countyscore
27.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 60.7Schools 46.8Property Tax 44.3

County Report Card

About Kern County, California

Kern County trails national livability norms badly

Kern County's composite score of 27.8 is among California's worst, trailing the national median of 50.0 by 22.2 points. The county ranks in the lowest tier nationally, reflecting severe challenges across multiple livability dimensions.

Poorest livability performance in California sample

Kern's score of 27.8 is the lowest among all eight profiled counties and significantly trails California's state average of 40.9. The county faces compounded challenges that make it a livability outlier even within struggling California regions.

Minimal natural disaster risk and low taxes

Kern County benefits from extremely low natural disaster risk (score: 1.1), one of California's safest in terms of environmental hazards. The tax rate of 0.912% is elevated, but the county's oil-based economy provides some income stability (score: 60.7).

Safety, health, and school systems in crisis

Kern's safety score of just 3.1 is catastrophically low, reflecting severe violent and property crime rates among the nation's worst. Health outcomes (38.6), schools (46.8), and water access (30.0) all register critically low, while the highest tax burden (0.912%) further strains residents.

Not recommended for families or security seekers

Kern County suits only those with no livability alternatives, such as workers tied to oil industry employment with company housing support. It is unsuitable for any family prioritizing safety, education, health care, or quality of life.

Score breakdown

Tax44.3Cost12.2Safety3.1Health38.6Schools46.8Income60.7Risk1.1Water30Weather42.3
🏛44.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱13.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Tulare County
California
35.2
Kings County
California
38.2
San Luis Obispo County
California
42.9
Ventura County
California
44.3
Santa Barbara County
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Los Angeles County
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Inyo County
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Fresno County
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Deep Dives

Kern County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kern County

via TaxByCounty

Kern County carries the highest tax burden

Kern County's effective tax rate of 0.912% ranks among the nation's highest, significantly exceeding California's 0.714% average and the national median. The median property tax of $2,833 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, despite the county's lower median home value of $310,600.

Kern has California's highest effective tax rate

At 0.912%, Kern County leads all California counties in effective tax rate, creating one of the nation's most expensive property tax environments. Its median property tax of $2,833 reflects this aggressive taxation, making homeownership substantially costlier here than statewide.

Kern's taxes far exceed all nearby counties

Kern's 0.912% rate dramatically outpaces Fresno County (0.746%), Kings County (0.751%), Inyo County (0.707%), and Glenn County (0.647%). Only Imperial County (0.840%) comes close, making Kern and Imperial the state's most heavily taxed regions.

Budget $2,833 annually in property taxes

A median Kern County home valued at $310,600 carries an estimated annual property tax bill of $2,833—among the highest in California relative to home value. With a mortgage, expect $3,142; without, approximately $2,235.

Assessment appeals are critical in Kern County

Given Kern's exceptionally high tax rates, verifying your assessed value is essential and potentially lucrative. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor can provide substantial relief if your home is assessed above fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kern County

via CostByCounty

Kern's affordable Southern California

Kern County renters spend 21.6% of income on housing, slightly below California's 22.4% average, while the median household income of $67,660 is closer to the national median than most inland California counties. Kern offers genuine affordability for those seeking Southern California living without coastal price tags.

Middle affordability for California

Kern County ranks in the middle range of California's housing affordability with a 21.6% rent-to-income ratio near the state average of 22.4%. The median home value of $310,600 reflects Kern's position as an affordable gateway to Southern California's economic opportunities.

Kern in the San Joaquin context

Kern's $1,220 median rent and 21.6% ratio place it between Fresno (21.8%, $1,300 rent) and Kings (21.4%, $1,228 rent), making it squarely competitive within the San Joaquin Valley. The $67,660 median income is solid for the region, supporting the area's growing diversified economy.

Kern's housing share

Kern renters pay $1,220 monthly while homeowners face $1,453, with a median home value of $310,600 accessible to the $67,660 median household income. Housing consumes 21.6% of income, leaving 78.4% for other necessities and discretionary spending.

Kern for Southern California access

Kern County offers a smart compromise for those priced out of Los Angeles and San Diego: median homes cost $50,000-$100,000 less than coastal Southern California while incomes remain competitive. If your work ties to the LA metro, Kern's affordability gains combined with reasonable commute times make relocation financially sensible.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kern County

via IncomeByCounty

Kern County income lags national median

Kern County's median household income of $67,660 runs 9.5% below the national median of $74,755. The county's oil, agriculture, and manufacturing base creates moderate earnings relative to national standards.

Below California income standards

At $67,660, Kern's median household income trails California's state average of $87,001 by nearly $19,400. The county ranks in the lower-middle range among California's 58 counties for household earnings.

