Bakersfield, CA Census Data
The 9th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Bakersfield is the 9th largest city in California by population and ranks 152nd of 188 for median household income. With 408,366 residents, its poverty rate of 16.0% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
408,366
49.5% male · 50.5% female
Median Age
31.9
6.8 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$77,397
$1,141 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
23.3%
11.7% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 81.9%
Poverty Rate
16.0%
3.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.9%
Broadband Access
96.7%
7.0% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$347,300
Median rent: $1,371 · 60% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.0%
Labor force participation: 58.2%
Per Capita Income
$39,919
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.6%
Disability rate: 11.0%
How Bakersfield Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 9th of 188 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 152nd of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 162nd of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 133rd of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 180th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Bakersfield, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bakersfield, CA?
The population of Bakersfield, CA is 408,366 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 31.9 years.
What is the median household income in Bakersfield?
The median household income in Bakersfield, CA is $77,397, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $39,919.
What is the poverty rate in Bakersfield?
The poverty rate in Bakersfield, CA is 16.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Bakersfield residents have a college degree?
23.3% of adults (25+) in Bakersfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 81.9% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Bakersfield?
The median home value in Bakersfield, CA is $347,300. Median rent is $1,371 per month, with 60% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Bakersfield?
Bakersfield's population is 46.9% White, 6.1% Black, 53.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 7.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Bakersfield rank among California cities?
Bakersfield is the 9th largest city in California by population, the 152nd highest for median household income, the 162nd lowest for poverty rate, the 133rd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Bakersfield?
The unemployment rate in Bakersfield, CA is 7.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 58.2%. Per capita income is $39,919.
Cities Similar to Bakersfield
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.