Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kernville, CA
Thinking about a move to Kernville, CA? This scenic small town of about 1,260 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $290,000 and average rents around $950. Residents enjoy a sunny climate with 78% sunny days and warm summers, plus short commutes averaging just 21 minutes. Crime rates are moderate and the community boasts easy access to outdoor recreation along the Kern River. While local schools are small and income levels are modest, Kernville is a peaceful spot for nature lovers or retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
Demographics - Kernville, CA
Demographics - Kernville, CA
Kernville is a close-knit community of about 1,260 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 56, indicating a mature and settled demographic. The town has a balanced gender ratio and around 9% of residents speak a language other than English, contributing to its small-town diversity.
Population:
1,260
Density:
310 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.0
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
13.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kernville, CA?
Living in Kernville is relatively affordable for California, with a median home value of $290,000 and average rents near $950 per month. The overall cost of living index of 107 reflects modest expenses on housing, groceries, and utilities compared to larger urban areas.
Median House Value:
$290,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.0
Grocery:
104.0
Housing:
103.0
Utilities:
109.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
103.0
Crime
Is Kernville, CA a safe place to live?
Kernville experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at about 1 in 435 and property crime at 1 in 60. The community maintains a generally safe atmosphere, but prospective residents should remain mindful of property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
230
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,880
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 435
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Kernville, CA year-round?
Kernville enjoys a pleasant climate, featuring warm summers with highs around 97°F and mild winters with lows near 34°F. Residents benefit from abundant sunshine, experiencing about 78% sunny days each year and moderate annual rainfall.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
97°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
The typical household in Kernville earns around $38,500 annually, with a poverty rate of 21.5% and an unemployment rate of 7.8%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and commute times are short, averaging just over 21 minutes.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$47,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,000
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
9.0%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Kernville, CA?
Kernville offers public education through local schools like Kernville Elementary, which serves about 240 students with a student-teacher ratio of 19.5. Higher education opportunities are available within reach, with Bakersfield College located 45 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Kernville Elementary School
Street:
13350 Sierra Way
Phone:
760-376-2276
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5

Colleges
Name:
Bakersfield College
City:
Bakersfield
State:
CA
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
27,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kernville is anchored by Kern Valley Hospital, offering critical access and emergency services nearby. The area has about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of locals have health insurance coverage.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Kern Valley Hospital
Address:
6412 Laurel Ave, Mt Mesa, CA 93240
Phone:
(760) 379-2681
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kernville, CA?
Kernville's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $290,000 and a homeownership rate close to 60%. Rental options are accessible, with an average two-bedroom rent of $950 and a low foreclosure rate, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$290,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Kernville can access full DMV services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles in Bakersfield, located at 3120 F St. Online services and statewide resources are also available for licensing, registration, and vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3120 F St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
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.