Median Income
$67,785
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$344,700
22% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
392/100K
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,278
10% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Tehachapi Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population12,366
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density1,204/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 60%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,785
Per Capita$23,388
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$63,070M
Commute26 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$344,700
Rent$1,278
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$417,897
Crime
F
Violent392/100K
Property2,377/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault315/100K
Burglary900/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression22.1%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
AQI48 (Good)
Rain12.7 in/yr
Elevation3,954 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+78.7%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 38%
Commute26 min
EV Stations15
Libraries28
Is Tehachapi a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tehachapi receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Tehachapi has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tehachapi is $67,785, 10% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tehachapi is $344,700, 22% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,278 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 5.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,377 per 100,000, 21% above the national average.
Education
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Tehachapi experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Tehachapi has a population of 12,366 with a density of 1,204 people per square mile. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (59.9%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 6.7% Black.
Population
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Tehachapi vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 74.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Spanish | 25.2% |
| 88% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Tehachapi vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Tehachapi is $67,785, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income: Tehachapi vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,785 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,388 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,155 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,998 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% 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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Tehachapi is $344,700, 22% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,278 (10% above US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $417,897.
Home Values
| Census Median | $344,700 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $417,897 |
| Median List Price | $364,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $364,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $240 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.7% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 30 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,278 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,079 |
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
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.53% |
In Tehachapi, 34.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 22.1% report depression. 27.0% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Tehachapi vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,838 |
Tehachapi has a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,377 per 100,000 (21% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Tehachapi vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 392.4/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 38.5/100K |
| Robbery | 38.5/100K |
| Assault | 315.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,377.5/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
| Burglary | 900.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,384.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 92.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 197 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tehachapi has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation is 12.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 12.7 inches |
| 67% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,954 ft (1,205 m) |
| Area | 10.3 sq mi (26.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,204/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.1430°N, 118.4460°W |
| County FIPS | 06029 |