California / Kern County

Moving to Bakersfield, CA

Thinking of making a move to Bakersfield, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bakersfield, CA

Considering a move to Bakersfield, CA? This welcoming community of 403,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $390,000 and average rents near $1,620. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (79% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Bakersfield's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield has a population of 403,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 32% White, 7% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 37% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
403,000
Density
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age
31.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
36.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
32.0%
Black
7.0%
Asian
8.0%
Others
53.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Bakersfield, CA?

The cost of living in Bakersfield is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.5. Median home values are around $390,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,520. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$390,000
Gross Rent
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges
$170
Auto Insurance
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
104.5
Grocery
101.8
Housing
103.2
Utilities
109.6
Transportation
112.4
Health Care
101.5
Miscellaneous
99.8

Crime

Is Bakersfield, CA a safe place to live?

Bakersfield is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 510 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 38. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
510
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,650
Crime Index
3,160
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 196
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 38

Weather

What is the weather like in Bakersfield, CA year-round?

Bakersfield experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 97°F and cold winters dipping to 38°F. The area receives about 7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 79% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
38°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
70°F
Max
97°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
78°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches
6.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
79%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $68,000 and a low poverty rate of 19.5%. Over 77% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$35,500
Household Income
$68,000
Family Income
$76,500
Per Capita Income
$24,800
Income Male
$39,500
Income Female
$31,500
Poverty Rate
19.5%
Non English Speakers
42.0%
Rent
$1,520
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
Public Transport Usage
2.5%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
76.5%
Bachelors or More
20.8%

Education

How are the schools in Bakersfield, CA?

Bakersfield offers quality education options, with public schools like Bakersfield High School and Frontier High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including California State University, Bakersfield and Bakersfield College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Bakersfield High School
Street
1241 G St
Phone
661-324-9841
Students
2,800
Student Teacher Ratio
22.0
Name
Frontier High School
Street
6401 Allen Rd
Phone
661-829-6810
Students
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio
24.1

Private Schools

Name
Bakersfield Christian High School
Street
12775 Stockdale Hwy
Phone
661-852-5700
Students
650

Colleges

Name
California State University, Bakersfield
City
Bakersfield
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
11,000
Name
Bakersfield College
City
Bakersfield
State
CA
Distance
7 miles
Students
28,000

Healthcare

Bakersfield residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and Mercy Hospital Downtown Bakersfield nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 86.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
Address
420 34th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone
(661) 395-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Mercy Hospital Downtown Bakersfield
Address
2215 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone
(661) 632-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
86.8%
Health Care Index
67.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Bakersfield, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $390,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 59%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Bakersfield offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,620
Owner Occupied Rate
59.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Bakersfield handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Bakersfield. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Bakersfield, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Bakersfield, review the core fields on this page: population 403,000, median home value $390,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,620, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 79%.

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