Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bodfish, CA
Thinking of moving to Bodfish, CA? With a small-town population of about 2,000, Bodfish offers affordable housing—median home prices are just $178,000 and average rents hover around $930. The cost of living is below the national average, and you’ll enjoy 78% sunny days a year and quick 23-minute commutes. While crime rates are higher than average and incomes are modest, Bodfish is a friendly, scenic Kern County community with a relaxed pace, close proximity to nature, and a peaceful rural vibe.
Demographics - Bodfish, CA
Demographics - Bodfish, CA
Bodfish is a small community of just over 2,000 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 55.7, reflecting its appeal to older adults and retirees. The population density is low, giving the area a rural, spacious feel, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
2,008
Density:
429 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.7
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
8.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bodfish, CA?
Cost of living in Bodfish is affordable, with median home values at $178,000 and average rents around $930, well below California averages. Utilities and transportation costs are reasonable, and the overall cost of living index sits comfortably below the national average, making it an attractive choice for those seeking value.
Median House Value:
$178,000
Gross Rent:
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,030
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.3
Grocery:
99.0
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
100.2
Health Care:
95.5
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Bodfish, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Bodfish are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 262 chance of being a victim of violent crime and property crimes more common. Prospective residents should be aware of these statistics and consider local safety measures when choosing a neighborhood.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
382
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,562
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 262
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Bodfish, CA year-round?
Bodfish enjoys a pleasant climate with mild winters, hot summers, and around 78% sunny days each year, perfect for those who appreciate outdoor activities. Average rainfall is low at about 11 inches annually, contributing to the region’s dry and sunny character.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
57°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
98°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
The community has a modest median household income of $35,400 and a relatively high poverty rate of 24.7%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is a manageable 23 minutes, lending to a relaxed, small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$19,500
Household Income:
$35,400
Family Income:
$41,800
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$25,000
Income Female:
$18,000
Poverty Rate:
24.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$930
Unemployment Rate:
7.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
80.0%
Bachelors or More:
8.5%
Education
How are the schools in Bodfish, CA?
Public education in Bodfish is anchored by South Fork Elementary, serving local students with small class sizes, while higher education opportunities are available at Bakersfield College, about 37 miles away. There are currently no private schools in the immediate area, making public schooling the primary option for families.

Public Schools
Name:
South Fork Elementary School
Street:
6401 Fairfax Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93307
Phone:
661-845-3713
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.6

Colleges
Name:
Bakersfield College
City:
Bakersfield
State:
CA
Distance:
37 miles
Students:
24,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to Kern Valley Hospital just a short drive away, along with a decent physician-to-population ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage stands at 85.2%, ensuring most locals can access essential healthcare services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Kern Valley Hospital
Address:
6412 Laurel Ave, Mountain Mesa, CA 93240
Phone:
(760) 379-2681
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.2%
Health Care Index:
66.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bodfish, CA?
Bodfish’s housing market is budget-friendly, with median home prices at $178,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74%. Home values have seen moderate appreciation over the past year, and rental options are available with a relatively high vacancy rate, providing flexibility for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$178,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Bakersfield. Residents can handle registrations, licensing, and other vehicle needs either in person or online.
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.