Program919 S China Lake Blvd
KENK USA 62546Convenience Store935 S China Lake Blvd
KFC K312080Restaurant Meals Program201 S China Lake Blvd
Kts Farmers MarketFarmers and Markets911 S China Lake Blvd
McDonald's Ridgecrest #2987Restaurant Meals Program150 N China Lake Blvd
Mediterranean FlavorsGrocery Store643 N China Lake Blvd
Papa John'sRestaurant Meals Program820 N China Lake Blvd
Pizza Hut 034017Restaurant Meals Program634 S China Lake Blvd
Ridgecrest LiquorConvenience Store829 W Inyokern Rd
Ridgecrest Mini MartConvenience Store207 N China Lake Blvd
Sage Mart 1Convenience Store841 N Downs St
Stater Bros. Markets 109Supermarket800 N China Lake Blvd
Walgreens 09030Other101 Drummond Ave
Walmart 1600Super Store201 E Bowman Rd

Post Offices in Ridgecrest

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Ridgecrest Post Office101 East Coso Avenue

DOL Wage Violations in Ridgecrest

13 employers with DOL wage violations totaling $828,810 in back wages owed to 691 employees.

13
Violations
$828,810
Back Wages Owed
691
Employees Owed
Data from the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) enforcement actions since FY 2005.
Employer Severity Parent Company ZIP Industry Cases Back Wages Per Employee Employees
AECOM Government Services, Inc. MAJOR AECOM 93555 1 $503,127 $994 506
C. Martin, Inc. 93555 1 $68,618 $2,983 23
R E D Electric 93555 1 $56,665 $11,333 5
Engility 93555 1 $52,268 $917 57
DART 93555 1 $49,199 $911 54
DIAL General Engineering 93555 1 $44,255 $3,688 12
Eastridge Market 93555 1 $25,707 $3,213 8
HPS Plumbing Services 93555 1 $14,215 $2,843 5
JCJ Chavez Construction 93555 1 $4,844 $1,211 4
Salmon Construction 93555 1 $4,253 $608 7
Abilities Unlimited 93555 1 $3,159 $526 6
Complete Mobile Home Service 93555 1 $1,650 $550 3
Carriage Inn 93555 1 $852 $852 1

Churches & Religious Organizations in Ridgecrest

29 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL555 W LAS FLORES AVE
BAHAIS OF RIDGECREST528 S SILVER RIDGE ST
BAY AREA CENTRAL CHURCHPO BOX 2170
CALVARY CHAPEL OF RIDGECREST1618 GEMSTONE
CHRIST THE KING ANGLICAN CHURCHPO BOX 1132
CHRISTIAN LIBERATION MINISTRIES INCPO BOX 114
CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH235 N CHINA LAKE BLVD
DECLARING HIS ANSWER MINISTRIES INTL201 S LOCUST ST
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH1350 S DOWNS ST
GOLD CANYON CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP313A SANDORA ST
GRACE CONNECTION BIBLE FELLOWSHIP114 S GEMSTONE ST
GRACE POINT CHURCHPO BOX 688
HIGH DESERT LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES259 BALSAM ST
HOUSE OF RHEMA952 W VICKI AVE
IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH1201 N CHINA LAKE BLVD
INSPIRIT GENERATION INC1581 PERDEW AVE
INYOKERN CHURCH OF CHRISTPO BOX 1795
LIVING WORD CHURCH1435 N DOWNS ST
MINISTERIO FUEGO PENTECOSTES549 N GOLD CANYON ST
OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH725 N FAIRVIEW ST
RIDGECREST FOURSQUARE CHURCH245 S NORMA ST
RIDGECREST ISLAMIC CENTER725 W RIDGECREST BLVD
RIDGECREST KOREAN CHURCH633 W LAS FLORES AVE
RIDGECREST VINEYARD CHURCH1000 N NORMA ST
TEAM TRUE MINISTRIES1260 SAGE CT
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH413 S LINCOLN ST
UNITED CHURCH OF RELIGIOUS SCIENCE220 STATION AVE
VALLEY COMMUNITY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF RIDGECREST CA608 BETH LN
VICTORY BAPTIST CHURCH242 PANAMINT AVE

Explore Near Ridgecrest

UFO Sightings
35
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →
Meteorites
1
Confirmed meteorite landing sites recorded in NASA meteorite catalog
View all →
Haunted Places
1
Locations with documented reports of paranormal activity and sightings
View all →

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Ridgecrest.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgecrest

What is the population of Ridgecrest?

Ridgecrest has a population of 28,138 residents and is located in California. The population density is 1,349 people per square mile, spread across 21.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.

Is Ridgecrest expensive to live in?

Ridgecrest 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 $88,107, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $235,800 (16% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,178 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Ridgecrest safe?

The violent crime rate in Ridgecrest is 488 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 1,378 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ridgecrest receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Ridgecrest?

Ridgecrest 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 88°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 4.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.

How is the job market in Ridgecrest?

The unemployment rate in Ridgecrest is 5.3%, 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. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Ridgecrest?

The median home value in Ridgecrest is $235,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,453. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,178. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,285.

How are the schools in Ridgecrest?

Schools in Ridgecrest have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 31.7% of adults in Ridgecrest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 11.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Ridgecrest?

The obesity rate in Ridgecrest is 32.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 24.9% 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 is transportation like in Ridgecrest?

The average commute in Ridgecrest is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.

What are the demographics of Ridgecrest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgecrest is 68.7% White, 4.9% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 85.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.9% speak Spanish. 15.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.

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