Everything You Should Know Before Moving to River Kern, CA
Considering a move to River Kern, CA? This small mountain community of about 230 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $278,000 and average rents near $950. While crime rates are moderate for the region, you'll enjoy over 77% sunny days each year and a peaceful, rural lifestyle. The area features quick commutes, local schools, and close proximity to outdoor adventures in the Kern River Valley—perfect for those seeking tranquility, nature, and affordability.
Demographics - River Kern, CA
Demographics - River Kern, CA
River Kern is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 230 residents, a median age of 51.7, and a population density of 32 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White, with a notable Hispanic or Latino presence, and about 11% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This rural setting appeals to those seeking a quiet lifestyle among a mature population.
Population:
230
Density:
32 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.7
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in River Kern, CA?
River Kern offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $278,000 and average rent around $950. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for homebuyers. Utilities and groceries run a bit higher than average, but housing remains accessible for most residents.
Median House Value:
$278,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.5
Grocery:
104.3
Housing:
91.7
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
101.5
Health Care:
102.8
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is River Kern, CA a safe place to live?
River Kern experiences moderate crime rates for its size, with a violent crime rate of 420 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,150 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 238 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it important to stay aware, but the community remains generally peaceful. Local law enforcement helps maintain a sense of safety in this rural area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in River Kern, CA year-round?
The climate in River Kern is characterized by mild winters with lows near 30°F and warm summers reaching up to 95°F, offering comfortable weather year-round. The area receives about 15 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny conditions around 77% of the year. This makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a balance of sun and seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
95°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
77%
Neighbors
Residents in River Kern enjoy a median household income of $54,800, with a poverty rate of 14.8% and unemployment at 6.9%. Most neighbors commute just under 30 minutes for work, and the community is primarily English-speaking with a small percentage using public transportation. Educational attainment is solid, with over 85% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$33,400
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$64,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
11.0%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.4%
Education
How are the schools in River Kern, CA?
Local students attend Kernville Elementary School, which offers a supportive learning environment with a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. While there are no private schools in River Kern, higher education is accessible with Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield located within 50 miles. The community values education, with strong public school options and nearby college opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Kernville Elementary School
Street:
13350 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238
Phone:
760-376-2249
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.3

Colleges
Name:
California State University, Bakersfield
City:
Bakersfield
State:
CA
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
Bakersfield College
City:
Bakersfield
State:
CA
Distance:
43 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
River Kern residents have access to quality healthcare, including Kern Valley Hospital and Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley, both offering emergency services nearby. With 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, the community is well-supported for medical needs. The local healthcare index reflects reliable services for a rural area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Kern Valley Hospital
Address:
6412 Laurel Ave, Mountain Mesa, CA 93240
Phone:
(760) 379-2681
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley
Address:
1100 Magellan Dr, Tehachapi, CA 93561
Phone:
(661) 771-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in River Kern, CA?
The River Kern housing market features a median home price of $278,000 and average rent of $950 for a two-bedroom, making it attractive for both buyers and renters. Around 67% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a modest home appreciation rate of 3.7% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, supporting stable property values in this peaceful community.
Median Home Price:
$278,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of River Kern are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Bakersfield. The DMV provides all standard vehicle and licensing services, and additional information is available on their official website. Access to DMV resources is straightforward, ensuring convenience for local drivers.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3120 F St, 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.