Is Barstow Safe, Pros and cons of living in Barstow
Is it Safe to Live in Barstow?
Barstow’s overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, making safety a primary concern for residents. The city experiences 76.8% more crime than the national average, with violent crimes being 208.6% higher and property crimes 50% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This means the odds of falling victim to violent crime in Barstow are approximately 1 in 91 residents (AreaVibes).
The statistics indicate a substantial risk, with Barstow ranking among the most perilous cities in the United States. Motor vehicle theft is a particularly concerning trend, with Barstow experiencing one of the nation’s highest rates (AreaVibes). The probability of a vehicle being stolen in Barstow is about 1 in 168 (AreaVibes).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crimes in Barstow are considerably above the national average. Specifically, there are 1108 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 208.6% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This places Barstow in the lowest 10% of U.S. cities for safety regarding violent crime (AreaVibes).
The chance of being a victim of violent crime varies by neighborhood, with some areas being safer than others. However, the overall statistics underscore a need for heightened awareness and community safety initiatives.
Property Crime Statistics
Property crimes in Barstow also exceed national rates, with 2639 property crimes per 100,000 people, which is 50% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). Larceny-theft constitutes the most common crime type, making up 37% of all reported offenses (PlainCrime).
The rate of vehicle theft is especially high, with 596 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people (AreaVibes). This rate is higher than 90% of U.S. cities, indicating a significant issue with vehicle security in Barstow.
Cost of Living in Barstow
Barstow’s cost of living is notably higher than the national average, influenced by several key expenses. The overall cost of living index in Barstow is 104, meaning it is 4% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This figure is calculated by accumulating the costs of food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses (ERI Economic Research Institute).
Compared to the rest of California, Barstow is significantly more affordable. The cost of living in Barstow is 24% less expensive than the average city in California (ERI Economic Research Institute). This makes it a more accessible option for those looking to live in the state without the high costs associated with major metropolitan areas.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Barstow are comparable to the national average. The average home value in Barstow was $263,254 as of March 31, 2026, showing a decrease of 2.7% over the past year (Zillow). The median sale price of a home was $265,000 in March 2026 (Redfin).
Rental prices in Barstow are generally lower than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Barstow is $1,291 as of April 24, 2026, representing a 2.48% increase from the previous year (RentCafe). This is lower than the national average rent of $1,910 (Zillow).
Daily Expenses
Everyday expenses in Barstow are largely in line with national averages, though some categories are higher. Grocery costs are 11.5% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). Transportation costs are also more expensive, scoring a 1 out of 10 for affordability (ERI SalaryExpert).
However, utility costs are 20% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). These combined daily expenses contribute to Barstow’s overall cost of living being slightly above the national average.
Job Market and Economy
Barstow’s economy is heavily influenced by its role as a transportation hub and its proximity to military installations. The city’s economy depends significantly on transportation, with major highways and railways converging there (Wikipedia).
The unemployment rate in Barstow was 7.2% in 2026 (Data Commons). This rate is higher than the national average, indicating a need for continued economic development and job creation initiatives.
Major Employers
The largest employers in the Barstow area are predominantly related to the military and transportation sectors. The Fort Irwin National Training Center is the top employer, with 8,451 employees, followed by the Marine Corps Logistics Base with 1,935 employees (Wikipedia). BNSF Railroad is also a major employer, with 1,000 employees.
Other significant employers include the Barstow Unified School District, with 750 employees, and the Outlets at Barstow. These employers form the backbone of Barstow’s employment landscape.
Salary and Wages
The average salary in Barstow, CA, is approximately $53,311 annually, or $25.63 per hour, as of April 2026 (ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $51,811 (Wikipedia) and an average annual salary of $72,550 (ERI SalaryExpert).
Most salaries in Barstow range between $35,224 and $68,168 annually (ZipRecruiter). These figures suggest a moderate income level, with potential for higher earnings in specialized fields.
Climate in Barstow
Barstow experiences an arid desert climate with distinct seasons. Summers are very hot, with daily highs frequently exceeding 100°F (Wikipedia). Winter mornings can be cold, with lows near 30°F (-1.1°C) (Wikipedia).
The climate is characterized by a large daily temperature range due to low atmospheric moisture, typically between 25 and 30°F. There are an average of 133 days with highs of 90°F or higher annually (Wikipedia).
Temperature and Rainfall
Average annual precipitation in Barstow is about 4.96 inches, with most of it falling between November and April (Wikipedia). Snowfall is uncommon, and many years pass without measurable snow (Wikipedia).
Summer days are very hot, with highs typically exceeding 100°F (37.8°C). Winter highs range between 50 and 70 degrees, with average low temperatures around 44.8°F (City of Barstow). The average annual rainfall is approximately 4 inches (City of Barstow).
Education in Barstow
Barstow Unified School District serves the educational needs of the city’s K-12 students. The district includes schools like Barstow High School, Barstow Stem Academy, and Challenges Community Day (Public School Review).
Educational attainment in Barstow shows that 83.8% of residents aged 25 and older are high school graduates, and 11.1% have a bachelor’s degree (Wikipedia). Barstow Community College offers traditional degrees and vocational training for workforce development (City of Barstow).
School Ratings
Information regarding specific school ratings for Barstow Unified School District is limited in the provided search results. However, national rankings for private schools can offer some insight into educational quality.
The Barstow School in Kansas City, MO, has received high rankings from Niche.com, being named the best private K-12 school in the area and ranking in the top 6% nationally for K-12 education (EIN Presswire, The Barstow School). This indicates a high standard of education at that particular institution, though it is not directly within Barstow, California.
Demographics of Barstow
Barstow’s population was estimated at 25,415 at the 2020 census, with a projected population of 25,605 for 2026 (Wikipedia, Data Commons). The city is a diverse community with a significant Hispanic population.
In 2024, Hispanic or Latino individuals made up 49.1% of the population. The largest racial/ethnic groups are Hispanic (49.1%), followed by White (22.2%), and Black (16.4%) (Data Commons, Wikipedia).
Age and Diversity
The median age in Barstow is 32.7 years (Data Commons, Wikipedia). Approximately 31.0% of residents are under the age of 18, while 12.0% are 65 years or older (Wikipedia).
As of 2024, 10.7% of Barstow residents were born outside the country (Data Commons). The majority of residents, 95.3%, are U.S. citizens (Data Commons).
Household Income and Poverty
The median household income in Barstow was $53,380 in 2024 (Data Commons). This is slightly higher than the median individual income of $32,694 reported for 2024 (Data Commons).
Despite the median income, a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line. In 2024, 16.9% of Barstow families lived in poverty (Data Commons).