Median Income
$65,625
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$68,500
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.1%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$809
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.6%
194% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
20% higher than US avg
How Searles Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,698
Median Age33.3 yrs
Density162/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$65,625
Per Capita$28,057
Unemployment10.6%
Poverty14.9%
County GDP$1,555M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$68,500
Rent$809
Ownership60.8%
Zillow$265,453
Housing Units878
Rent Burden14.2%
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking17.8%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI61 (Moderate)
Rain3.6 in/yr
Elevation1,863 ft (568 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.1%
High School+89.1%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score4.33
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 47%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Searles Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Searles Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Searles Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Searles Valley is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.6%, unemployment is notably high. 14.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Searles Valley is $68,500, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $809 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Searles Valley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 91°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 3.6 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 61.
Searles Valley has a population of 1,698 with a density of 162 people per square mile, spread across 10.5 square miles. The median age is 33.3 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (73.2%), with 22.3% Hispanic, 2.2% Black, 1.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.9% of residents, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,698
Total Population
2023 Census
33.3yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Searles Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.9%
20% above US avg
Spanish
8.5%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Searles Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Searles Valley is $65,625, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,057 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,174, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 863 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Searles Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,625 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,057 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,174 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,247 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.6% |
| 194% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.9% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 863 |
| County GDP | $1,555M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,831 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Searles Valley is $68,500, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,453, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $71,250 with homes selling in an average of 94 days. Homes sell for 98.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $809 (30% below 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. 60.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 878 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,831 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $68,500 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $265,453 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $71,250 |
| Median List Price | $75,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $71,250 |
| Median List Price | $75,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $54 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 94 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 46.4% |
| Inventory | 28 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $809 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.2% |
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 | 60.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.2% |
| Housing Units | 878 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,831 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.05% |
In Searles Valley, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,459. The dentist ratio is 1:1,248. 86.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Searles Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,459 |
| Dentists | 1:1,248 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 52.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,431/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Searles Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 91°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 3.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 61 / residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 25% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,863 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (9°C)
91°F Jul (33°C)
| Annual Average | 68.4°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 91°F (33°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,863 ft (568 m) |
| Area | 10.5 sq mi (27.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 162/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7700°N, 117.3967°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Inyo County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Bernardino International (SBD)
116 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
3.6"
91% below US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
0.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 61.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 24.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 30 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0413 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.26 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.11 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8,527 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 |
18 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M6.4 |
12 km |
| Jun 24, 2020 |
18km SSE of Lone Pine, CA |
M5.8 |
92 km |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
47 km ESE of Beatty, Nevada |
M5.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 20, 1995 |
16km NNE of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.8 |
22 km |
| Jul 11, 1992 |
12km NW of California City, California |
M5.7 |
87 km |
| Jun 4, 2020 |
17km S of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
18 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
15km ESE of Little Lake, CA |
M5.5 |
35 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
20km E of Little Lake, CA |
M5.4 |
30 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
16km W of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
16 km |
| Aug 17, 1995 |
17km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.4 |
24 km |
| Nov 27, 1996 |
27km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.3 |
41 km |
| Mar 18, 1997 |
20km ENE of Barstow, California |
M5.3 |
103 km |
| Mar 6, 1998 |
28km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.2 |
40 km |
| Oct 3, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.2 |
81 km |
| Jan 7, 1996 |
16km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.2 |
23 km |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
7km ESE of Coso Junction, CA |
M5.2 |
51 km |
| Mar 7, 1998 |
30km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.0 |
39 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
25km SSW of Bodfish, California |
M5.0 |
119 km |
| Oct 1, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.0 |
80 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
3 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 2019 |
EF0 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1991 |
EF0 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Golden Trout Creek (106 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
106 km |
| Ubehebe Craters |
Maar(s) |
752 m (2,467 ft) |
-150 |
139 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 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
MANTER |
76,158 |
73 km |
| 2016 |
ERSKINE |
48,066 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
COLES FLAT |
41,143 |
39 km |
| 2008 |
PIUTE |
36,251 |
91 km |
| 1984 |
BODFISH |
23,189 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
BULL |
17,238 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
SCHAEFFER |
16,100 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
CLOVER |
14,778 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
JAWBONE COMPLEX |
12,211 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
FAY |
10,177 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
CHINA LAKE |
10,165 |
19 km |
| 2020 |
JUNCTION RANCH |
9,337 |
29 km |
| 2006 |
CALICO |
9,274 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
9,044 |
34 km |
| 1993 |
OPAL 2 |
8,223 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
SUMMIT COMPLEX |
6,370 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
HAPPY |
5,987 |
45 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
5,585 |
87 km |
| 1997 |
JACKS |
5,342 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| February |
53°F (11°C) |
0.9 in |
Wettest |
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| June |
84°F (29°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| July |
91°F (33°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
90°F (32°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| September |
83°F (28°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Searles Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 47°F in December to 91°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 3.6 inches, with February being the wettest month (0.9") and June the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Searles Valley. 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 | $1,563 |
| Toddler | $921 |
| Preschool | $762 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,078 |
| Toddler | $952 |
| Preschool | $884 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Searles Valley
What is the population of Searles Valley?
Searles Valley has a population of 1,698 residents and is located in California. The population density is 162 people per square mile, spread across 10.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Searles Valley expensive to live in?
Searles Valley 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 $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $68,500 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $809 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Searles Valley?
Searles Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 91°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 3.6 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 61.
How is the job market in Searles Valley?
The job market in Searles Valley faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,174. There are 863 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Searles Valley?
The median home value in Searles Valley is $68,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,453. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $71,250, with homes typically selling within 94 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $809. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,831.
How are the schools in Searles Valley?
Schools in Searles Valley have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.1% of adults in Searles Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Searles Valley?
The obesity rate in Searles Valley is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 86.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,459.
What is transportation like in Searles Valley?
The average commute in Searles Valley is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Searles Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Searles Valley is 73.2% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 22.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Asian. 93.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.