Ridgecrest Public RecordsCalifornia

Ridgecrest, Kern County, CA, has a 2020 population of approximately 27,959. The median age is about 35.6 years. The population is roughly 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the city is 70.3% White, 5.6% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, 1.3% Native American, and 10.6% from two or more races. Approximately 19.7% of residents are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Ridgecrest, Kern County, CA, hosts several schools, including two public high schools: Burroughs High School and Mesquite Continuation High. The city’s public schools serve around 5,000 students, with Burroughs High scoring 7/10 on GreatSchools. About 29% of adults hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. Cerro Coso Community College offers local adult education and vocational programs. Ridgecrest schools prioritize safety and provide diverse educational programs, including STEM and Advanced Placement courses. The area boasts a graduation rate above 90%.

Ridgecrest, Kern County, CA, has a homeownership rate of around 65% and a median home value near $260,000 as of early 2024. Median gross rents average about $1,200 per month. The housing stock largely consists of single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Neighborhoods like College Heights and Heritage manage to attract families and professionals. The local real estate market has shown modest growth—about a 3% annual property value increase. Property tax rates are approximately 1.1%. Ridgecrest offers relatively affordable options compared to many California cities.

Ridgecrest, located in Kern County, CA, primarily relies on personal vehicles for transportation, with over 90% of residents commuting by car and a low public transit usage rate of around 0.5%. The average one-way commute time is approximately 16 minutes, notably lower than the national average of 26 minutes. Most households (about 97%) own at least one vehicle. The city’s transportation infrastructure centers on State Routes 178 and 14. Major employment hubs include the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, which employs a significant portion of Ridgecrest’s workforce. Public transportation is provided by Ridgecrest Transit.

Ridgecrest, Kern County, CA, is primarily served by the 25-bed Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, offering emergency, surgical, and outpatient services, alongside several clinics such as Omni Family Health. With a population of around 28,000, about 12% are over 65, and 36% identify as racial/ethnic minorities. Common health issues include respiratory illnesses, diabetes, and heart disease. Approximately 89% of residents have health insurance, mainly through private plans and Medi-Cal. Physician density is lower than state averages, with about 1.7 primary care doctors per 10,000 residents, impacting healthcare access for the community.