Tehachapi City Demographics

Tehachapi, a city in Kern County, California, has a 2022 estimated population of about 13,100. The median age is approximately 38 years. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 49% male and 51% female. Racially, the city is 65% White, 7% African American, 2% Asian, and 2% Native American, with 22% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents constitute around 33% of the population.

Tehachapi City Housing

Tehachapi, located in Kern County, CA, has a median home value of around $340,000 (2024). Homeownership is strong, with about 66% of residents owning their homes and 34% renting. The rental median is approximately $1,200/month. Property values have risen by about 5% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, with popular neighborhoods like Stallion Springs and Bear Valley Springs. Property tax rates average 1.1%, making it relatively affordable compared to other California cities. Overall, Tehachapi offers a mix of small-town charm and growing real estate opportunities.

Education in Tehachapi City

Tehachapi, in Kern County, CA, has 13 public schools, including Tehachapi High School, with a graduation rate of 87%. About 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools generally score 6/10 on GreatSchools. The city offers adult education through the Tehachapi Adult School, focusing on GED and vocational training. School safety initiatives include campus security and counseling, with incident rates below the state average. Educational programs feature STEM and arts, supporting around 4,900 students districtwide.

Transportation in Tehachapi City

Tehachapi, located in Kern County, CA, relies primarily on personal vehicles, with 85% of commuters driving alone and a mean commute time of about 31 minutes (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022). Public transit usage is low—under 1% of residents utilize Kern Transit bus services. Nearly 96% of households own at least one vehicle. The city is served by State Route 58, facilitating access to major employment hubs such as Tehachapi’s Correctional Institution, wind energy farms, and local schools. While trucking and rail lines pass through the area, commuter infrastructure is limited compared to larger urban centers.

Tehachapi City Healthcare

Tehachapi, Kern County, CA, is served by Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley, a 25-bed acute care hospital, alongside several primary care clinics and urgent care centers. The city (~13,000 pop.) has a median age of 40.3, with 17% over 65. About 9.2% of residents lack insurance, below the Kern County average (11.5%). Leading health issues include diabetes (11%), hypertension (30%), and obesity (28%). Providers include family physicians, nurse practitioners, and specialists, though specialty access may require travel to Bakersfield. Medi-Cal and Medicare are accepted widely, reflecting the area’s diverse, aging population.

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