Median Income
$41,750
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,500
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.0%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$948
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.1%
47% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.8%
52% higher than US avg
How Ridgecrest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population718
Median Age26.4 yrs
Density1,670/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 43%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,750
Per Capita$16,670
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty18.8%
County GDP$715M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,500
Rent$948
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity47.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease8.3%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain60.1 in/yr
Elevation56 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.0%
High School+81.2%
School Score4.48
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute22 min
Libraries4
Is Ridgecrest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ridgecrest receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $41,750, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. The poverty rate of 18.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ridgecrest is $57,500, 80% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $948 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
7.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ridgecrest enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 60.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Ridgecrest has a population of 718 with a density of 1,670 people per square mile. The median age is 26.4 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (42.5%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 39.1% Black.
Population
26.4yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ridgecrest vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.2% |
| 91% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Ridgecrest vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ridgecrest is $41,750, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income: Ridgecrest vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,750 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,670 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $884 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,471 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.8% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 483 |
| County GDP | $715M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,563 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Ridgecrest is $57,500, 80% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $948 (18% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,500 |
| 80% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $948 |
| 18% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,563 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.46% |
In Ridgecrest, 47.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.9% report depression. 41.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Ridgecrest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.1% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.5% |
| Heart Disease | 8.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.4% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 11.9% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.4% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 24.6% |
| Physical Distress | 19.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 80.4% |
| Premature Death | 15,586/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Crime Rates: Ridgecrest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
Safety Score
Ridgecrest has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation is 60.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 60.1 inches |
| 58% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 56 ft (17 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,670/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.6018°N, 91.5304°W |
| County FIPS | 22029 |