Is Taft Safe, Pros and cons of living in Taft

Taft, California, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and historical significance, nestled in the foothills of the San Joaquin Valley. This community, with roots deeply intertwined with the oil industry, presents a distinct lifestyle for its residents. Understanding the various facets of life in Taft is key for anyone considering a move to this Kern County city.

The city provides a glimpse into California’s past, particularly its oil boom era, with landmarks and a community spirit that reflects this heritage. For those seeking a slower pace of life away from the bustling metropolises, Taft may offer a compelling alternative. This article explores the safety, cost of living, job market, climate, education, and demographics of Taft to provide a comprehensive overview.

Is it Safe to Live in Taft?

When considering a move, understanding the safety of a community is paramount. Taft’s crime rate is a point of consideration for potential residents. The city’s crime rate is reported to be higher than both the national and California state averages (as reported by Livability.com). Specifically, the crime rate in Taft is 40.09 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by Crime Grade).

While these statistics may seem concerning, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within the city. Some areas are considered safer than others, with the eastern part of Taft generally regarded as the safest (as reported by Crime Grade). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Taft varies, ranging from 1 in 13 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 43 in the east (as reported by Crime Grade). Year over year, crime in Taft has decreased by 17% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Crime Statistics Overview

Delving deeper into the crime statistics, Taft has a crime rate that is 50% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Taft are 31% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). In Taft, there’s a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of crime overall (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes, including theft and vehicle theft, are also a factor, with a rate of 2705 per 100,000 residents, which is 53.7% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Despite the higher rates, Taft has reported a murder rate of 0 (as reported by AreaVibes). The total projected cost of crime in Taft for 2025 is estimated at $9,345,937, which translates to approximately $544 per resident (as reported by Crime Grade). These figures suggest a community where awareness and neighborhood watch programs could play a significant role in enhancing safety.

The Cost of Living in Taft

Taft offers a more affordable cost of living compared to many other California cities. The overall cost of living in Taft is approximately 15% lower than the national average and significantly lower than the California state average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (as reported by Livability.com). This affordability extends to several key areas of household expenses.

Housing costs in Taft are notably lower than the national average. The median home value in Taft is approximately $252,600 (as reported by Niche), and the median listing price was $192,000 in April 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com). The average rent for an apartment in Taft is around $795 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), with a median gross rent of $1,069 (as reported by Point2Homes). These figures indicate that housing expenses are substantially less than the California average.

Housing Expenses and Utilities

Housing expenses in Taft are about 37% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, utility prices in Taft are considerably higher, being 75% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses, such as bus fares and gas prices, are also higher than the national average by 25% (as reported by Payscale). Groceries in Taft are 6% more expensive than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Despite these higher utility and transportation costs, the overall lower housing expenses contribute to Taft’s appeal as an affordable place to live within California. The homeownership rate in Taft is 57.1%, with just over half of the residents owning their homes (as reported by Livability.com).

Job Market and Employment Opportunities

Taft’s economy has historically been driven by the oil industry, and this sector continues to be a significant employer. Major companies in the oil and gas sector, such as Chevron, California Resources Corporation, and Berry Petroleum Company, have a strong presence in the region (as reported by Taft Chamber of Commerce). These companies provide numerous job opportunities within the petroleum industry.

Beyond the oil sector, other industries contributing to employment in Taft include manufacturing, agriculture, government, and services. The city is actively working with the Chamber of Commerce to attract new businesses and diversify the local economy, aiming to create a broader range of job opportunities for residents (as reported by Taft Chamber of Commerce).

Salaries and Unemployment

The average salary in Taft, CA, is approximately $36,000 per year, with an average hourly pay of $17.00 (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources indicate a higher median household income. For instance, the median household income in Taft was reported as $72,772 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). Another source states the median annual household income was $83,487 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes).

The unemployment rate in Taft stands at 6% (as reported by Point2Homes). This rate is lower than the national average, suggesting a relatively stable job market for those actively seeking employment. The workforce is primarily employed in professional or administrative positions, with a smaller percentage in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Taft experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, typical of the San Joaquin Valley. The average annual temperature range in Taft is from 39°F in December to 99°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city generally has dry and arid weather throughout the year, with minimal rainfall.

