California / Kern County

Moving to Ridgecrest, CA

Thinking of making a move to Ridgecrest, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ridgecrest, CA

Considering a move to Ridgecrest, CA? This welcoming community of 27,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $245,000 and average rents near $1,250. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (82% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Ridgecrest's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Ridgecrest, CA

Ridgecrest has a population of 27,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 52% White, 8% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
27,000
Density
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age
34.8
Gender Ratio
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
52.0%
Black
7.5%
Asian
8.0%
Others
32.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Ridgecrest, CA?

The cost of living in Ridgecrest is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 102.8. Median home values are around $245,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$245,000
Gross Rent
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$185
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 1.1%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
102.8
Grocery
101.5
Housing
94.0
Utilities
118.8
Transportation
114.2
Health Care
108.4
Miscellaneous
96.7

Crime

Is Ridgecrest, CA a safe place to live?

Ridgecrest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 310 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 51. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
310
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,950
Crime Index
2,260
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 51

Weather

What is the weather like in Ridgecrest, CA year-round?

Ridgecrest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 102°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 82% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
57°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
102°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
75°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches
5.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
82%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $78,500 and a low poverty rate of 14.5%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$55,000
Household Income
$78,500
Family Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$30,500
Income Male
$57,000
Income Female
$43,000
Poverty Rate
14.5%
Non English Speakers
20.0%
Rent
$1,250
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
Public Transport Usage
2.4%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.5%
Bachelors or More
20.8%

Education

How are the schools in Ridgecrest, CA?

Ridgecrest offers quality education options, with public schools like Richmond Elementary School and Murray Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Searles Valley Adult Education and Antelope Valley College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Richmond Elementary School
Street
145 E Drummond Ave
Phone
760-499-1650
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
20.1
Name
Murray Middle School
Street
235 S Gold Canyon St
Phone
760-499-1700
Students
680
Student Teacher Ratio
21.4

Private Schools

Name
Jesus Is Lord Christian School
Street
100 E California Ave
Phone
760-375-5540
Students
110

Colleges

Name
Searles Valley Adult Education
City
Ridgecrest
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
350
Name
Antelope Valley College
City
Lancaster
State
CA
Distance
82 miles
Students
14,000

Healthcare

Ridgecrest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Ridgecrest Regional Hospital and Mojave Desert Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 88.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Name
Mojave Desert Medical Center
Address
1001 N China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone
(760) 446-3551
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
88.4%
Health Care Index
68.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ridgecrest, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $245,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.1%. Ridgecrest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate
54.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Ridgecrest handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Ridgecrest, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Ridgecrest, review the core fields on this page: population 27,000, median home value $245,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,250, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 82%.

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