Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ridgecrest, CA
Thinking of moving to Ridgecrest, CA? With a population of nearly 28,000, Ridgecrest offers an affordable lifestyle with median home prices around $257,000 and average rents near $1,180. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine (85% sunny days), quick commutes averaging 16 minutes, and access to respected local schools and healthcare. Crime rates are moderate, and the city’s desert climate means hot summers and mild winters—ideal for those who love dry, warm weather.
Demographics - Ridgecrest, CA
Demographics - Ridgecrest, CA
Ridgecrest is home to nearly 28,000 residents, with a median age of 34.9 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, reflecting moderate diversity. About 16.5% of locals speak a language other than English at home, adding to the city's cultural mix.
Population:
27,959
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.9
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.2%
Black:
6.2%
Asian:
6.0%
Others:
19.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with median home values around $257,000 and typical rents at $1,180 per month. Utilities and healthcare run a bit higher than average, but housing is notably more affordable than in many parts of California. State taxes range from relatively low property tax to higher income tax rates, making budgeting important for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$257,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
1% (property)
|
High:
13.3% (income)
Cost Of Living Index:
98.6
Grocery:
104.0
Housing:
82.0
Utilities:
122.0
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
107.0
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Ridgecrest, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Ridgecrest are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 323 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,833 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 310, and property crime is 1 in 55. Overall, the city provides a generally safe environment, though it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
323
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,833
Crime Index:
2,156
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 310
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 55
Weather
What is the weather like in Ridgecrest, CA year-round?
Ridgecrest experiences a classic high desert climate, featuring hot, dry summers with highs often reaching 104°F and mild winters with lows around 30°F. The city sees about 4.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 85% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bright, arid environment. Seasonal temperature swings are significant, so residents should prepare for both cool nights and very warm days.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
104°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
Residents in Ridgecrest enjoy a median household income of $73,667 and a per capita income of $32,600. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, with nearly a quarter holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the average commute is a quick 16 minutes. While the poverty rate is 13.5%, the community is largely family-oriented and welcoming.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$73,667
Family Income:
$86,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,600
Income Male:
$50,000
Income Female:
$44,800
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
15.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
24.5%
Education
How are the schools in Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest offers a strong educational foundation with several public and private schools, including James Monroe Middle School and Faller Elementary, and a community college right in town. Student-to-teacher ratios are reasonable, supporting personalized attention, and Cerro Coso Community College serves around 5,000 students, making higher education accessible locally. Families will find a supportive academic environment and a variety of options for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
James Monroe Middle School
Street:
340 W Church Ave
Phone:
760-499-1830
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Faller Elementary School
Street:
1500 Upjohn Ave
Phone:
760-499-1690
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.8
Private Schools
Name:
Immanuel Christian School
Street:
201 W Graaf Ave
Phone:
760-446-6114
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Cerro Coso Community College
City:
Ridgecrest
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital serves as the main healthcare provider, offering comprehensive general and emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, access to medical care is reliable for most locals. Healthcare quality is solid, and residents benefit from a well-supported medical network within the city.
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:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ridgecrest, CA?
The Ridgecrest housing market is characterized by affordability and stability, with a median home price of $257,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,180. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate and steady home appreciation at 4.1% annually. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$257,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
The local DMV office in Ridgecrest is conveniently located on N China Lake Blvd, providing a full range of vehicle and licensing services as part of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Residents can easily access service information online or by phone. This location helps streamline driving-related needs for locals and newcomers alike.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
826 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.