CaliforniaPop. 411,986Big cities
Is Bakersfield a Good Place to Live? Bakersfield, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bakersfield ranks #1124 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #43 of 53 big cities and #153 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.7%, #14 of 53), and trails on high unemployment (6.6%, #50 of 53).
Bakersfield by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bakersfield's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,472/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $388,250, 49% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Bakersfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $388,250#597 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,858/mo#617 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $371,700#717 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,472/mo#702 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 21.9%#669 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bakersfield housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bakersfield is in the Bakersfield, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Bakersfield safe?
Bakersfield recorded 496 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 15% above California's 433. That ranks #840 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #27 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bakersfield Police Department. Property crime runs 2,260 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bakersfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 496#840 of 1,085 | 433 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,260#780 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bakersfield?
The median household in Bakersfield earns $80,540, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 6.6% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bakersfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $80,540#609 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 6.6%#1012 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 16.3%#936 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bakersfield?
The median resident of Bakersfield is 32.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bakersfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 32.1 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 23.6%#1035 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 60.6% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bakersfield's schools and health?
Bakersfield's 111 public schools graduate 85.4% of students in four years (California 87%), with 22.8 students per teacher and $17,863 spent per pupil. 34.5% of adults are obese and 12.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Bakersfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 85.4%#699 of 1,063 | 87% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 22.8#1072 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $17,863#352 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 34.5%#734 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 12.4%#854 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.3%#1094 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 100,028 students are enrolled in Bakersfield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bakersfield?
The average commute in Bakersfield is 23.6 minutes (California 29.7); 0.4% of workers take transit and 8.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bakersfield scores 12 of 20 (above average walkable), #476 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.3°F and winters 50.8°F, with 6.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bakersfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 23.6 min#644 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 79.1% | 67.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.4% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 0.8% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 8.2% | 14.1% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12#476 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58.5 | 40.5 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 64.3 | 43.2 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 70.2 | 47 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 75.9 | 50.7 | 0.6 |
| May | 84.1 | 58 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 92.3 | 65.1 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 98.3 | 71.3 | 0 |
| Aug | 96.9 | 70 | 0 |
| Sep | 91.4 | 65 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 80.2 | 55.2 | 0.3 |
| Nov | 67.1 | 45.4 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 58.8 | 39.6 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bakersfield Airport.
| Measure | Bakersfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 66.2°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 82.3°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 50.8°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 6.4 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bakersfield Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bakersfield?
Kern County's air had a median air quality index of 70, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 65 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kern County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Bakersfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 70#1050 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 65#1064 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.22%#993 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kern County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kern County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.085% | 96% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.025% | 91% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.086% | 56% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bakersfield compare with similar-size cities?
Bakersfield is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #43 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 411,986.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #1124 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 | 23.6 min |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 min |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 min |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #649 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 | 24.8 min |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 min |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #911 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 | 28.6 min |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #1089 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year | 22.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bakersfield compare with the rest of California?
Bakersfield ranks #153 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.4 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 20% below the California median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 49% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | … #149 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 |
| Santa Maria, CAPop. 110,462 | #150 | 47.8 | $84,746 | $1,925/mo | 624 |
| Bellflower, CAPop. 76,819 | #151 | 47.8 | $78,722 | $1,830/mo | 579 |
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | #152 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #153 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 |
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | #154 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 |
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #155 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 |
| Modesto, CAPop. 219,215 | #156 | 47.1 | $79,891 | $1,690/mo | 587 |
| Paramount, CAPop. 52,050 | #157 | 47.1 | $75,250 | $1,875/mo | 641 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Bakersfield among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Bakersfield's score calculated?
Bakersfield scores 47.4 out of 100, #1124 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bakersfield. Similar-size median 53.8.
39.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bakersfield's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
59.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bakersfield. Similar-size median 54.8.
46.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bakersfield's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
47.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bakersfield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
63.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bakersfield. Similar-size median 47.2.
45.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bakersfield. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bakersfield. Similar-size median 53.7.
41.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bakersfield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
57.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
11.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bakersfield's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bakersfield has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bakersfield
Is Bakersfield, CA a good place to live?
Bakersfield ranks #1124 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #43 of 53 big cities and #153 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.7%, #14 of 53), and trails on high unemployment (6.6%, #50 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,472/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $388,250, 49% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield recorded 496 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 15% above California's 433. That ranks #840 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #27 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bakersfield Police Department. Property crime runs 2,260 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bakersfield?
The median household in Bakersfield earns $80,540, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 6.6% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bakersfield?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,472/mo (Census), #702 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,858/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bakersfield?
The typical home value in Bakersfield is $388,250, up 0% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $371,700.
How are the public schools in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield's 111 public schools graduate 85.4% of students in four years (California 87%), with 22.8 students per teacher and $17,863 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bakersfield?
The average commute is 23.6 minutes, #644 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield averages 66.2°F over the year, 82.3°F in summer and 50.8°F in winter, with 6.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bakersfield walkable?
Bakersfield scores 12 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #476 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bakersfield at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kern County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bakersfield?
Kern County's air had a median air quality index of 70, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 65 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has 411,986 residents. The median resident of Bakersfield is 32.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bakersfield compare with the rest of California?
Bakersfield ranks #153 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.4 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 20% below the California median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 49% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Bakersfield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bakersfield's population of 411,986 are Virginia Beach, VA (#254 overall), Minneapolis, MN (#759 overall), Tulsa, OK (#1127 overall), Tampa, FL (#649 overall), and Wichita, KS (#1135 overall). Bakersfield is #1124.