About Bakersfield

With a plentiful labor pool and room for expansion, it is not surprising why Inc. Magazine rated Bakersfield No. 9 on its Best Midsize Cities for Doing Business, 2008, the highest-rated California city on the list.

Bakersfield offers a surprising sophistication mingled with small town friendliness. Situated in the southern end of California's Central Valley, Bakersfield is strategically located in the heart of the one of the world's largest economies. It is a place where cutting edge technology development is blended with a rich history of agriculture and oil production.

Park

Bakersfield has a rare quality to newcomers that feels like coming home, an oasis of friendly people, diverse cultures, and bright ideas in the vast stretch of the Golden State. New residents are attracted to Bakersfield's high quality of life. Our housing costs continue to be among the lowest in California, giving residents the ability to achieve the American dream of home ownership.

In Bakersfield, people take pride in their work. Bakersfield is committed to providing an environment where people can live and work in the same community. Bakersfield's state university, community college, satellite University of California campus and a half dozen private and trade colleges work closely with business leaders to train qualified employees.

Fast Facts about Bakersfield:
Click for Demographics at a Glance
Population (2009)
Metro Bakersfield    496,300
City of Bakersfield   333,719
Kern County            827,173
California                38,292,687

Average high/low temps            76.8F / 53.1F
Average annual rainfall   6.49”
Sunny days per year      273
Elevation                      403’
Square miles (city)           140.53
Population density (city):   2,375 persons/sq. mi.

11th most populous city in California, 57th most populous city in U.S.
Population increased 35.17% between 2000 and 2009.
125th largest television market and 77th largest radio market in the nation.
Rated No. 9 on Inc. Magazine’s Top Medium-Sized Cities for Business, 2008.
Large employers include Nestlé, Frito-Lay, State Farm, Aera Energy, Chevron, Occidental Oil & Gas.
Labor force increased 23.21% since 2000.
Average travel time to work: 21.5 minutes.
Median household income $52,160.
County seat of Kern County, 3rd largest county in California.
Kern is the 4th largest agricultural producing county in U.S.
County generates 76% of all oil produced in California.
Underground aquifer guarantees reliable drinking water supply.
Within a four hour drive of 90% of California’s population.
49 city parks (471 acres), 1,213 miles of city streets, more than 100 miles of bike lanes and paths.
Tree City USA designation 11 years in a row.
Kern River Parkway includes 6,000+ acres of trails, parks, and waterways.
Burgeoning arts district, unique museums, live theatres, renowned Basque dining.
5,200 hotel rooms, from quaint to full-service.
Central, affordable location attracts statewide and regional conventions.
77.4% of residents have a high school education or higher.
Bakersfield College (founded 1913) and CSU Bakersfield (founded 1970).
CSU Bakersfield has NCAA Division I status.
Pro sports: ice hockey, baseball, auto racing, soccer.
Home to Bakersfield Jazz Festival since 1986.