California · Metropolitan Area
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.
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, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. 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.
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.
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.
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.
31.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
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. Annual precipitation totals 4.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 85.1% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 14.9% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $88,107 |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $40,173 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,155 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,998 |
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 27,950 |
| County GDP | $63,070M |
| Restaurants | 1,569 |
| Healthcare | 1,838 |
| Retail | 2,004 |
| Manufacturing | 417 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.24% |
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
| Census Median | $235,800 |
| 16% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $265,453 |
| Median List Price | $273,700 |
| Median List Price | $273,700 |
| $/Sq Ft | $182 |
| Homes Sold | 28 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 27.5% |
| Inventory | 102 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,178 |
| 1% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,389 |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.24% |
| Obesity | 32.1% |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,697/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,838 |
| Total Violent | 409.3/100K |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 31.2/100K |
| Robbery | 45.1/100K |
| Assault | 333.0/100K |
| Total Property | 1,630.3/100K |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 482.1/100K |
| Theft | 943.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 204.7/100K |
| Arson | 17.3/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 197 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 65.3°F |
| 21% above US avg | |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 88°F (31°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 4.7 inches |
| 88% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 2,287 ft (697 m) |
| Area | 20.9 sq mi (54.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,349/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6285°N, 117.6640°W |
| County FIPS | 06029 |
Winner: Republican by 21.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 31.7% |
| 6% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 91.8% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 1,349/sq mi |
| Total Area | 20.9 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 92.2% |
| EV Charging Stations | 4 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 6 |
| Public Libraries | 28 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,838 |
| Restaurants | 1,569 |
| Retail Stores | 2,004 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 197 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 273 |
| Avg Commute | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |