IncomeBy County

Kern County, California

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-22% vs. California average
$67,660
Median Household Income
$29,238
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$67,660
-22% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,238
-26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
21.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#44 / 58
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Kern County Compares

Kern County$67,660
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$67,660
Median Household Income
$29,238
Per Capita Income
$310,600
Median Home Value
21.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Kern County

Income Verdict

Kern County has a median household income of $67,660 and per capita income of $29,238 — a gap of $38,422, indicating a strong family-earning economy with multiple earners per household.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,220/month and a median household income of $67,660, rent consumes approximately 21.6% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $67,660 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $29,238 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Kern County earns approximately 22.2% below the California state median household income of $87,001.

Data Story

About Household Income in Kern County, California

Kern County income lags national median

Kern County's median household income of $67,660 runs 9.5% below the national median of $74,755. The county's oil, agriculture, and manufacturing base creates moderate earnings relative to national standards.

Below California income standards

At $67,660, Kern's median household income trails California's state average of $87,001 by nearly $19,400. The county ranks in the lower-middle range among California's 58 counties for household earnings.

Kern fits Central Valley income pattern

Kern County ($67,660) earns comparably to Kings County ($68,750) and similarly to Fresno ($71,434), reflecting the broader Central Valley economic profile. El Dorado County ($106,190) earns significantly more, reflecting regional economic disparities.

Housing costs claim significant share

With a 21.6% rent-to-income ratio, Kern households dedicate a notable portion of earnings to housing costs. The median home value of $310,600 represents moderate leverage relative to county incomes, requiring careful budget management.

Strengthen your economic foundation

Kern County's energy and agricultural sectors offer stable employment; residents should maximize employer benefits and retirement plans. Build an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses and explore investment opportunities aligned with local industry growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Kern County, California?
The median household income in Kern County, California is $67,660, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Kern County?
The per capita income in Kern County is $29,238, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $67,660.
How does Kern County compare to the California average?
Kern County's median household income of $67,660 is lower than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $29,238, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in Kern County, California?
The per capita income in Kern County, California is $29,238, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Kern County a low-income area in California?
Kern County's median household income of $67,660 is below the California average of $87,001. The per capita income of $29,238 is also lower than the state average of $43,669. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Kern County rank for income in California?
Kern County ranks #44 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $67,660 and per capita income of $29,238, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Kern County

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Your income is above the Kern County median

County median: $67,660 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-22%

vs. National Median

-9%

vs. Kern County MedianAbout equal
vs. California Average▼ 22% below
vs. National Median▼ 9% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.6x

Your monthly income ($5,638) vs. median rent ($1,220/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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