Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Taft, CA
Thinking of moving to Taft, CA? This friendly city of 8,748 is known for its sunny climate (80% sunny days) and affordable living—median home prices around $197,000 and average rents near $900. Commute times are reasonable at about 23 minutes, and Taft College offers local higher education opportunities. While violent crime is moderate (397 per 100K), the community is close-knit and enjoys a low cost of living, making Taft an appealing option for budget-minded movers seeking small-town charm.
Demographics - Taft, CA
Taft is a small city with a population of 8,748, featuring a median age of 34.2 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The community is diverse, with over 40% of residents identifying as non-White and nearly one in five speaking a language other than English at home. The population density gives Taft a close-knit, community-oriented feel.
Population:
8,748
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
53.4%
Black:
3.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
41.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Taft, CA?
Living in Taft is notably affordable, with a median home value of $197,000 and average rent around $900, making it attractive for budget-conscious residents. The overall cost of living index is below the national average at 92.4, especially due to lower housing costs, while utility and transportation expenses are slightly higher. State tax rates vary, but daily expenses like groceries and healthcare remain manageable.
Median House Value:
$197,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.4
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
70.3
Utilities:
105.5
Transportation:
114.2
Health Care:
103.7
Miscellaneous:
98.1
Crime
Is Taft, CA a safe place to live?
Taft experiences a moderate crime rate, with 397 violent crimes and 2,150 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 252, while property crime risk is higher at 1 in 46. Residents value the small-town atmosphere, but it's wise to stay aware of personal and property safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
397
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,547
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 252
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Taft, CA year-round?
Taft enjoys a sunny climate with about 80% of days seeing sunshine each year and mild winters that rarely dip below 36°F. Summers can be hot, reaching up to 97°F, but rainfall is limited with just over 6 inches annually. The area’s pleasant weather is ideal for outdoor activities most of the year.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
97°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
6.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
80%
Neighbors
Taft’s residents have a median household income of $49,400, with a relatively high poverty rate of 23.5%. Most adults (72.5%) hold at least a high school diploma, and the unemployment rate is 8.1%. The community is diverse and family-oriented, but income levels are modest compared to state averages.
Median Income:
$22,500
Household Income:
$49,400
Family Income:
$57,800
Per Capita Income:
$18,600
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$25,500
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
19.3%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
8.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
72.5%
Bachelors or More:
8.8%
Education
How are the schools in Taft, CA?
Taft offers a mix of public and private educational opportunities, including Taft Union High School and Conley Elementary, as well as Taft Christian Academy. The city is home to Taft College, serving about 3,800 students, and is within commuting distance to larger universities like CSU Bakersfield. Student-to-teacher ratios are moderate, and local schools provide accessible education for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Taft Union High School
Street:
701 Wildcat Way
Phone:
661-763-2300
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Conley Elementary School
Street:
620 Oswell St
Phone:
661-763-4161
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.1
Private Schools
Name:
Taft Christian Academy
Street:
317 N Lincoln St
Phone:
661-765-5557
Students:
100
Colleges
Name:
Taft College
City:
Taft
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,800
Name:
California State University, Bakersfield
City:
Bakersfield
State:
CA
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
10,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Taft is supported by local facilities like Taft District Hospital, with additional options in nearby Bakersfield. Most residents (over 92%) have health insurance, though physician availability is somewhat limited at 1.1 per 1,000 people. Emergency and general healthcare services are accessible within the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Taft District Hospital
Address:
1100 Kern St, Taft, CA 93268
Phone:
(661) 763-2310
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Adventist Health Bakersfield
Address:
2615 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone:
(661) 395-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.2%
Health Care Index:
62.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Taft, CA?
The Taft housing market is affordable, with median home prices at $197,000 and two-bedroom rents averaging $900. Nearly half of residents own their homes, and vacancy rates are moderate, offering a range of options for buyers and renters. Home values have appreciated by 6% over the past year, indicating steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$197,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Taft residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Bakersfield. Services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and testing are accessible both in person and online. For appointments or information, residents can contact the DMV by phone or visit their official 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.