Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shafter, CA
Thinking of moving to Shafter, CA? With a population just over 20,000, Shafter offers affordable living with median home prices around $282,000 and typical rents near $1,050. Enjoy a warm, sunny climate with 83% sunshine and short 23-minute commutes. While the city has a strong Hispanic community and a growing housing market, crime rates are moderate and educational attainment levels are lower than average. Check out local schools, cost of living, and nearby healthcare to plan your move with confidence.
Demographics - Shafter, CA
Demographics - Shafter, CA
Shafter is a small city of just over 20,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 28 and a density of 1,300 people per square mile. The community is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, and a significant 73% speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
20,886
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
28.1
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
73.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
13.8%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
83.9% (majority Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shafter, CA?
Living costs in Shafter are moderate, with a median home value of $282,000 and average rent at $1,050, making it relatively affordable by California standards. The overall cost of living index is slightly above the national average, but housing costs are lower, and utilities and transportation run a bit higher.
Median House Value:
$282,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.1
Grocery:
102.0
Housing:
96.5
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
108.5
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
101.5
Crime
Is Shafter, CA a safe place to live?
Shafter experiences moderate crime rates, with a 1 in 540 chance of violent crime and a higher likelihood of property crime at 1 in 49. While violent crime remains relatively low, prospective residents should remain aware of property crime risks.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,020
Crime Index:
2,205
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Shafter, CA year-round?
The city enjoys a warm and sunny climate, boasting 83% sunny days per year and just over 7 inches of annual rainfall. Summers are hot with highs near 98°F, while winters are mild with lows around 38°F, making outdoor activities possible year-round.

Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
98°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
83%
Neighbors
Shafter’s households typically earn a median income of $57,167, but the poverty rate stands at 18.4%. Most residents commute about 23 minutes to work, and a large proportion—73%—speak a language other than English, reflecting the city’s diverse and close-knit neighborhoods.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$57,167
Family Income:
$61,320
Per Capita Income:
$16,700
Income Male:
$35,200
Income Female:
$26,800
Poverty Rate:
18.4%
Non English Speakers:
73.0%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
8.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
60.9%
Bachelors or More:
8.2%
Education
How are the schools in Shafter, CA?
Shafter offers several public and private school options, including Shafter High School and St. Therese Catholic School, with most schools featuring class sizes in the low 20s. While only 8.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, local students can access higher education at Bakersfield College, just 18 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Shafter High School
Street:
526 Mannel Ave
Phone:
661-746-4961
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Richland Junior High
Street:
331 Shafter Ave
Phone:
661-746-8630
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.4

Private Schools
Name:
St. Therese Catholic School
Street:
300 W Lerdo Hwy
Phone:
661-746-4852
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Bakersfield College
City:
Bakersfield
State:
CA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals in nearby Bakersfield, with 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% having health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are accessible, and emergency care is available within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Adventist Health Bakersfield
Address:
2615 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone:
(661) 395-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kern Medical
Address:
1700 Mount Vernon Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Phone:
(661) 326-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
63.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shafter, CA?
The housing market in Shafter is stable and affordable, with a median home price around $282,000 and a homeownership rate of nearly 58%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have appreciated 4.1% over the past year, indicating steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$282,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,070
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Shafter residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Bakersfield. For licensing, registration, and other DMV services, residents can visit the office or access information online through the California 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.