Cost of Living in Ford City, CA
Population 4,310 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $45,976, median household incomes in Ford City land roughly 38% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 39% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Ford City is about 25 miles southwest of Bakersfield, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Bakersfield's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ford City
The median home value in Ford City is $197,500 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $993/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,976/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 18.4%, 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, Ford City has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% less expensive.
Ford City 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 Ford City, CA?
Ford City has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ford City, CA?
The median gross rent in Ford City is $993 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ford City?
The median home value in Ford City is $197,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Ford City?
The median household income in Ford City is $45,976 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ford City, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ford City is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Ford City, CA affordable?
Yes, Ford City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
Ford City at a Glance
- Population
- 4,310
- Median Income
- $45,976
- Home Value
- $197,500
- Median Rent
- $993/mo
- Unemployment
- 18.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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