Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wasco, CA
Thinking about moving to Wasco, CA? This sunny Central Valley city of 27,300 offers affordable living with a median home price around $268,000 and average rents near $1,130. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 22 minutes, plenty of sunny days, and relatively low cost of living. Wasco features strong community ties, a youthful population, and easy access to local schools and healthcare. While crime rates are above national averages, the welcoming atmosphere, warm climate, and modest housing costs make Wasco an appealing choice for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Wasco, CA
Wasco, CA is home to about 27,300 residents with a notably young median age of 29.2 years. The city has a diverse population, with a majority identifying as 'Other' ethnic backgrounds, and over 60% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting a vibrant multicultural community.
Population:
27,304
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.2
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
60.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
11.2%
Black:
7.7%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
80.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wasco, CA?
Wasco offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $268,000 and average rents around $1,130 per month. The overall cost of living index is just below the national average, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$268,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.8
Grocery:
105.2
Housing:
92.4
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
100.1
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
99.2
Crime
Is Wasco, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Wasco are higher than national averages, with a 1 in 248 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 86 chance of property crime. Residents should remain aware of safety but will find a strong sense of community and local engagement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
403
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,160
Crime Index:
1,563
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 248
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 86
Weather
What is the weather like in Wasco, CA year-round?
Wasco enjoys a warm, sunny climate with mild winters and hot summers, averaging 85% sunny days annually. Rainfall is low at just over 7 inches per year, making it ideal for those who prefer dry, bright weather.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
99°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
The median household income in Wasco is $45,350, but the city faces a higher poverty rate of 25.7%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and less than 1% use public transportation, indicating a community where car travel is the norm.
Median Income:
$16,800
Household Income:
$45,350
Family Income:
$49,200
Per Capita Income:
$9,200
Income Male:
$28,500
Income Female:
$18,200
Poverty Rate:
25.7%
Non English Speakers:
60.8%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
9.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
51.6%
Bachelors or More:
5.9%
Education
How are the schools in Wasco, CA?
Wasco provides a range of educational options, including public schools with moderate student-teacher ratios and proximity to Bakersfield College’s Delano campus just 12 miles away. While higher education attainment is below national averages, families benefit from local schooling choices.
Public Schools
Name:
Wasco High School
Street:
1900 7th St
Phone:
661-758-7440
Students:
1,950
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.6
Name:
Palm Avenue Elementary School
Street:
1017 Palm Ave
Phone:
661-758-3051
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.1
Colleges
Name:
Bakersfield College - Delano Campus
City:
Delano
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Wasco is supported by local clinics and nearby hospitals, offering access to urgent care and emergency services. About 89% of residents have health insurance, and physician availability is moderate with 1.3 doctors per 1,000 people.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wasco Medical Center
Address:
2101 7th St, Wasco, CA 93280
Phone:
(661) 758-5131
Type:
Medical Clinic & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Adventist Health Delano
Address:
1401 Garces Hwy, Delano, CA 93215
Phone:
(661) 725-4800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
66.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wasco, CA?
The housing market in Wasco remains accessible, with a median home price of $268,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 55%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year while rental vacancy rates remain stable, supporting both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$268,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Wasco residents can access full DMV services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Bakersfield, including licensing, registration, and title services. The DMV is conveniently located and supported by online resources for added accessibility.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3520 Buck Owens Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93308
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.