Kern County Public RecordsCalifornia

Kern County, CA, has over 300 public schools, including 73 high schools. About 75% of adults have a high school diploma, while 16% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county’s average public school rating is 5/10, according to GreatSchools. School districts offer adult education programs, such as Kern Adult Education Consortium. Safety varies, with some schools reporting above-average incidents. Educational offerings include STEM, career technical education (CTE), and Advanced Placement (AP) programs, serving a diverse student body across both urban and rural areas.

Kern County, CA had an unemployment rate of 8.1% in April 2024, higher than the California average. Employment is led by agriculture (17%), trade, transportation & utilities (19%), and educational & health services (12%). Major occupations include production, transportation, and service roles. Median household income is around $62,000. About 85% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes. Bakersfield is the primary employment center, drawing workers from throughout the county. The county’s economy is also heavily influenced by oil, gas extraction, and logistics industries.

Kern County, CA's median home value is around $320,000, with a homeownership rate near 58%. Median rent is about $1,350 per month. The market has seen steady appreciation, with property values increasing roughly 5% year-over-year recently. Housing types range from suburban single-family homes in Bakersfield to rural ranches and some urban apartments. Popular neighborhoods include Seven Oaks, Rosedale, and Downtown Bakersfield. Property tax rates average 1.1% of assessed value, making them relatively affordable compared to other California counties.

Kern County, CA, has one of the highest crime rates in California, particularly in violent crimes. As of 2023, the violent crime rate is approximately 668 per 100,000 residents, nearly double the state average. Property crimes are also prevalent, with a rate of 2,538 per 100,000. Homicides increased by 10% over the last year. Law enforcement efforts and community reporting have improved, but safety concerns remain significant in areas like Bakersfield. The Kern County Sheriff's Office encourages residents to report suspicious activities through their online and phone systems to aid crime reduction.

As of 2023, Kern County, CA, has an estimated population of about 918,000. The median age is 32.3 years, with 50.6% male and 49.4% female. Racial and ethnic composition includes approximately 54% Hispanic or Latino, 31% White (non-Hispanic), 6% Black or African American, 6% Asian, and smaller proportions of Native American and other groups, reflecting the county’s diverse and growing population.

Kern County, CA, had over 483,000 registered voters in 2022, with 39% Republican, 34% Democrat, and 19% No Party Preference. Elections include general, primary, and special, administered by the Kern County Elections Division at over 150 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 55% voted Republican. Recent issues include redistricting, oil industry regulation, and voting access. The County Clerk oversees election integrity and processes. Voter turnout averaged 65% in major elections. Both major parties actively campaign, reflecting Kern’s diverse urban and rural interests.