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Is Delano a Good Place to Live? Delano, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Delano ranks #1233 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #497 of 524 smaller cities and #171 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and low rents ($1,199/mo, #121 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (20.2%, #476 of 476) and a shrinking population (-1.4%, #464 of 468).
Delano by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Delano'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 Delano?
Delano'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 $1,199/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $334,193, 56% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Delano | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $334,193#479 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,318/mo#180 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $301,900#534 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,199/mo#437 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.5%#617 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Delano 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. Delano is in the Bakersfield, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Delano safe?
Delano recorded 331 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% below the US rate of 373 and 25% below California's 440. That ranks #603 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #269 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Delano Police Department. Property crime runs 696 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Delano | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 331#603 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 696#88 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Delano?
The median household in Delano earns $67,010, 13% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 20.2% (US 4.2%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Delano | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $67,010#876 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 20.2%#1058 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16%#922 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -1.4%#1120 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Delano?
The median resident of Delano is 33.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 7.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1312 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Delano | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 7.3%#1312 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Delano's schools and health?
Delano's 16 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.4 students per teacher and $21,087 spent per pupil. 36.9% of adults are obese and 14.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Delano | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 21.4#992 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,087#159 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.9%#939 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.9%#1160 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.2%#1194 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 24.2%#1260 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,033 students are enrolled in Delano's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Delano?
The average commute in Delano is 22.2 minutes (California 25.2); 0.1% of workers take transit and 2.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Delano scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.2°F and winters 48.6°F, with 7.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Delano | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.2 min#520 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 76.3% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 2.8% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 56 | 37.7 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 62.8 | 40.9 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 69.2 | 44.8 | 1.4 |
| Apr | 75 | 49.1 | 0.6 |
| May | 83.1 | 55.5 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 92.2 | 61.8 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 97.3 | 67.6 | 0 |
| Aug | 96.5 | 65.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 90.7 | 61.6 | 0 |
| Oct | 79.6 | 52.6 | 0.4 |
| Nov | 66.3 | 42.5 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 57.2 | 36.7 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Delano.
| Measure | Delano | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 64.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 80.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 48.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 7.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Delano.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Delano?
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 | Delano | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 70#1050 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 65#1064 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.22%#993 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Delano compare with similar-size cities?
Delano is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #497 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 51,679.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delano, CAPop. 51,679 | #1233 | 43.4 | $67,010 | $1,199/mo | 331 | 22.2 min |
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #13 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data | 33.5 min |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #426 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 | 19.4 min |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #556 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 | 25.8 min |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #132 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 | 24.9 min |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #836 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 | 31.2 min |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #1076 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 | 24.2 min |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #120 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 | 25.1 min |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | #670 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 | 26.7 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 Delano compare with the rest of California?
Delano ranks #171 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 43.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 27% below the California median. Violent crime is 25% below the statewide rate. Homes are 56% 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 |
| Salinas, CAPop. 161,761 | … #167 | 44.7 | $91,908 | $1,991/mo | 516 |
| El Cajon, CAPop. 104,449 | #168 | 44.0 | $67,511 | $1,856/mo | 457 |
| Antioch, CAPop. 116,477 | #169 | 43.8 | $97,465 | $2,278/mo | 762 |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #170 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 |
| Delano, CAPop. 51,679 | #171 | 43.4 | $67,010 | $1,199/mo | 331 |
| Hesperia, CAPop. 100,775 | #172 | 43.3 | $72,160 | $1,590/mo | 463 |
| Hawthorne, CAPop. 85,191 | #173 | 43.2 | $75,848 | $1,782/mo | 571 |
| Lynwood, CAPop. 64,578 | #174 | 43.2 | $74,844 | $1,652/mo | 743 |
| Huntington Park, CAPop. 53,108 | #175 | 43.2 | $59,996 | $1,505/mo | 510 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Delano among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Delano's score calculated?
Delano scores 43.4 out of 100, #1233 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 Delano. Similar-size median 55.5.
13.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Delano's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
80.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Delano. Similar-size median 58.9.
37.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Delano's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
67.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Delano's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
69.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Delano. Similar-size median 56.1.
39.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Delano. Similar-size median 42.4.
6.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Delano. Similar-size median 50.0.
38.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Delano's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
38.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
11.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Delano's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Delano 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 Delano
Is Delano, CA a good place to live?
Delano ranks #1233 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #497 of 524 smaller cities and #171 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and low rents ($1,199/mo, #121 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (20.2%, #476 of 476) and a shrinking population (-1.4%, #464 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Delano?
Delano'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 $1,199/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $334,193, 56% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Delano?
Delano recorded 331 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% below the US rate of 373 and 25% below California's 440. That ranks #603 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #269 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Delano Police Department. Property crime runs 696 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Delano?
The median household in Delano earns $67,010, 13% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 20.2% (US 4.2%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Delano?
Median rent in Delano is $1,199/mo (Census), #437 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,318/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Delano?
Zillow's typical home value in Delano is $334,193, up 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $301,900.
How are the public schools in Delano?
Delano's 16 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.4 students per teacher and $21,087 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Delano?
The average commute is 22.2 minutes, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Delano?
Delano averages 64.3°F over the year, 80.2°F in summer and 48.6°F in winter, with 7.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Delano walkable?
Delano scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 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 Delano 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 Delano?
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 Delano?
Delano has 51,679 residents. The median resident of Delano is 33.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 7.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1312 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Delano compare with the rest of California?
Delano ranks #171 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 43.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 27% below the California median. Violent crime is 25% below the statewide rate. Homes are 56% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Delano?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Delano's population of 51,679 are Levittown, NY (#13 overall), Columbus, IN (#426 overall), Florissant, MO (#556 overall), Dunwoody, GA (#132 overall), and Summerville, SC (#836 overall). Delano is #1233.