Bakersfield, California

📍 👥 Pop. 404,321 🏠 ZIP 93301
64
/100
ReloCompare™
Median Income
$73,827
per household/year
Home Value
$320,600
median
Rent
$1,283
per month
Unemployment
5.5%
vs 3.7% national
Air Quality
19
Good
Internet
N/A
Mbps max • No fiber

📋 Living in Bakersfield, CA — Overview

Mild Summers High Disaster Risk Clean Air

Bakersfield, California scores 64/100 on ReloCompare™, indicating a solid overall quality of life across key metrics. With 404,321 residents, it's a mid-size city that balances urban amenities with a more manageable pace of life. The home price-to-income ratio of 4.3x is moderate, putting homeownership within reach for many working families. Natural disaster risk is elevated — FEMA has declared 22 disasters here in the past 20 years. Insurance costs may reflect this risk.

📉 Unemployment above national average — research your industry before relocating
⚠️ High disaster zone — 22 federal declarations in 20 years

Score Breakdown

💰 Affordability
65
Home Value: $320,600
Rent: $1,283/mo
Electricity: ¢/kWh
💼 Job Market
35
Unemployment: 5.5%
Median Income: $73,827
Job Growth: % YoY
🌡️ Climate
50
Summer High: °F
Winter Low: °F
Sunny Days: /year
🌿 Environment
100
Air Quality: AQI 19 (Good)
Toxic Sites: 0 in area
Water: No violations ✓
🌐 Infrastructure
50
Internet: N/A Mbps
Fiber: Not available
Solar: kWh/m²/day
⚠️ Natural Risks
95
Disasters (20yr): 22
Flood Zone: None
Earthquake: Low
🌿 Environment Analysis: Air quality in Bakersfield is excellent with a current AQI of 19 — well within EPA's "Good" range, ideal for outdoor exercise and those with respiratory sensitivities.
⚠️ Safety Analysis: With 22 federal disaster declarations in 20 years, natural disaster risk in Bakersfield is elevated. Budget for comprehensive insurance and consider flood zone status.
💰 Affordability Analysis: Housing in Bakersfield is moderately priced with a price-to-income ratio of 4.3x. Renters allocate roughly 21% of median income to housing — manageable, but worth budgeting carefully for newcomers.
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🎯 What Makes Bakersfield Stand Out

Bakersfield's strongest attributes are environment and safety, where it outperforms many comparable cities. Areas where Bakersfield faces challenges include job market — factors to weigh against its strengths when making your decision. Overall, Bakersfield may be the best fit for safety-conscious retirees.


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