Kern fits Central Valley income pattern

Kern County ($67,660) earns comparably to Kings County ($68,750) and similarly to Fresno ($71,434), reflecting the broader Central Valley economic profile. El Dorado County ($106,190) earns significantly more, reflecting regional economic disparities.

Housing costs claim significant share

With a 21.6% rent-to-income ratio, Kern households dedicate a notable portion of earnings to housing costs. The median home value of $310,600 represents moderate leverage relative to county incomes, requiring careful budget management.

Strengthen your economic foundation

Kern County's energy and agricultural sectors offer stable employment; residents should maximize employer benefits and retirement plans. Build an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses and explore investment opportunities aligned with local industry growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kern County

via CrimeByCounty

Kern County Reports High Incident Rates

Kern County faces challenges with a safety score of 93.6. At 4,050.8 crimes per 100,000 people, the county's rate sits at nearly double the national average of 2,385.5.

Kern Trails California Safety Average

This score trails the California state average of 96.3, indicating a higher frequency of incidents than most counties. Statistics are monitored by 22 different reporting agencies.

Safety Disparities in the Region

Kern’s crime rate of 4,050.8 is significantly higher than nearby Kings County, which reports just 1,824.1. This disparity highlights local variations in public safety across the Central Valley.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime dominates the figures at 3,310.9 per 100,000, while violent crime remains high at 739.9. These numbers represent a substantial impact on the local community's daily life.

Take Action to Secure Your Home

Local households can improve security by installing motion-sensing lights and reinforced locks. Engaging in neighborhood watch programs helps mitigate the risk of property-related offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kern County

via HealthByCounty

Kern faces America's health crisis

Kern County's life expectancy of 74.2 years is the lowest in this group and trails the U.S. average of 76.1 by 1.9 years. With 25.5% of residents reporting poor or fair health—40% above the national 18% rate—Kern shows severe population health distress.

California's second-worst health crisis

Kern's 74.2-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom of California's counties, falling 4.3 years short of the state's 78.5-year average. The 25.5% poor/fair health rate is second only to Imperial County in this analysis, indicating acute health disparities.

Central Valley health struggles

Kern's 74.2-year life expectancy and 25.5% poor/fair health rate reflect broader Central Valley health crises, slightly worse than Fresno (75.9 years) but better than comparison regions. With 48 primary care providers per 100,000 and only 254 mental health providers per 100K, Kern lacks the infrastructure to address its health emergency.

Insurance and provider access bottlenecks

Kern's 7.7% uninsured rate ties Fresno for second-highest in this group, leaving roughly 24,000 residents without coverage, while 48 primary care providers per 100,000 and 254 mental health providers per 100K fall well short of need. Limited access delays care and worsens health outcomes.

Kern County: coverage is essential

With low life expectancy and high rates of poor health, Kern residents urgently need affordable coverage. Visit CoveredCA.com or contact Kern County Public Health to find plans and access preventive care clinics.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kern County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Powerhouse System in Kern County

Kern County manages one of the state's largest educational networks, with 272 schools serving 195,695 students. The county is divided into 58 districts and includes 161 elementary schools and 51 high schools. This infrastructure also supports 14 charter schools and 20 alternative education centers.

Competitive Results in a Large-Scale System

Kern County reports an 86.4% graduation rate, nearly reaching the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,004, which is lower than the California average of $8,762. Despite the lower spending and massive enrollment, the county maintains a school score of 53.8, reflecting the challenges and successes of a large, diverse district.

Massive Districts and Large Campuses

Kern High is a major player with 42,667 students, while Bakersfield City district manages 45 schools. The county is also home to large-scale charters like Blue Ridge Academy, which serves 6,751 students across various grade levels. Traditional high schools like Bakersfield and Arvin enroll nearly 3,000 students each, offering robust extracurricular and academic programs.

Diverse Locales from City to Country

Kern County offers every type of school environment, from 97 city-based schools to 58 in rural settings. The average school size is 733 students, making it one of the more densely populated school systems in the region. This variety ensures that families can choose between bustling urban campuses and quiet rural schoolhouses.

Strategic Housing Near Education Hubs

With 58 districts to choose from, Kern County offers families a wide range of educational styles and neighborhood vibes. Buying a home near the Kern High or Panama-Buena Vista Union districts puts you in the center of some of the county's most established programs. School quality is a key consideration for the growing number of families moving to the Bakersfield area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kern County

via RiskByCounty

Kern County faces highest national risk

Kern County's composite risk score of 98.89 places it in the 'Relatively High' category, well above the national average. The county ranks among America's most hazard-exposed regions, experiencing extreme exposure to earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. This critical rating demands comprehensive, ongoing disaster preparedness from all Kern residents and businesses.

Kern ranks among California's riskiest counties

Kern's 98.89 score substantially exceeds California's 88.72 average, placing it in the very top tier of the state's 58 counties. The county's wildfire risk of 99.75 is among the state's absolute highest, while earthquake risk reaches 99.43. This exceptional ranking reflects Kern's convergence of multiple extreme natural hazards.

