Cost of Living in Kern County, CA
Population 915,075 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Kern County, CA is $1,300/month, 36% lower than the California median and 8% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $338,300, about the same as the national median. Households earn a median of $70,210 a year, 29% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Kern County vs. California vs. U.S.
| Kern County | California | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,300 | $2,036 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $338,300 | $734,700 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $70,210 | $99,122 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 60.1% | 55.9% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.8% | 37.1% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 19.1% | 12.0% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.6% | 6.6% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 7.5% | 17.2% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 32.7 | 37.9 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Kern County, CA?
The median gross rent in Kern County, CA is $1,300 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Kern County, CA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $52,000 a year in gross income.
Is Kern County, CA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 8% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.8 times the median household income.
Other counties in California
Counties with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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