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 413,175 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $362,000 and average rents near $1,380. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (78% 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 413,175 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 42% White, 8% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 35% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
413,175
Density
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age
31.6
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
35.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
41.8%
Black
7.6%
Asian
7.3%
Others
43.3%

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 $362,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,380. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$362,000
Gross Rent
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges
$150
Auto Insurance
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 1%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
104.5
Grocery
101.2
Housing
97.8
Utilities
108.4
Transportation
103.1
Health Care
101.6
Miscellaneous
99.7

Crime

Is Bakersfield, CA a safe place to live?

Bakersfield is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 467 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 37. 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
467
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,676
Crime Index
3,143
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 214
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 37

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 39°F. The area receives about 7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 78% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
39°F
Max
59°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
97°F

Spring

Min
49°F
Max
77°F

Fall

Min
53°F
Max
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches
6.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
78%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $70,200 and a low poverty rate of 17.2%. Over 79% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,000
Household Income
$70,200
Family Income
$75,900
Per Capita Income
$26,200
Income Male
$40,700
Income Female
$33,800
Poverty Rate
17.2%
Non English Speakers
35.2%
Rent
$1,380
Unemployment Rate
7.5%
Public Transport Usage
1.7%
Commute Time
23.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
78.5%
Bachelors or More
17.4%

Education

How are the schools in Bakersfield, CA?

Bakersfield offers quality education options, with public schools like Stockdale High School and Downtown Elementary 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
Stockdale High School
Street
2800 Buena Vista Rd
Phone
661-665-2800
Students
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio
25.1
Name
Downtown Elementary School
Street
2021 M St
Phone
661-631-5940
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
20.6

Private Schools

Name
Bakersfield Christian High School
Street
12775 Stockdale Hwy
Phone
661-410-7000
Students
600

Colleges

Name
California State University, Bakersfield
City
Bakersfield
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
11,500
Name
Bakersfield College
City
Bakersfield
State
CA
Distance
4 miles
Students
24,000

Healthcare

Bakersfield residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Adventist Health Bakersfield and Kern Medical nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 people and 89.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Adventist Health Bakersfield
Address
2615 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone
(661) 395-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Kern Medical
Address
1700 Mount Vernon Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Phone
(661) 326-2000
Type
General & Teaching
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage
89.1%
Health Care Index
69.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Bakersfield, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $362,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 2.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.9%. Bakersfield offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$362,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate
58.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
2.6%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

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
3120 F Street, 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 413,175, median home value $362,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,380, commute time 23.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 78%.

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