CountyScore

Kern County

California · CA

#34 in California
58.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Kern County, California

Kern exceeds the national livability median

Kern County's composite score of 64.2 places it at the 64th percentile nationally, outperforming the U.S. median of 50.0. The county delivers livability advantages compared to most American counties, driven by favorable tax policy and reasonable housing costs. This above-median ranking reflects balanced performance across its measured dimensions.

Slightly above California state average

Kern's score of 64.2 edges above California's state average of 61.3, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. The county performs competitively within California but doesn't achieve the top-tier rankings of some peers. Kern's position reflects competitive rather than exceptional livability performance.

Moderate housing costs and tax efficiency

Kern's cost score of 64.0 reflects a median home value of $310,600 and monthly rent of $1,220—reasonable for California. The tax score of 76.6 with an effective rate of 0.912% provides additional financial relief. These dimensions combine to create a solid affordability profile relative to California standards.

Lower income levels and incomplete data

Kern's income score of 27.6 reflects a median household income of $67,660—below state and national averages, suggesting limited local wage opportunities. Safety, health, schools, and environmental metrics are unavailable, creating significant gaps in the livability assessment. The income limitation may constrain opportunity for career-focused professionals.

Suitable for families prioritizing affordability

Kern County works well for working families and individuals prioritizing housing affordability and tax efficiency over maximum income potential. The county's moderate costs make it accessible to households earning $65,000–$75,000 annually. Those seeking high-wage employment or comprehensive livability data should conduct additional research.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76.6Cost64SafetyComing SoonHealth63.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.6Risk1.1WaterComing Soon
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Kern County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Sacramento County
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58.7
Median income: $88,724
Adams County
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58.7
Median income: $91,387
Sarpy County
Nebraska
58.7
Median income: $101,402
Hamilton County
Ohio
58.7
Median income: $70,816
Matagorda County
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58.7
Median income: $55,174

Deep Dives

Kern County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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