What Is Bakersfield, CA Known For?
Bakersfield is located in southern California, nestled in the San Joaquin Valley. Not far from the Sierra Nevada mountains, the city is an agricultural powerhouse with a robust country music scene known as the Bakersfield Sound. The city also has a longstanding tradition of oil production, which shapes its economic landscape.
Bakersfield, distinct in its conservative-leaning, features a population predominantly of the Christian faith. It has a relatively homogeneous racial composition, though there are pockets of minority groups that add a sprinkle of diversity to the local community.
For singles, a relatively low cost of living allows for a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Retirees find solace in senior communities and religious circles. Couples can enjoy local farmer's markets and annual events like the Kern County Fair. Students benefit from various vocational educational opportunities, particularly in agriculture and oil. Families often make the most of numerous public parks and engage in community events like youth sports leagues.
Highlights
Pros and Cons
The Pros of living in Bakersfield, CA, include affordable living, job opportunities, recreational activities, and more. While some Cons are around air quality, limited cultural amenities, and temperature extremes.
Read more in Pros and Cons.
Safety and Crime
Bakersfield, CA is ranked 371st out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 357th on safety from violent crime, and 385th on safety from property crime.
Read more in Safety and Crime.
Cost of Living
Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Bakersfield, CA is 19% lower than the national average.
Read more in Cost of Living.
Discretionary Income
A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Bakersfield, CA leaves $1,860 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
Read more in Discretionary Income.
Climate and Weather
The average daily temperature in Bakersfield, CA in January is 51°F and 86°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average +8°F warmer in January and is on average +7°F warmer in July.
Read more in Climate and Weather.
Politics and Voting
Bakersfield, CA voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 53.9% of the votes counted going to this party.
Read more in Politics and Voting.
The assessments presented on this website, including those related to crime, safety, cost of living, and other location characteristics (e.g., states, cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, areas, landmarks), are based on various sources and our internal research methods. These assessments are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and should not be used as the sole basis for making any decisions.