Quick Facts About Bakersfield, California
Tucked into the San Joaquin Valley, where the Sierra Madres, Tehachapi Mountains and Sierra Nevadas rise heroically out of the fertile basin, is a city known as much for gold and oil as it is for grapes, citrus and almonds — Bakersfield, California.
The city of nearly 414,000 often flies under the radar, overshadowed by bigger cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. But there are plenty of reasons Bakersfield stands out among its sister cities to the north and south.
The first is oil. 79% California’s active oil wells are in Kern County (Bakersfield is the county seat), generating $9.2 billion in direct revenue annually.
The second is food. Raisins, mandarin oranges and nuts like pistachios and almonds are just a few of the products we might not eat at all in the United States if it weren’t for California. In 2023, the Bakersfield region alone produced 476,000 tons of almonds and almond by-products, 1.3 million tons of raisins and grapes and 1.4 million tons of citrus. It’s no surprise Chevron and Sun Pacific are two of the largest employers in town.
And as if the oil and soil in this Gold Rush city weren’t enough, Bakersfield has also made a permanent cultural mark — in an unlikely arena — country music. 20th-century stars like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard made the city famous in this traditionally Southern genre with their legendary Bakersfield sound.
Even though the country music heyday in the city may be in the rearview, there are plenty of cultural attractions and outdoor destinations that make contemporary Bakersfield a fun place to live. The CALM Zoo, the Bakersfield Museum of Art and the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra are just three of the most popular destinations to visit here. And when you want to escape civilization for a while, the spoils of nature await. Take a whitewater rafting trip on the Kern River or go camping in the Wind Wolves Preserve to see the wonders of the desert come alive.
Located in the Golden State’s Central Valley, Bakersfield is also close to various other desirable destinations for business and play. The city is just 110 miles north of Los Angeles, 135 miles south of Fresno and less than 200 miles from Death Valley National Park, so you can spend the weekend hiking, surfing or sightseeing.
If you are looking for a relatively budget-friendly California city with easy access to the mountains and the coast, Bakersfield should be on your list. Learn more below about the climate, cost of living, job market, crime rate and cultural amenities in the city.
Get a quote today on moving to Bakersfield, California.
Life in Bakersfield
Climate
Bakersfield is one of the driest cities in the U.S. Its annual rainfall barely amounts to six inches, and from June through September, you’d be lucky to see a single drop at all. Summer temperatures are abysmally hot, and the average temperature will easily reach the 100-degree mark if not exceeding 110°F. Even if rain did arrive during this time, it would quickly evaporate. This puts the city at increased risk for wildfires, like the Borel Fire, which burned nearly 60,000 acres in Kern County in the summer of 2024.
Most of the precipitation that does fall in this desert region arrives in the winter. From December through March, Bakersfield typically takes in more than an inch of rain per month, helping to kindle the desert blooms and cool the oven-like air.
Winter temperatures range from the upper thirties to the mid-sixties, and the mercury will occasionally drop below freezing. Snow, however, typically eludes the city, though it’s not unheard of for a trace amount to fall in January. You’ll have to look upwards to the surrounding mountain peaks if you hope to see any accumulation.
Springtime is pleasant in Bakersfield, bringing mild temperatures and a bit of rain from March through May. But fall is all too brief, at least by Midwest and East Coast standards. You’ll have to wait until November for temperatures to reliably stay in that sweet zone between 45 and 65 degrees, and they’ll hover there for just a month. But if you are looking for a sunny city to move to, Bakersfield certainly fits the bill.
Jobs and Industries
Often referred to as the Texas of California, Bakersfield is an oil and agriculture giant. The city is the seat of the populous Kern County, which has the second-largest economy in the San Joaquin Valley and ranks third in the nation for agricultural production. Although the oil industry in Kern is nearly Texas-sized, ranking 13th in the U.S., Kern is also known for its renewable energy production. Kern County boasts the world’s largest battery energy storage system, has the country’s biggest wind power project and produces 60% of the state’s renewable energy.
Bakersfield’s unemployment rate may be twice the national average, but that’s nothing new for the California Central Valley city. Government officials note that the dominant agricultural base often causes higher rates of unemployment because of the nature of the work, which can fluctuate wildly with the seasons, climate, and consumer demand and traditionally pays meager wages to many of its workers. In August 2024, the unemployment rate in Bakersfield stood at 8.6%, which is low for the city, where rates often hold in the double digits for months, if not years, at a time.
Most non-farm civilian sectors in the area held steady over the past 12 months, and there was a year-over-year increase in the size of the labor force and the number of employed individuals within it. Besides the government, the single largest industry in Bakersfield is trade, transportation and utilities, which employs 60,900 people. This is followed by education and health services (49,700), leisure and hospitality (29,900), and professional and business services (28,000).
