Kern
California

What stands out

What stands out about Kern County: natural-hazard risk is among the riskiest in America (99 of 100), unemployment is in the top 2% of American counties (6.9%), and rainfall is in the bottom 3% of American counties (12 inches a year). Within California it ranks 13th of 58 counties for natural-hazard risk.

Where you are

You live in Kern County, California. 906,883 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -9,169).

California's 13.3% top income-tax rate applies only to income above roughly $1 million, and Proposition 13 caps property-tax growth at 2% a year for as long as you own the home, so long-time owners pay far less than new buyers on identical houses. Wildfire risk now drives insurance availability in much of the state, and several major carriers have stopped writing new homeowner policies.

Money

The typical household here brings in $63,883 a year, higher than 59% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $60,066. Unemployment runs 6.9%, higher than 98% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

California takes 3.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,495 a year.

Home

The median home costs $364K, pricier than 81% of American counties, about 4.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,077 a month. Property tax is 0.96% of home value, roughly $2,712 a year on that median home, higher than 57% of American counties. 60% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 72% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 39 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.9 years, shorter than 60% of American counties. There are 1,381 active physicians in the county, about 15.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.4 of 5 stars. 8.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.56 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 95% of American counties. 77% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 22 points. 58% of eligible voters turned out. Under California law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 64°F, highs near 76 and lows near 51, warmer than 79% of American counties. About 12 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 99 out of 100, riskier than almost every county in America; the county has had 40 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 265 Mbps down, faster than 81% of American counties. There are 27 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 8 breweries, 8 museums, 1 National Park Service site.