Is Barbecue Safe, Pros and cons of living in Barbecue

Is it Safe to Live in Barstow?

Barstow presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates significantly higher than both the national and state averages. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Barstow is approximately 1 in 91, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 38 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city’s overall crime rate is about 77% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 209% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

The analysis of crime in Barstow reveals that property crime, particularly motor vehicle theft, is a notable concern, with the city having one of the highest rates in the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the south part of the city is generally considered safer, crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood, with chances of victimization ranging from 1 in 13 in the north to 1 in 32 in the south (as reported by IDcide and AreaVibes). Year over year, crime in Barstow has seen an increase (as reported by AreaVibes).

Understanding Barstow’s Cost of Living

The cost of living in Barstow is approximately 4% higher than the national average, though it is about 26% lower than the California state average (as reported by AreaVibes). This makes Barstow a more affordable option compared to many other cities in California. For instance, housing costs in Barstow are 24% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, certain expenses can be higher than the national average. Transportation costs in Barstow are less affordable than the U.S. average, and healthcare costs are also higher than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Grocery prices are also notably higher, coming in at 11.5% above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs

Housing in Barstow offers a more affordable prospect compared to much of California. The median home price in Barstow was around $265,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This median sale price per square foot is $217, which has seen an increase since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median rent for an apartment in Barstow is approximately $1,300 per month (as reported by Zillow).

The housing market in Barstow is described as somewhat competitive (as reported by Redfin and Redfin). Homes typically sell after about 21 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). For renters, the average rent for a studio apartment is around $795, a one-bedroom is $1,125, and a two-bedroom is $1,250 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Income and Affordability

The median household income in Barstow was reported as $53,380 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau and MetroStatUSA). This median income is below the state average, indicating moderate economic conditions within the city (as reported by MetroStatUSA). Despite the median income, the affordability of housing in Barstow is a significant factor.

The median home price is notably lower than the national average, and monthly rent is also lower than usual rates (as reported by AreaVibes). This dynamic means that while incomes may be moderate, the cost of housing allows for a greater portion of income to be allocated elsewhere or for savings. The median individual income in Barstow was $32,694 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

The Job Market in Barstow

Barstow’s economy is supported by a range of employers, with significant contributions from the transportation, logistics, and retail sectors. Major employers include BNSF Railroad, the Barstow Unified School District, and the Outlets at Barstow (as reported by Wikipedia). Other key employers include Raytheon Technical Services and Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, highlighting the presence of both private industry and government-related entities.

Employment in Barstow has seen a slight decline, with a decrease of -2.95% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services (as reported by Data USA). The average salary for jobs in Barstow is approximately $72,550 per year or $35 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Major Employers

The industrial landscape of Barstow is shaped by several key entities. BNSF Railroad is a significant employer, indicating the city’s role as a transportation hub (as reported by Wikipedia). The Barstow Unified School District is another major employer, reflecting the importance of education within the community (as reported by Wikipedia). Retail also plays a vital role, with the Outlets at Barstow being a notable employer (as reported by Wikipedia).

Additionally, the presence of Raytheon Technical Services and the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow underscores the influence of defense and government-related industries on the local economy (as reported by Wikipedia). These major employers contribute to the diverse employment opportunities available within the Barstow area.

Unemployment and Wages

The unemployment rate in Barstow was reported at 7.2% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). This rate is higher than some other cities in San Bernardino County, where unemployment rates range from 5.20% to 7.00% (as reported by Data Commons). The median wage in Barstow is approximately $47,200 per year, with the 75th percentile reaching $68,300 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

While some popular job roles in Barstow, such as Electrician or Pharmacy Technician, can offer salaries higher than the city’s average, the overall wage landscape reflects moderate economic conditions relative to the state (as reported by ZipRecruiter and MetroStatUSA).

Climate in Barstow

Barstow experiences an arid desert climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are notably hot and dry, with average daily high temperatures reaching around 102°F (as reported by City of Barstow and Wikipedia). During the summer, temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, with an average of 133 days per year experiencing highs of 90°F or higher (as reported by Wikipedia).

Winters in Barstow are cooler, with mornings often near 30°F, although daily high temperatures typically range between 50°F and 70°F (as reported by City of Barstow and Wikipedia). The city receives an average of about 4 inches of rainfall annually (as reported by City of Barstow). The arid climate results in large daily temperature ranges, often between 25 and 30°F.

Education in Barstow

The educational landscape in Barstow is primarily served by the Barstow Unified School District, which serves grades K-12. The district has received an overall Niche grade of C- (as reported by Niche). Barstow High School, a public school within the district, has a C+ overall Niche grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 25 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Other educational institutions in the area include Mojave River Academy and Independence Charter Academy, which have received higher ratings on Niche (as reported by Niche). For higher education, Barstow Community College is a key institution, with many of its graduates pursuing further studies at various universities across California (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Barstow

Barstow’s population was approximately 25,415 at the 2020 census, with projections indicating a slight increase to around 25,605 by 2026 (as reported by Wikipedia and US Census Bureau). The city has a diverse racial and ethnic makeup. Hispanic individuals constitute the largest group, making up 49.1% of the population (as reported by Data USA and Niche).

Following the Hispanic population, White residents make up 22.2% of the population, and Black or African American residents constitute 16.4% (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Barstow is 32.7 years (as reported by Wikipedia and Data USA). The population is relatively balanced in terms of gender, with 51% female and 49% male residents (as reported by Niche).