So, where do Bakersfield residents work? Hospital Groups like Adventist Health and Dignity Health Mercy are two of the biggest employers, along with Chevron, Sun-Pacific and Frito-Lay. Kern County is also home to Edwards Air Force Base — the second-largest base in the U.S. Air Force — so the aerospace industry naturally has a sizeable presence in the city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in California is higher than the national average, and Bakersfield is no exception to the rule. But real estate prices in this agricultural oasis won’t produce the same sticker shock that you’ll find to the south in Los Angeles.
Between 2018-2022, the median home value in Bakersville averaged $320,600 — like nearby Fresno — but $40,000 above the national average. This sounds high until you consider that it’s less than half the average cost of homes in California and nearly a third of what homes cost in trendy LA. The cost of renting in Bakersfield or Fresno is roughly the same as the U.S. median, with monthly payments averaging just under $1,300.
But while Bakersfield and Fresno may seem comparable, one major difference between the two cities is income. Bakersfield households bring home an average of $73,827/year — not even $2,000 below the U.S. median — while the average Fresno home earns only $63,001 annually. So, your income may go farther in Bakersfield than it would in both more and less expensive California cities.
You’ll certainly find more homeowners in Bakersfield, where 60.2% of housing is owner-occupied, compared to a paltry 36.6% in LA and a mere 48.1% in Fresno. Poverty rates are higher in all three California cities than they are state and nationwide, but Bakersfield and LA’s rates are just 16.5%, compared to Fresno, where nearly a quarter of all residents live below the poverty line. The national average is 11.1%.
The cost of goods and services also tends to be higher in the West than it is in other regions of the U.S., so you should expect to pay more for common household expenses like food and transportation in Bakersfield, but other line items, like healthcare and utilities, may offer savings.
One other factor to keep in mind when considering your household economics is taxes. California does have the highest top marginal state individual income tax rate in the country, so if you fall into the $1,000,000+ income bracket, be prepared to pay 13.3% to the state. If you’re earning the state median, however, you’ll only pay between 6-8%. And the picture looks quite different when we look at California property taxes — here, the state ranks way down in 34th place, levying just a 0.7% tax.
On the business side of the ledger, California’s corporate income tax rate of 8.84% makes it the sixth highest in the nation. Naturally, the picture is more complex than these few numbers reveal — there are plenty of benefits that state taxes provide to its citizens, and those may, indeed, offset these costs. The most important thing is to try and estimate what your tax burden may be, including sales taxes, so you can adjust your budget accordingly.
Please note: We are not tax experts and are not offering tax advice, other than you should consider obtaining additional information and advice from your legal and/or financial advisers who are fully aware of your circumstances.
Crime Rate in Bakersfield
Nationally, violent and property crime is on the decline, according to the FBI — good news for residents of any state in the union. But Bakersfield has made headlines recently for its crime rates, which have, unfortunately, been on the rise. In 2023, there were an average of 542 violent incidents reported each month in Bakersfield – 15% higher than the U.S. rate. And 1,241 property crimes were reported during the same period — 27% higher than the national average. Most property crimes involved the theft of or from a motor vehicle, and the crime was most likely to occur in a parking lot or garage. Most violent crimes also involved property damage or vandalism, though simple assault was the second highest-ranking offense. Homicide rates were relatively low, averaging under three per month.
Things to Do in Bakersfield: Recreation, Arts and Entertainment
Outdoor Recreation
With mountains on either side of the city and dozens of parklands to enjoy within it, there are countless outdoor activities to delight in near Bakersfield. Hiking and biking, swimming and sailing, glamping and golf — whatever kind of experience you’re looking for, Bakersfield almost certainly has a place for it.
Although water rights battles have left the Kern River alarmingly dry in Bakersfield, the waterway is usually known for its roaring rapids. Southern Californians drive hours for whitewater rafting excursions and city dwellers enjoy easy weekend getaways at Kern River County Park, which is just 10 miles from downtown Bakersfield.
This sprawling green space holds several popular destinations, including the CALM Zoo. On the eastern side of the park, you’ll find Lake Ming, a manmade oasis that’s popular with anglers and boaters. Further west, inside Hart Memorial Park, you’ll come upon the Kern River Parkway Nature Center, where you can learn about some of the park’s residents, from the humble possums to the haughty peacocks.
Just south of the city, the Wind Wolves Preserve brings some of the most unusual — and threatened — species and landscapes to light. In this unique environment where mountains, deserts and valleys converge, the habitat supports little-known and little-seen creatures and plants, like the rare Bakersfield cactus. The mountain vistas are can’t-believe-your-eyes spectacular, and entrance to the park is free, including camping.
If you’re up for a drive, there are several magnificent destinations within easy reach. First, Death Valley National Park. Often touted as one of the hottest, driest and lowest places on the planet, its superlatives speak nothing of the soaring beauty of this otherworldly place. The crackling salt flats, the sleddable dunes and the pristine night sky are just a few of the natural wonders you’ll find here. Visiting in the summertime can be hazardous — temperatures can reach 130 F and cell service is often unavailable — so be sure to plan your trip within park-recommended guidelines.
