Home Value
$345,500
23% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Squirrel Mountain Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,020
Median Age61.2 yrs
Density567/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans13.0%
Economy
Per Capita$40,530
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$63,070M
Commute35 min
Housing
Home Value$345,500
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$217,739
Housing Units541
Rent Burden33.1%
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured2.5%
Smoking20.3%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI72 (Moderate)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Elevation2,987 ft (910 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 38%
Commute35 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries28
Is Squirrel Mountain Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Squirrel Mountain Valley receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Squirrel Mountain Valley faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Squirrel Mountain Valley is $345,500, 23% above the national median.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Squirrel Mountain Valley 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. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches, including 6.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 72.
Squirrel Mountain Valley has a population of 1,020 with a density of 567 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 61.2 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (99.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 13.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,020
Total Population
2023 Census
61.2yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Squirrel Mountain Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Squirrel Mountain Valley vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $40,530. The average weekly wage is $1,155, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Squirrel Mountain Valley vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $40,530 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,155 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,998 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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 | 1.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Squirrel Mountain Valley is $345,500, 23% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,739, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $312,500 with homes selling in an average of 286 days. Homes sell for 96.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 541 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 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.
Home Values
| Census Median | $345,500 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $217,739 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $312,500 |
| Median List Price | $325,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $312,500 |
| Median List Price | $325,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $209 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 286 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.2% |
| Price Drops | 30.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
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 | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 541 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.53% |
In Squirrel Mountain Valley, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.1% experience frequent mental distress. 2.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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: Squirrel Mountain Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 24.1% |
| Physical Distress | 17.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 2.5% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,901 |
| Mental Health | 1:393 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 53.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,838 |
Squirrel Mountain Valley 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. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 72 / residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 21% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,987 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,987 ft (910 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 567/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6175°N, 118.4047°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Kern County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bob Hope (BUR) 98 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
2.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 72.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 20.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 94 |
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
8,265 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 |
75 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M6.4 |
82 km |
| Jan 17, 1994 |
1km ENE of Granada Hills, California |
M5.9 |
150 km |
| Jun 24, 2020 |
18km SSE of Lone Pine, CA |
M5.8 |
100 km |
| Sep 20, 1995 |
16km NNE of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.8 |
71 km |
| Jul 11, 1992 |
12km NW of California City, California |
M5.7 |
55 km |
| Jan 17, 1994 |
7km NNE of Simi Valley, California |
M5.6 |
146 km |
| Jun 4, 2020 |
17km S of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
88 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
15km ESE of Little Lake, CA |
M5.5 |
67 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
20km E of Little Lake, CA |
M5.4 |
73 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
16km W of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
77 km |
| Aug 17, 1995 |
17km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.4 |
69 km |
| Nov 27, 1996 |
27km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.3 |
85 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
10km ESE of Piru, California |
M5.2 |
141 km |
| Mar 6, 1998 |
28km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.2 |
85 km |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
24 km SW of Lamont, CA |
M5.2 |
85 km |
| Jan 17, 1994 |
9km N of Chatsworth, California |
M5.2 |
143 km |
| May 28, 1993 |
21km SW of Lamont, California |
M5.2 |
82 km |
| Oct 3, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.2 |
99 km |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
7km ESE of Coso Junction, CA |
M5.2 |
65 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
17 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 19, 1962 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
EF0 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2019 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 2012 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 2010 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2007 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1997 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 1997 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF0 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 1993 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 1993 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1991 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1988 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Golden Trout Creek (83 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
83 km |
| Ubehebe Craters |
Maar(s) |
752 m (2,467 ft) |
-150 |
178 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 |
50 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
97,831 |
43 km |
| 2000 |
MANTER |
76,158 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
ERSKINE |
48,066 |
8 km |
| 2020 |
COLES FLAT |
41,143 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
PIER |
36,626 |
62 km |
| 2008 |
PIUTE |
36,251 |
15 km |
| 2016 |
CEDAR |
29,191 |
24 km |
| 2021 |
FRENCH |
27,331 |
17 km |
| 2011 |
BRECKENRIDGE COMPLEX |
27,229 |
37 km |
| 2011 |
COMANCHE |
25,965 |
64 km |
| 1984 |
BODFISH |
23,189 |
5 km |
| 1990 |
STORMY |
23,157 |
24 km |
| 2017 |
LION |
18,576 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
PINE |
18,309 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
LION |
17,671 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
BULL |
17,238 |
22 km |
| 2017 |
SCHAEFFER |
16,100 |
53 km |
| 2008 |
CLOVER |
14,778 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
Squirrel Mountain Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 44°F in December to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.8 inches, with February being the wettest month (2.4") and August the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Squirrel Mountain 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 | $1,527 |
| Toddler | $892 |
| Preschool | $739 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,029 |
| Toddler | $889 |
| Preschool | $826 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Mountain Valley
What is the population of Squirrel Mountain Valley?
Squirrel Mountain Valley has a population of 1,020 residents and is located in California. The population density is 567 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is Squirrel Mountain Valley expensive to live in?
Squirrel Mountain 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 home value is $345,500 (23% above the U.S. median).
What is the weather like in Squirrel Mountain Valley?
Squirrel Mountain Valley 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. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches, with 6.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 72.
How is the job market in Squirrel Mountain Valley?
The job market in Squirrel Mountain Valley is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. 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 35 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Squirrel Mountain Valley?
The median home value in Squirrel Mountain Valley is $345,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,739. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $312,500, with homes typically selling within 286 days. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,285.
How are the schools in Squirrel Mountain Valley?
Schools in Squirrel Mountain Valley have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.8% of adults in Squirrel Mountain Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Squirrel Mountain Valley?
The obesity rate in Squirrel Mountain Valley is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 2.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What is transportation like in Squirrel Mountain Valley?
The average commute in Squirrel Mountain Valley is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Squirrel Mountain Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Squirrel Mountain Valley is 99.1% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home. 13.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.