Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hinkley, CA
Considering a move to Hinkley, CA? This small, rural desert community of about 1,750 offers affordable housing with median home prices around $180,000 and rents near $950. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine (85% of days are sunny) and wide open spaces, but should plan for warm summers and modest local amenities. Crime rates are higher than average, and most students attend schools in nearby Barstow. Hinkley is best suited for those seeking a quiet lifestyle with lower living costs and don’t mind a longer commute to nearby towns.
Demographics - Hinkley, CA
Demographics - Hinkley, CA
Hinkley is a small, rural community with a population of about 1,750 residents and a low population density, offering a quiet and spacious environment. The median age is just over 41, and the area is predominantly White, with nearly one in five residents speaking a language other than English at home. The community features a slightly higher male-to-female ratio and a blend of cultures.
Population:
1,750
Density:
44 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.7
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
66.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
29.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hinkley, CA?
Hinkley offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $180,000 and average rents near $950, making it accessible for budget-conscious movers. Utility and transportation costs are a bit higher than the national average, but overall expenses remain below many California communities. State taxes are variable, so residents should consider their income levels when budgeting.
Median House Value:
$180,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.4
Grocery:
106.0
Housing:
78.2
Utilities:
115.7
Transportation:
111.5
Health Care:
102.9
Miscellaneous:
98.6
Crime
Is Hinkley, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Hinkley are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 263 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 46 chance of property crime. While the area offers a peaceful rural setting, new residents should stay informed about local safety measures. Awareness and community engagement can help mitigate risks.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,530
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Hinkley, CA year-round?
Hinkley enjoys a classic desert climate with hot, dry summers reaching up to 102°F and mild winters with lows around 33°F. The area receives minimal rainfall—just 4.5 inches annually—and boasts sunshine on 85% of days, ideal for those who love bright, clear weather. Seasonal temperature swings are notable, so both summer heat and cool winter nights are part of life here.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
102°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
Residents in Hinkley experience modest incomes, with a median household income of about $46,500 and a poverty rate of 21%. Most neighbors commute over 30 minutes for work, and fewer than 10% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community is close-knit, primarily relying on personal vehicles for transportation and enjoying affordable rents.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$46,500
Family Income:
$50,100
Per Capita Income:
$18,800
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
21.0%
Non English Speakers:
19.0%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
8.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
32.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
73.5%
Bachelors or More:
8.1%
Education
How are the schools in Hinkley, CA?
Educational opportunities in Hinkley primarily involve commuting to nearby Barstow, with Barstow High School serving most local students and offering a student-teacher ratio of 23:1. Barstow Community College, located just 13 miles away, provides convenient access to higher education and career training. While local school options are limited, families benefit from the resources available in the neighboring city.
Public Schools
Name:
Hinkley Elementary/Middle School (Closed)
Street:
37600 Hinkley Rd
Phone:
N/A
Students:
N/A
Student Teacher Ratio:
N/A
Name:
Barstow High School
Street:
430 S 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311
Phone:
760-255-6100
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
23:1
Colleges
Name:
Barstow Community College
City:
Barstow
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Healthcare options in Hinkley are anchored by nearby Barstow Community Hospital, offering general and emergency services within easy reach. Health insurance coverage is high at over 87%, but access to physicians is limited compared to urban areas. Residents benefit from solid healthcare resources given the rural setting but may need to travel for specialized care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Barstow Community Hospital
Address:
820 Mountain View Ave, Barstow, CA 92311
Phone:
(760) 256-1761
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.3%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hinkley, CA?
Hinkley’s housing market features affordable options, with median home prices at $180,000 and over 70% of homes owner-occupied. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $950, and vacancy rates remain moderate, allowing for flexibility in finding housing. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making the area attractive for first-time buyers.
Median Home Price:
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services for Hinkley residents are managed through the California Department of Motor Vehicles in San Bernardino. The DMV offers a range of services both online and in-person, ensuring convenient access for drivers and new residents. For more information or to make appointments, residents can visit the official DMV website or contact the local office.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
303 E. Vanderbilt Way, San Bernardino, CA 92408
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.