What Should I Know Before Moving to Barstow?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in Barstow. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for Barstow climate and weather.

How Much Do Movers Charge in Barstow?

Moving within Barstow usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to Barstow?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in Barstow. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Companies in Barstow Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in Barstow offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from Barstow, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from Barstow at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

Moving to Barstow, CA | Find Trusted Movers & Services

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barstow, CA

Considering a move to Barstow, CA? With a population of around 24,400, Barstow offers a very affordable cost of living, with median home prices at $212,000 and average rents about $1,100. Residents enjoy over 80% sunny days each year, easy commutes (22.7 minutes on average), and nearby access to Barstow Community College. While crime rates are higher than average, Barstow provides a small-town desert lifestyle and low housing costs, making it attractive for those seeking sunshine and affordability.

Demographics - Barstow, CA

Barstow is home to about 24,400 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 33.2 and a diverse population with significant White, Black, and Hispanic representation. The city has a slightly higher proportion of males to females and around one in five residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural community.

Population:

24,404

Density:

1,100 per sq mi

Median Age:

33.2

Gender Ratio:

103 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

21.5%

Ethnic Composition

White:

34.0%

Black:

17.2%

Asian:

2.7%

Others:

46.1%

Cost Of Living

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

Barstow offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $212,000 and average rents at $1,100, well below California averages. Utility costs run slightly higher, but overall living expenses are nearly 10% lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.

Median House Value:

$212,000

Gross Rent:

$1,100

Monthly Electricity Charges:

$150

Auto Insurance:

$1,650

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

$1,340

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

$420

State Taxes:

Low:

1% (property tax)

High:

13.3% (income tax)

Cost Of Living Index:

89.7

Grocery:

99.5

Housing:

62.1

Utilities:

112.0

Transportation:

104.0

Health Care:

101.0

Miscellaneous:

96.0

Crime

Is Barstow, CA a safe place to live?

Barstow experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a resident’s chance of encountering property crime at about 1 in 37 and violent crime at 1 in 121. Prospective residents should be aware of these statistics when considering safety and neighborhood selection.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

824

Property Crimes Per 100k:

2,694

Crime Index:

3,518

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 121

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 37

Weather

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

Barstow enjoys over 300 sunny days per year and has a classic desert climate, with summer highs frequently topping 100°F and mild winters rarely dipping below freezing. Rainfall is scarce, averaging just 4.6 inches annually, making it ideal for those who appreciate warmth and sunshine.

Winter

Min:

34°F

Max:

60°F

Spring

Min:

45°F

Max:

78°F

Summer

Min:

70°F

Max:

104°F

Fall

Min:

53°F

Max:

86°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

4.6 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

83%

Neighbors

Typical Barstow households earn a median income around $51,000, though the city faces a higher poverty rate at 23.1%. Most residents drive to work, with short commutes averaging 23 minutes, and about 78% have at least a high school diploma, highlighting a working-class, close-knit community.

Median Income:

$46,200

Household Income:

$51,000

Family Income:

$54,700

Per Capita Income:

$21,700

Income Male:

$37,000

Income Female:

$30,600

Poverty Rate:

23.1%

Non English Speakers:

21.5%

Rent:

$1,100

Unemployment Rate:

8.5%

Public Transport Usage:

1.3%

Commute Time:

22.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

77.8%

Bachelors or More:

11.2%

Education

How are the schools in Barstow, CA?

Barstow’s public schools, such as Barstow High School and Cameron Elementary, offer a range of educational options with manageable class sizes, while Barstow Community College provides accessible higher education within the city. Private schooling and nearby colleges expand opportunities for families and students of all ages.

Public Schools

Name:

Barstow High School

Street:

430 S 1st Ave

Phone:

760-255-6100

Students:

1,360

Student Teacher Ratio:

20.2

Name:

Cameron Elementary School

Street:

801 Muriel Dr

Phone:

760-255-6260

Students:

410

Student Teacher Ratio:

23.1

Private Schools

Name:

Barstow Christian School

Street:

800 Armory Rd

Phone:

760-256-5617

Students:

Colleges

Name:

Barstow Community College

City:

Barstow

State:

Distance:

0 miles

Students:

3,400

Name:

Victor Valley College

City:

Victorville

State:

Distance:

38 miles

Students:

12,000

Healthcare

Barstow offers accessible healthcare through Barstow Community Hospital, which provides emergency and general medical services. With nearly 90% of residents insured and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, basic healthcare needs are well-supported in the area.

Major Hospitals

Name:

Barstow Community Hospital

Address:

820 E Mountain View St, Barstow, CA 92311

Phone:

(760) 256-1761

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

1.7

Health Insurance Coverage:

89.7%

Health Care Index:

76.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Barstow, CA?

The Barstow housing market is notably affordable, with median home prices at $212,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,100. Just under half of residents own their homes, and property values have seen steady appreciation over the past year, making it a budget-friendly market with moderate growth.

Median Home Price:

$212,000

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$1,100

Owner Occupied Rate:

49.8%

Rental Vacancy Rate:

11.3%

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

5.1%

New Construction Rate:

0.9%

Foreclosure Rate:

0.6%

DMV Information

Residents can handle vehicle registration and licensing needs locally at the Barstow branch of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on E Virginia Way. Full DMV services and information are available both in-person and online through the state's official website.

State:

California

Department:

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Address:

528 E Virginia Way, Barstow, CA 92311

Phone:

1-800-777-0133

Website:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov

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.