Education in Needles City

Needles, located in San Bernardino County, CA, is served mainly by the Needles Unified School District, which operates 4 schools, including Needles High School. The high school graduation rate is about 84%, and approximately 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures include on-site security and anti-bullying programs. Educational programs span basic K-12, vocational, and limited adult education. Academic performance scores for local schools average around 5/10 on GreatSchools. Adult learning opportunities are available via local community centers, although options for higher education are limited within city limits.

Needles City Healthcare

Healthcare in Needles, San Bernardino County, CA, is served primarily by Colorado River Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital. The city (2020 population: ~4,800) faces limited healthcare access with scarce specialist providers and clinics. Over 15% of residents are 65+, and nearly 25% live below the poverty line. Common health issues include diabetes, hypertension, and chronic respiratory diseases. Approximately 79% of San Bernardino County residents have health insurance, but Needles often reports higher uninsured rates. Limited local providers mean many seek care in neighboring cities, exacerbating transportation barriers and impacting preventative care.

Transportation in Needles City

Needles, in San Bernardino County, primarily relies on personal vehicles, with over 85% of workers commuting by car and less than 1% using public transit. The average commute time is about 16 minutes, noticeably below state and national averages. Public transportation options are limited, mainly served by Needles Area Transit and intercity Amtrak service. Vehicle ownership rates are high, with the majority of households owning two or more cars. Major employment hubs include healthcare, retail, and local government, with most jobs concentrated within the city itself, contributing to short commute distances for residents.

Needles City Demographics

Needles, a city in San Bernardino County, California, had a 2020 population of approximately 4,959. The median age is about 48.6 years, reflecting a relatively older population. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. Racially, the makeup is 75.2% White, 6.5% Native American, 2.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 11.2% from other races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 27.4% of the population.

Needles City Housing

Needles, located in San Bernardino County, CA, has a homeownership rate of around 55% and a median home value near $180,000. The average monthly rent is approximately $900. The city’s housing consists primarily of single-family homes and manufactured houses. Neighborhoods like Palo Verde Meadows are popular for their proximity to the Colorado River. Over the past year, property values have increased by about 5%. Property tax rates average 1.1% of assessed value, while sales tax is 7.75%. The affordable market attracts retirees and river enthusiasts seeking budget-friendly living.

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