Cost of Living in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), CA
Population 3,102 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) run well below national norms — a median of $40,339 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs and rents do not fully compensate for the earnings difference. At 15.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is part of the immediate Bakersfield metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Bakersfield's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County)
The median home value in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is $256,400 — 16% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $947/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,339/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 15.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less expensive.
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), CA?
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), CA?
The median gross rent in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is $947 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County)?
The median home value in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is $256,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County)?
The median household income in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is $40,339 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), CA affordable?
Yes, Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) at a Glance
- Population
- 3,102
- Median Income
- $40,339
- Home Value
- $256,400
- Median Rent
- $947/mo
- Unemployment
- 15.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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