Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Inyokern, CA
Thinking of moving to Inyokern, CA? This quiet desert community of about 1,000 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $160,000 and average rents near $850. Enjoy abundant sunshine (85% sunny days a year), a relaxed rural feel, and quick commutes averaging 21 minutes. While education and healthcare resources are limited locally, nearby Ridgecrest fills the gap. Inyokern is ideal if you’re seeking wide open spaces and a low-key lifestyle in California’s high desert.
Demographics - Inyokern, CA
Demographics - Inyokern, CA
Inyokern is a small community with a population of 988 and a low density of 56 people per square mile, giving it a spacious, rural character. The median age is 48.6, reflecting a mature population, and the area is predominantly White (79.4%), with a modest presence of other ethnic groups. About 10% of residents speak a language other than English, contributing to some cultural diversity.
Population:
988
Density:
56 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
79.4%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
16.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Inyokern, CA?
Living in Inyokern is relatively affordable, with median home values around $160,000 and average rents at $850, making it attractive for budget-minded residents. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, though utilities and transportation costs are higher than average. State taxes range widely, but housing costs remain notably low for California.
Median House Value:
$160,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,560
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.0
Grocery:
98.3
Housing:
75.5
Utilities:
112.7
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
104.8
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Inyokern, CA a safe place to live?
Inyokern experiences low rates of violent crime, with a chance of about 1 in 476, but property crime is more common at 1 in 66. The overall crime index is moderate compared to national averages, offering a generally safe environment with some caution needed for property security. Residents appreciate a sense of safety typical of small rural towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,520
Crime Index:
1,730
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Inyokern, CA year-round?
The climate in Inyokern features hot, dry summers with highs reaching 102°F and mild winters with lows around 29°F. With an impressive 85% of days being sunny and only 4.2 inches of average annual rainfall, the area is ideal for those who enjoy abundant sunshine and a desert environment. Seasonal temperature swings make for distinct changes throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
59°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
102°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
Residents of Inyokern typically have a median household income of $40,900, and about 18.6% live below the poverty line, reflecting a working-class community. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the unemployment rate stands at 6.3%. Commutes are short, averaging just over 21 minutes, and the neighborhood maintains a relaxed, rural vibe.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$40,900
Family Income:
$46,700
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
18.6%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
6.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.7%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Inyokern, CA?
Education for Inyokern's youth is anchored by Inyokern Elementary School, serving about 220 students with a favorable student-teacher ratio. While there are no private schools in town, Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, just 9 miles away, offers higher education opportunities. Families benefit from a close-knit school community and nearby college resources.

Public Schools
Name:
Inyokern Elementary School
Street:
6601 Locust Ave
Phone:
760-499-1683
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2

Colleges
Name:
Cerro Coso Community College
City:
Ridgecrest
State:
CA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Inyokern is supported by nearby Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, which provides general and emergency services. Most residents (91.1%) have health insurance coverage, and there are about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, reflecting limited but accessible care. For specialized needs, residents often travel to nearby towns.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
Address:
1081 N China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone:
(760) 446-3551
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
62.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Inyokern, CA?
The housing market in Inyokern is affordable, with a median home price of $160,000 and strong owner occupancy at nearly 68%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $850 and a vacancy rate slightly above 8%. Home values are appreciating modestly, making this a stable market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$160,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle their motor vehicle needs through the California Department of Motor Vehicles office located in nearby Ridgecrest. The DMV provides full services including licensing, registration, and testing. Appointments and information are easily accessible online or by phone.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1320 N. China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
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.