Annual precipitation averages around 6 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically February, with an average of about 1 inch of precipitation. In contrast, August is often the driest month, receiving very little to no rainfall (as reported by California and Weather averages Taft). Snowfall is extremely rare in Taft.

Temperature and Seasonal Comfort

Daily high temperatures in Taft can reach very hot levels during the summer months, often exceeding 90°F and peaking around 99°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather and TAFT, CALIFORNIA Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary). Nighttime temperatures in July can still be warm, averaging around 67°F (as reported by TAFT, CALIFORNIA Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary). During the winter, average high temperatures are in the mid-50s Fahrenheit, with lows around 37-41°F (as reported by TAFT, CALIFORNIA Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary).

Taft experiences approximately 138 days per year with comfortable weather, defined by mild temperatures and low humidity (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The most comfortable times to visit or enjoy outdoor activities are typically from March to May and again from mid-October to mid-November (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Systems

Taft is served by the Taft City School District for grades K-8 and the Taft Union High School District for grades 9-12. The Taft City School District has a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1, serving approximately 2,383 students (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 20% of students in this district are proficient in math and 29% in reading (as reported by Niche).

The Taft Union High School District has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, serving around 1,149 students (as reported by Niche). State test scores for this district show 10% of students are proficient in math and 49% in reading (as reported by Niche). Overall, Taft public schools have an average rating of 2 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of California public schools (as reported by Movoto).

School Performance and Ratings

Public schools in Taft have an average math proficiency score of 18% and a reading proficiency score of 29%, which are below the California public school averages (as reported by Niche). Top-ranked public schools in Taft include Parkview Elementary School, Conley Elementary School, and Taft Primary (as reported by Niche). These schools, however, still fall within the lower-performing range when compared to state averages.

The minority enrollment in Taft public schools is 72% of the student body, which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (as reported by Niche). This demographic composition reflects the broader diversity within the student population. Despite the lower performance metrics, the school districts serve the educational needs of Taft’s younger residents.

Demographics and Population

As of the most recent Census data, Taft is home to approximately 7,125 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The population has seen a slight decrease, with a -1.4% year-over-year change (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Taft is 37 years old (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Taft is predominantly White, accounting for 72.7% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). Other racial groups include African American (1.2%), Asian (0.3%), and residents identifying with two or more races (11.4%). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute a significant portion of the population as well (as reported by Wikipedia).

Population Trends and Household Composition

Taft has a population of 8,546 as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The population density is 559.6 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia). The city has experienced a population decline, with a projected population of 6,442 for 2026, assuming an annual rate of change of -4.8% (as reported by Data USA).

Taft has 2,651 households, with an average of 2 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 66.4% of these households are families, while the remaining 33.6% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The gender distribution shows that 51.1% of Taft locals are male and 48.9% are female (as reported by Point2Homes).

Major Employers and Economic Drivers

The oil industry remains the cornerstone of Taft’s economy, with major players like Chevron and California Resources Corporation being significant employers (as reported by Taft Chamber of Commerce). The Midway Sunset Oilfield, the largest in the lower forty-eight states, is centered in Taft, making the petroleum sector the lifeblood of the community (as reported by Taft Chamber of Commerce). Historically, Standard Oil was a major employer, at one point employing as many as 6,000 residents (as reported by Wikipedia).

Other sectors that contribute to the local job market include manufacturing, agriculture, and government services. The Taft Chamber of Commerce actively works to attract new businesses to diversify the economic base and provide a wider array of employment opportunities for residents (as reported by Taft Chamber of Commerce).

Key Industries and Business Landscape

The business landscape in Taft includes a variety of services, retail, and specialized industries related to oil extraction and support. Companies such as Berry Petroleum Company and Holmes Western Oil Corporation are also key contributors to the local economy (as reported by Taft Chamber of Commerce). The city provides essential services like salons, grocery stores, and gas stations, catering to the needs of its residents (as reported by Taft Chamber of Commerce).

Taft College also serves as an institution for higher education and a source of employment within the community. The presence of these diverse entities shapes the employment opportunities available to the Taft workforce, which is predominantly employed in professional or administrative roles (as reported by Point2Homes).