Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Balance Rock, CA
Thinking about moving to Balance Rock, CA? This small, scenic community of around 250 residents offers affordable housing with a median home price of $395,000 and average rents near $1,200. Crime rates are low, with only 120 violent crimes per 100K. Commute times average about 30 minutes, and you'll enjoy 72% sunny days annually. The area features a peaceful rural lifestyle, basic educational options, and access to nearby healthcare, making it ideal for those seeking quiet living in a beautiful California setting.
Demographics - Balance Rock, CA
Demographics - Balance Rock, CA
Balance Rock, CA is a close-knit rural community with about 250 residents and a median age of 48, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White, with a small but diverse mix of other ethnicities and nearly 9% of the population speaking a language other than English at home. Its low population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.
Population:
250
Density:
50 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
19.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Balance Rock, CA?
Living in Balance Rock comes with a cost of living index of 117, slightly above the national average, largely due to higher housing and utility costs. The median home value is $395,000, and renters can expect average monthly rents of $1,200. Essential expenses like groceries, transportation, and healthcare are also somewhat elevated, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$395,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$580
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.0
Grocery:
111.0
Housing:
128.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
115.0
Health Care:
109.5
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Balance Rock, CA a safe place to live?
Balance Rock boasts low crime rates, with only 120 violent crimes and 930 property crimes per 100,000 residents, providing a safe environment for families and retirees. Residents have a 1 in 833 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it one of the safer communities in the region. Its overall crime index indicates a tranquil setting ideal for those prioritizing safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
930
Crime Index:
1,050
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 107
Weather
What is the weather like in Balance Rock, CA year-round?
Residents in Balance Rock enjoy a pleasant climate with mild winters (lows around 36°F) and warm, sunny summers reaching up to 88°F. The area receives about 22 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine roughly 72% of the year. This favorable weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
55°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $64,500 and a poverty rate of 11.5%, reflecting modest but stable economic conditions. Most residents commute about 30 minutes to work, with public transportation usage being minimal. Educational attainment is strong, with 88% holding at least a high school diploma and nearly a quarter having a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$64,500
Family Income:
$70,500
Per Capita Income:
$29,200
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.0%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Balance Rock, CA?
Education in Balance Rock includes Isabella Elementary School, which offers a supportive learning environment with a student-teacher ratio of about 16.5. While there are no private schools in town, families benefit from proximity to Bakersfield College’s Kern River Valley Campus just 10 miles away. The community’s educational options are well-suited for families seeking quality public schooling and local access to higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Isabella Elementary School
Street:
3240 Erskine Creek Rd
Phone:
760-379-2556
Students:
280
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Colleges
Name:
Kern River Valley Campus (Bakersfield College)
City:
Lake Isabella
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Balance Rock is served by Kern Valley Hospital, offering general and emergency care within easy reach. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of the population covered by health insurance, basic healthcare needs are well supported. The area’s healthcare index of 69.2 reflects accessible services for a small community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kern Valley Hospital
Address:
6412 Laurel Ave, Mountain Mesa, CA 93240
Phone:
(760) 379-2681
Type:
General & Acute Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Balance Rock, CA?
The housing market in Balance Rock is characterized by a median home price of $395,000 and a 73.5% owner-occupied rate, indicating a stable and homeowner-oriented community. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,200 and a vacancy rate of 7.5%. Property values have seen steady appreciation, making it a sound choice for long-term residents.
Median Home Price:
$395,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents in Balance Rock manage vehicle registrations and licensing through the California Department of Motor Vehicles in Bakersfield, conveniently located about an hour away. The DMV provides comprehensive services, and appointments can be made online or by phone. This ensures that all transportation and licensing needs are efficiently handled for locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3120 F Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
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.