Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tehachapi, CA
Thinking of moving to Tehachapi, CA? This charming mountain city of 13,300 offers a relaxed pace, affordable homes with a median price of $325,000, and average rents near $1,200. Enjoy 73% sunny days, mild summers, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With a moderate violent crime rate (309 per 100K), average commute of 29 minutes, and access to local healthcare and schools, Tehachapi is ideal for those seeking small-town living with California flavor.
Demographics - Tehachapi, CA
Demographics - Tehachapi, CA
Tehachapi is home to about 13,300 residents, featuring a balanced mix of age groups and a median age of 38.2. The community is predominantly White, with significant diversity and about 14.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and slightly higher male-to-female ratio contribute to a small-town yet vibrant feel.
Population:
13,300
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
57.2%
Black:
4.2%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
36.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tehachapi, CA?
Living in Tehachapi is relatively affordable compared to many California cities, with a median home value of $325,000 and average rents around $1,200. The overall cost of living index is 107, just above the national average, with utilities and transportation also slightly higher. Residents benefit from reasonable homeownership costs and a range of state tax rates.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
107
Grocery:
106
Housing:
104
Utilities:
110
Transportation:
110
Health Care:
103
Miscellaneous:
109
Crime
Is Tehachapi, CA a safe place to live?
Tehachapi experiences moderate crime levels, with 309 violent crimes and 2,040 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is about 1 in 324, while the likelihood of property crime is 1 in 49. The area is generally considered safe, especially compared to larger urban centers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
309
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,040
Crime Index:
2,349
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 324
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Tehachapi, CA year-round?
Tehachapi enjoys a pleasant climate with mild summers reaching up to 87°F and cool winters that rarely drop below 28°F. The city sees about 73% sunny days each year and receives nearly 13 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal changes are noticeable but rarely extreme, providing comfortable living year-round.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Residents of Tehachapi have a median household income of $65,200 and a poverty rate of 14.1%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with nearly 85% holding at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are under 30 minutes. The community is friendly and diverse, with a small-town feel and a modest unemployment rate.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$65,200
Family Income:
$75,400
Per Capita Income:
$25,200
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
14.1%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
29.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
20.2%
Education
How are the schools in Tehachapi, CA?
Tehachapi offers quality educational options, including public schools like Tehachapi High School and Jacobsen Middle School, both known for supportive learning environments. Private schooling is also available, and higher education opportunities are accessible at Bakersfield College’s Delano campus, just 34 miles away. The area's schools provide a solid foundation for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Tehachapi High School
Street:
801 Dennison Rd
Phone:
661-822-2130
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Jacobsen Middle School
Street:
711 Anita Dr
Phone:
661-822-2150
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.1
Private Schools
Name:
Heritage Oak School
Street:
20915 Schout Rd
Phone:
661-823-0885
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Bakersfield College - Delano Campus
City:
Delano
State:
CA
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Tehachapi is served by Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley, offering general and emergency care within the city. With about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are accessible for most locals. The city’s healthcare index indicates good overall health support for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley
Address:
1100 Magellan Dr, Tehachapi, CA 93561
Phone:
(661) 771-8000
Type:
General & Acute Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
67.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tehachapi, CA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $325,000, with 60% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with a typical two-bedroom renting for $1,200 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, reflecting a stable and accessible real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Tehachapi residents can access full DMV services at the local California Department of Motor Vehicles office on Kern Street. Appointments can be made online or by calling the statewide number, ensuring convenient handling of vehicle registration and licensing needs. The DMV provides essential support for both new arrivals and longtime locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
630 Kern St, Tehachapi, CA 93561
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.