Kern rivals state's highest-risk counties

Kern's 98.89 score ranks among the very highest in California, nearly matching Fresno (99.30) and exceeding all other neighbors including Kings (92.43), Inyo (79.33), and Tulare. The county's extreme wildfire (99.75) and earthquake (99.43) scores are among California's worst. Kern stands as one of the state's most hazard-exposed regions, comparable only to a handful of peers.

Wildfire and earthquake present extreme danger

Kern's wildfire risk scores 99.75—among the state's absolute highest—while earthquake risk reaches 99.43, creating a dual extreme hazard. Flood risk also scores extremely high at 98.47, completing a trifecta of major threats. These three near-maximum hazard scores make Kern one of California's most perilous natural disaster environments.

Comprehensive insurance is absolutely critical

Kern residents must obtain earthquake, wildfire, and flood insurance—all three are essential given the county's extreme scores across each hazard. Standard homeowners policies exclude all three, making separate coverage non-negotiable for anyone with property worth protecting. Building complete insurance protection now is the single most important step Kern residents can take.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kern County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid and Warm Southern Valley

Kern County’s 63.0°F annual average makes it warmer than the national median, typical of a southern interior valley. It is an arid region, receiving just 8.6 inches of rain compared to the 25.8-inch state average.

A Southern Valley Heat Trap

Averaging 63.0°F, Kern is warmer than the California state average of 58.7°F. It sits at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley where heat trapped by surrounding mountains drives up annual figures.

Drier Than Its Neighbors

Kern is drier than neighboring Tulare County and experiences more extreme heat than coastal San Luis Obispo. It features a unique mix of valley floor heat and slightly cooler mountain foothills.

Hot Summers and Rare Snowfall

The county endures 106 extreme heat days annually, with summer averages reaching 79.5°F. Winters are mild at 47.4°F, and snowfall is rare at only 1.3 inches, mostly occurring at higher elevations.

Equip for the Heat

A powerful air conditioning system is vital to handle the 106 days over 90°F. Because the county receives only 8.6 inches of rain, residents should focus on water-efficient appliances and xeriscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kern County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Valley Soil Stats

Kern County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in the current soil database. We cannot determine if the soil meets the 6.5 national median pH level. Despite being a top agricultural producer, the raw soil chemistry for the whole county is unlisted here.

Structural Details Missing

The mix of sand, silt, and clay is not recorded for Kern County in this set. This information is vital for understanding how soil compacts and how water moves through the root zone. Testing a small patch of your land can reveal your specific soil type.

Water and Nutrient Capacity

Organic matter and available water capacity data are missing for this region. We cannot compare the land's fertility to the California state average of 3.30% organic matter. Most local growers use intensive management to maximize the potential of these soils.

Unlisted Hydrology Records

No drainage class or hydrologic group is specified for Kern County. Because the region is prone to dry conditions, knowing your soil's drainage is essential for efficient irrigation. Consult with local experts to design an irrigation plan that fits your land.

Almonds and Grapes Await

Hardiness Zone 9b provides an ideal climate for nuts, citrus, and table grapes. With enough water and sun, your Kern County garden can be incredibly productive. Start planting today and watch your Central Valley garden thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kern County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Goals in Kern

Kern County's lawn difficulty score of 13.9 highlights the significant effort required to maintain green space here. In Hardiness Zone 9b, the conditions are nearly four times more difficult than the national average.

Heat Stress and Arid Air

With 106 extreme heat days and just 8.6 inches of annual rain, the climate is extremely taxing on traditional lawns. The high growing degree day count of 5,252 means grass grows fast but needs constant irrigation to prevent wilting.

Building Better Soil for Grass

Local soil texture data is unavailable for this specific region, but the arid climate often leads to poor water infiltration. Amending your soil with compost can help retain moisture and provide nutrients during the long, hot growing season.

Navigating Severe Water Limits

Kern has faced 36 weeks of drought in the last year, requiring careful management of irrigation schedules. Deep, infrequent watering in the early morning is the most effective way to keep roots healthy while conserving water.

Plan for Heat and Frost

Tough, warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine are the most reliable options for Kern's hot summers. Aim to plant after the March 9 spring frost and ensure the lawn is fully established before the November 25 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kern County's county score?
Kern County, California has a composite county score of 27.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Kern County rank among counties in California?
Kern County ranks #58 among all counties in California on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Kern County, California?
The median annual property tax in Kern County is $2,833, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Kern County a tax score of 44.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kern County?
The median household income in Kern County, California is $67,660 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kern County earns an income score of 60.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kern County, California a good place to live?
Kern County scores 27.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in California. The best way to evaluate Kern County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Kern County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.