Kern County , California

Population: 910,433 residents · 2023 Census ACS

Income $67,660 Home $310,600 Rent $1,220/mo
Page updated: · Data vintage: CDC PLACES 2023 · FEMA NRI v1.20
Sources: CDC PLACES·FEMA NRI·Census ACS · Methodology

Across 910,433 residents, Kern County tracks with a mixed cost-and-earnings profile — useful as a comparison anchor for California and neighboring counties alike. FEMA's National Risk Index ranks Kern County in the top 1% nationally for overall natural-hazard exposure, with wildfire potential the dominant local risk.

$67,660
Median Income
household
$310,600
Home Value
median
$1,220/mo
Monthly Rent
median gross
N/A
Unemployment
rate

Income & Housing

Median Household Income $67,660
Per Capita Income $29,238
Poverty Rate 19.1%
Median Home Value $310,600
Median Gross Rent $1,220/mo
Owner Occupied 59.8%
Renter Occupied 40.2%

Demographics & Education

Total Population 910,433
Median Age 32.4 yrs
Bachelor's or Higher 18.6%

Health Outcomes

CDC PLACES 2023 · % of adults

36.0%
Obesity
13.3%
Diabetes
14.6%
Smoking
32.0%
High Blood Pressure
32.1%
No Physical Activity
22.8%
Depression
38.7%
Insufficient Sleep
70.9%
Annual Checkup

Natural Hazard Risk

FEMA National Risk Index · county-level scores

Relatively High

Overall risk score: 98.9  ·  99th national percentile

🌪️ Tornado
19.78
🔥 Wildfire
99.75
❄️ Winter Storm
82.18
🌍 Earthquake
99.43
☀️ Drought
94.53

Thinking of moving to Kern County?

Use our salary calculator to see what income you'd need to maintain your lifestyle.

Open Cost of Living Calculator →