Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Onyx, CA
Considering a move to Onyx, CA? This small Kern County community of about 475 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $155,000 and rents around $900. Enjoy sunny high-desert weather with 77% sunny days each year and short, scenic commutes averaging 26.5 minutes. While the cost of living is below the national average, note the higher poverty rate and modest education levels. Onyx provides small-town charm, proximity to outdoor recreation, and relaxed rural lifestyle.
Demographics - Onyx, CA
Onyx, CA is a small and close-knit community of around 475 residents, with a median age of 56.2, making it popular among retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The population is predominantly White, and the area has a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a cohesive local culture.
Population:
475
Density:
195 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.0%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
16.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Onyx, CA?
Living in Onyx is affordable, with a median home value of $155,000 and average rent at $900, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, although utility and transportation costs run higher than average.
Median House Value:
$155,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.4
Grocery:
102.5
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
105.0
Miscellaneous:
100.0
Crime
Is Onyx, CA a safe place to live?
Onyx experiences moderate property crime, with a rate of 2,100 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains relatively low. Most residents enjoy a safe environment, but it's wise to take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,450
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Onyx, CA year-round?
The climate in Onyx features mild winters with lows around 30°F and hot summers reaching up to 98°F, offering plenty of sunny days—about 77% annually. The area receives minimal rainfall, making it ideal for those who prefer dry, high-desert conditions.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
98°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
8.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
77%
Neighbors
Residents of Onyx enjoy a laid-back rural lifestyle, with median household incomes around $31,500. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 25.2%, many appreciate the small-town feel, low commuter traffic, and strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$22,000
Household Income:
$31,500
Family Income:
$35,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,200
Income Male:
$23,000
Income Female:
$17,500
Poverty Rate:
25.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.8%
Bachelors or More:
10.2%
Education
How are the schools in Onyx, CA?
Onyx families have access to public schools in the area, including South Fork Middle School with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, and higher education at Cerro Coso Community College just 14 miles away. While there are no private school options locally, public educational resources support the needs of the community.
Public Schools
Name:
South Fork Middle School
Street:
5225 Kelso Valley Rd, Weldon, CA 93283
Phone:
760-378-4000
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Colleges
Name:
Cerro Coso Community College
City:
Lake Isabella
State:
CA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Onyx is served by Kern Valley Hospital nearby, providing general and emergency care, and most residents have health insurance coverage. Access to healthcare professionals is reasonable for a rural area, with approximately 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kern Valley Hospital
Address:
6412 Laurel Ave, Mt Mesa, CA 93240
Phone:
(760) 379-2681
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Onyx, CA?
The housing market in Onyx is characterized by affordable prices and a high owner-occupancy rate of 72%, with home values appreciating steadily at 4.1% annually. Rental options are available and vacancy rates are modest, supporting both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$155,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
DMV services for Onyx residents are managed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Bakersfield. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor services both in-person and online via the state DMV website.
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.