If you take the northern route to Death Valley, you’ll dip into the edge of the Sequoia National Forest, where you can see the fabled arboreal giants. Sequoia,Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park lie to the north, near Fresno. The California coastline isn’t far away, either. Drive through the Los Padres National Forest and you’ll eventually arrive at the California Coastal National Monument, where you can see historic buildings, like the Trinidad Lighthouse and gaze out over the cliffs at the Pacific Ocean, watching for grey whales and elephant seals.
Arts and Culture
Bakersfield may have been put on the map because of its oil, gold and fertile terrain, but Buck Owens put it on America’s cultural radar. The country singer arrived in the Central Valley in 1951, and it’s thanks to him and artists like Merle Haggard that this California city became the unlikely source for a new kind of country music, what would become known as the Bakersfield Sound. You can see memorabilia from Owens’ remarkable career — which included nearly 20 as the co-host of the popular show Hee-Haw — at the famous Buck Owens Crystal Palace, a museum and dinner & dancing restaurant.
You can see other throwbacks from the region at the Kern County Museum, a multi-block venue filled with historic buildings and relics from days gone by. Climb aboard the Southern Pacific Engine #2914 or pay a visit to the Carpenter’s Shop if you need a new set of wheels. Wagon wheels, that is. For anything more advanced, you’ll want to tour the historic vehicle exhibit to pick out a more modern, motorized ride.
Though the city is a distant cry from the gallery-filled streets of LA, the Bakersfield Museum of Art does have an excellent small collection and presents engaging exhibitions of contemporary artists, from rising stars to those who have already achieved international acclaim. The elegant sculpture garden has works by local celebs, like James Lanier and Frank Turner, as well as California greats like Betty Younger and Joyce Kohl.
Performing arts fans will find a welcoming community in Bakersfield. The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra has been bringing masterful works to life since 1932, and this season’s performances will feature Beethoven’s 9th, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet and Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. Dramaturgs will love the Empty Space Theater, which has a fun lineup of performances this season, including Little Shop of Horrors, When I Was Your Age, Steel Magnolias and many others. The historic Fox Theatre still shows favorites from the silver screen, like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but you can also see everything from rock concerts to The Nutcracker and special celebrity presentations.
Family-Friendly Entertainment and Attractions
Bakersfield has plenty of fun for the younger set, too. The California Living Museum, also known as the CALM Zoo, highlights animals native to California, like the coati, the bobcat and endangered species like the California condor. The children’s railroad is always a hit with the smaller set, and petting the lambs and goats in the children’s park is a treat for everyone, even the animals.
For nearly 100 years, the Kern County Fair has brought the Bakersfield community together for tons of family fun. Each September, your family can carry on this tradition, enjoying carnival rides, music performances and livestock exhibitions. The Grandstand Arena on the fairgrounds also hosts rodeos throughout the fall, including the Fiesta del Charro Rodeo, which features bullfighting, escaramuza and dancing horses, among other dare-devil events.
Bakersfield also offers great educational spaces for kids. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science, found in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, is a delightful, hands-on learning environment for kids to fall in love with fossils, fault lines and all things flora and fauna. Take a journey back in time when Bakersfield was merely part of the ocean floor during the Miocene Era. Learn about the diverse civilization of the Yokuts, who lived in the region as long as 8,000 years ago. And see over 500 glimmering rock and mineral specimens, from petrified wood to day-glow rocks.
Get Ready for the Big Move to Bakersfield
If you are ready to start planning your move to Bakersfield, you’ll want to make sure you’ve selected the right professional moving company to help make your relocation easier. You can rely on United Van Lines to make your cross-country move seamless. More than 1 million families across the U.S. have trusted us with their residential moves, and you can, too.
Get a moving quote now from America’s #1 Mover®.
Whether you’re making a cross-country move to Bakersfield or you’re just moving across the street, United Van Lines offers customized moving options to provide everything you need for your upcoming move. Our professional, long-distance movers can help you relocate to Bakersfield from any city in the U.S. Just look at the range of services we provide in our full-service moving packages — packing and unpacking, debris removal, car shipping and, of course, storage services for your belongings.
Use our step-by-step guide to moving long-distance to help prepare for the journey ahead.
Moving locally to Bakersfield? United Van Lines’ interstate Bakersfield movers can provide local moving services independently under their businesses and brands.
Even if you’re planning a DIY move to Bakersfield, you can still benefit from United Van Lines’ expertise. Follow these packing tips to make sure your most precious belongings are protected. And follow this moving checklist to keep track of that ever-growing to-do list.
Our House Key magazine will give you exclusive tips on moving, packing and settling in. You can learn even more about what lies in store for you in our Moving Guide to California, which offers an inside look at this popular Western state.
Still not sure which city or state you want to move to? Consult United Van Lines’ city guides and state guides to see which one might suit you best.
Other Moving Resources
- Loading...