Is Bakersfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California, nestled in the southern San Joaquin Valley, offers a unique blend of agricultural heritage and burgeoning industry. This dynamic city presents a distinct lifestyle shaped by its climate, economy, and community. Understanding these facets is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Central Valley hub.

The city’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, leveraging the fertile land of the San Joaquin Valley. However, it has also diversified to include significant contributions from the energy, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. This economic landscape influences employment opportunities and the overall cost of living for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield’s crime rate is a significant concern for residents and potential newcomers. The city experiences a crime rate of 32.56 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to NeighborhoodScout). This rate is higher than the national average, with analysis indicating that Bakersfield ranks in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 29% of U.S. cities (according to NeighborhoodScout). Residents often consider the western parts of the city to be the safest (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime statistics show an assault rate of 381.4 per 100,000 population, which is above the national average of 282.7. Murder rates are at 6.7 per 100,000, slightly higher than the national average of 6.1, while rape is at 40.9, closely matching the national average of 40.7. Robbery rates are slightly below the national average at 125.7 (according to Niche). Property crime rates are also a concern, with burglary at 537.6 per 100,000 population and larceny at 1,259 per 100,000 (according to Niche).

Climate and Environment

Bakersfield experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by very hot, dry summers and mild winters with chilly nights (according to Wikipedia). The city receives low annual rainfall, averaging only 6.36 inches, with most precipitation occurring in the winter months (according to Wikipedia). Bakersfield typically enjoys around 191 clear days per year, contributing to its suitability for agriculture (according to Wikipedia).

Summer temperatures can be extreme, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 91°F from June to September (according to Weather Spark). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 98°F and lows of 71°F (according to Weather Spark). Winters are cooler, with average daily high temperatures below 66°F from November to February. December is the coldest month, with average highs of 60°F and lows of 41°F (according to Weather Spark).

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Bakersfield is approximately 10% higher than the national average (according to Payscale and Apartments.com). Housing costs in Bakersfield are generally lower than the national average, with general housing expenses being about 2.8% less expensive (according to Apartments.com). The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,241 per month, which is 24% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

However, certain expenses are higher than the national average. Utilities in Bakersfield are notably more expensive, costing about 75.4% more than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Transportation costs are also higher, by approximately 24.5% (according to Apartments.com). Groceries are slightly more expensive, at about 5.5% above the national average (according to Apartments.com).

Housing Costs

The median sale price for a home in Bakersfield is around $410,000 as of January 2025, representing a 5.1% increase from the previous year (according to Housing Market Prices). The median price per square foot is $237, up 7.7% year-over-year (according to Housing Market Prices). For renters, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,241 per month (according to Apartments.com).

Rental prices have seen a slight increase, with the average rent for an apartment rising by 0.73% over the past year, from $1,557 to $1,568 (according to RentCafe). Studio apartments average $971, one-bedroom apartments average $1,334, and two-bedroom apartments average $1,640 (according to RentCafe).

Salary and Income

The average annual salary in Bakersfield is approximately $61,324 as of late April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). This equates to about $29.48 per hour, $1,179 per week, or $5,110 per month (according to ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Bakersfield typically range between $40,321 and $81,332 annually (according to ZipRecruiter).

For a single adult with no dependents, a salary of around $82,000 before taxes is recommended to live comfortably in Bakersfield (according to Apartments.com). The median household income in Bakersfield was $80,540 in 2024 (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). However, 13.1% of Bakersfield families live in poverty (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

Job Market and Major Employers

Bakersfield’s economy is a mix of traditional and emerging industries. The city is a prominent hub for agriculture and energy production, but also has a growing presence in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. This diverse economic base provides a range of employment opportunities for residents.

Major employers in Bakersfield include Bolthouse Farms, Adventist Health Hospitals, and various correctional facilities (according to YouTube). Other significant employers include Walgreens, California Dairies, Inc., and Avantor (according to Indeed.com). The energy sector also plays a crucial role, with companies like Aera Energy being a major oil and gas producer in the region (according to Zippia).

Unemployment

The unemployment rate in the Bakersfield-Delano Metropolitan Statistical Area was 9.20% as of the latest reports, which is lower than the long-term average of 10.95% (according to YCharts). However, this rate is higher than both the state average of 5.5% and the national average of 4.7% (according to California Employment Development Department). A recent study highlighted Bakersfield’s struggle with “functional unemployment,” a measure that includes those working involuntarily part-time or earning low wages, with a rate of 32.5% (according to the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity).

Education and Schools

Bakersfield’s public school system serves a large student population, with 151 public schools educating approximately 124,016 students (according to Niche). The overall average ranking for Bakersfield public schools is 4 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of California public schools (according to Niche). Math proficiency scores average 23%, and reading proficiency scores average 39%, both below the California state averages (according to Niche).

Despite the overall rankings, some schools are recognized for their performance. The top-ranked public schools in Bakersfield include Ronald Reagan Elementary School, Downtown Elementary School, and Highgate Elementary School (according to Niche). For higher education, Bakersfield is home to Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield (according to YouTube).

Demographics

Bakersfield is a diverse city with a population of over 412,000 residents (according to Data USA). The largest racial and ethnic group is Hispanic, making up 54.7% of the population, followed by White residents at 27.6% (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and Census Dots). Asian residents constitute 7.8%, and African American residents make up 5.7% of the population (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and Census Dots).

The city’s population is relatively young, with a median age of 32.1 years (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). For every 100 females, there are approximately 96.9 males (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). In 2024, about 20.2% of Bakersfield residents were born outside the country (according to Data USA).