Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Irwin, CA
Considering a move to Fort Irwin, CA? This unique military community of about 8,200 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $295,000 and average rents near $1,500. Enjoy an extremely sunny, dry climate (85% sunny days!) and very short commutes under 8 minutes. Crime rates are low, and the area is served by dedicated schools and Weed Army Community Hospital. Fort Irwin’s small-town feel is enhanced by its youthful population, military support, and access to the Mojave Desert's dramatic landscapes.
Demographics - Fort Irwin, CA
Demographics - Fort Irwin, CA
Fort Irwin is a youthful, close-knit community of approximately 8,200 residents, with a median age of 24.6 and a notably higher male population due to its military presence. The population is diverse, with 64% identifying as White and 17% as Black, and about 12% speak a language other than English at home. This demographic profile creates a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere ideal for military families and young professionals.
Population:
8,200
Density:
660 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.6
Gender Ratio:
150 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
64.0%
Black:
17.2%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
16.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Irwin, CA?
The cost of living in Fort Irwin is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 112. Housing remains relatively affordable for California, with a median home value of $295,000 and average rent around $1,500 per month. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly above average, but residents benefit from low commute times and access to essential services.
Median House Value:
$295,000
Gross Rent:
$1,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.0
Grocery:
108.0
Housing:
96.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
104.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
106.0
Crime
Is Fort Irwin, CA a safe place to live?
Fort Irwin boasts low crime rates compared to many California communities, with a violent crime rate of just 180 per 100,000 people and a 1 in 555 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime is also lower than state averages, making the area a safe and secure place to live. This safe environment adds to the appeal for military families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,130
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 105
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Irwin, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a sunny, arid desert climate, with mild winters averaging 35–60°F and hot summers reaching up to 103°F. With 85% of days being sunny and only about 4 inches of rainfall annually, outdoor activities are accessible year-round. The weather is ideal for those who prefer dry, warm conditions and plenty of sunshine.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
103°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
The community's median household income is $51,700, reflecting a stable local economy with a significant military influence. Most residents have short commutes, typically under 8 minutes, and 92% have at least a high school diploma. With a poverty rate of 14.2% and low public transportation use, Fort Irwin is a self-contained, supportive environment.
Median Income:
$40,800
Household Income:
$51,700
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$25,500
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
12.0%
Rent:
$1,500
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
7.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
14.0%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Irwin, CA?
Fort Irwin offers quality public education with small class sizes, highlighted by Fort Irwin Middle School and Lewis Elementary School. For higher education, Barstow Community College is located about 38 miles away and serves over 3,000 students. The city’s schools and nearby college ensure educational needs are met from early years through adulthood.
Public Schools
Name:
Fort Irwin Middle School
Street:
5353 Eighth St
Phone:
760-386-1133
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Lewis Elementary School
Street:
1800 Blackhawk Dr
Phone:
760-386-1900
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Colleges
Name:
Barstow Community College
City:
Barstow
State:
CA
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Fort Irwin is served primarily by the Weed Army Community Hospital, offering military-focused healthcare and emergency services within the city. With 98% health insurance coverage and 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, most families have access to essential medical care. The area’s healthcare index suggests reliable, though limited, local services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Weed Army Community Hospital
Address:
390 N Loop Rd, Fort Irwin, CA 92310
Phone:
(760) 380-3114
Type:
Military General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
98.0%
Health Care Index:
70.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Irwin, CA?
The housing market in Fort Irwin is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $295,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom unit at $1,500. The community is predominantly renter-occupied, with only 10.5% owner-occupied homes, but home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year. Rental vacancy rates are slightly above average, offering newcomers a range of options.
Median Home Price:
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
10.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Fort Irwin are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Barstow. The DMV provides all standard services, including licensing and vehicle registration, easily accessible for city residents. For more information or appointment scheduling, visit the California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
303 E. Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311
Phone:
(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.