Kern County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Kern County, California, has seen median home values rise sharply from $167,400 in 2015 to $282,800 in 2022, making it an appealing option for affordable housing within the state. The spike in average taxable income per tax return from $50,700.91 in 2013 to $61,152.43 in 2021 suggests job market improvements that could boost real estate demand. However, rising state and local income taxes, which... Read more
Kern County Market Trends
Median home values in Kern County, California have seen strong growth, jumping from $167,400 in 2015 to $282,800 in 2022, making it an appealing option for affordable housing within the state. The average residential energy tax credit has surged, peaking at $4,652.02 in 2018, signaling a trend towards energy efficiency that might lead to long-term property value boosts. Real estate taxes in the... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Kern County, California Over the Last 8 Years
Median home values in Kern County, California, have shown a consistent upward trend over the last eight years, climbing from $167,400 in 2015 to $282,800 in 2022. While this represents robust growth, it's still significantly lower than the median home value for California state, which reached $659,300 in 2022, and slightly above the national median of $179,400. For investors and potential homebuyers seeking more affordable options within California, Kern County could present a compelling alternative while still offering solid appreciation in property values.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Kern County, CA Over the Last 9 Years
Kern County, California, has seen a significant uptick in the average residential energy tax credit per tax return over the last nine years. Starting at $1,394.21 in 2013, the credit peaked at $4,652.02 in 2018 before stabilizing around the $3,936.14 mark by 2021. This upward trend illustrates growing investments in energy-efficient home improvements and renewable energy installations. For those considering moving to or investing in Kern County, this trend highlights a progressive approach towards sustainability that could potentially enhance property values and long-term savings.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Kern County, CA Over the Last 10 Years
Kern County, California has seen a noticeable upward trend in average real estate taxes per tax return over the past decade. Starting at $2,820.89 in 2012, these taxes have almost doubled to around $5,003.85 by 2021. This rise reflects broader changes in property values and taxation policies, a key consideration for potential investors and homeowners aiming to understand the evolving financial landscape of the area. The substantial increases, particularly between 2017 and 2018, could indicate a period of significant property reassessment or market shifts.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Kern County, CA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, Kern County, California has seen a steady decline in the percentage of farm tax returns, dropping from 0.39% in 2012 to 0.27% in 2021. Farm tax returns refer to the proportion of income tax filings that come from farming operations, an indicator of the agricultural sector's economic activity. This trend could point to a shrinking agricultural base or farmers' transitioning to other industries, which may influence economic decisions for investors, builders, and residents considering the region's future viability.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Kern County, CA Over the Last 5 Years in Kern County
Residential mortgage trends in Kern County, California show significant fluctuations over the last five years, particularly in the counts assigned to principal residences versus investment and second homes. A clear peak in mortgage counts for principal residences was reached in 2021 with over 61,000 mortgages issued, while investment properties and second residences saw decreases, especially in 2022. These shifts in occupancy types offer critical insights for investors, builders, and real estate agents, indicating potential changes in market demand dynamics and value perception. Variation in mortgage counts by occupancy type could also impact appraisals and insurance premiums, influencing how properties are assessed and insured.
Economic Outlook
Kern County, CA has enjoyed a steady rise in average taxable income per tax return, climbing from $50,700.91 in 2013 to $61,152.43 in 2021. The growing income levels suggest better job opportunities and an expanding economic base, which can make the area more attractive to property developers and businesses targeting affluent consumers. On another note, the sharp increase in average state and local income taxes per tax return, hitting $17,835.32 in 2021, points to a higher cost of living that... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Kern County, CA over the last 9 years
Kern County, CA has seen a steady rise in average taxable income per tax return over the past nine years, jumping from $50,700.91 in 2013 to $61,152.43 in 2021. This growth trend indicates a strengthening economy which is appealing for investors and potential homeowners. Increasing income levels might signal better job opportunities and an expanding economic base, making the area attractive for property developers and businesses looking to tap into a more affluent consumer base.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Kern County, CA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Kern County, CA has seen a noticeable rise in average state and local income taxes per tax return, reaching a high of $17,835.32 in 2021. This increase, particularly sharp from 2018 onwards, reflects significant tax burden changes for residents. Such trends are crucial for prospective movers who need to factor in higher living costs due to growing tax obligations.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Kern County, CA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade in Kern County, California, the average total tax liability per tax return has shown fluctuation, peaking at $8,856.68 in 2020 and dipping to its lowest at $8,233.92 in 2016. These variations highlight an unpredictable trend in tax burdens for residents, reflective of broader economic and regulatory shifts within the state. Investors and potential property owners should be aware of these tax liability trends as they can impact overall cost of living and the financial landscape in Kern County.
Cost of Living in Kern County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,616 | $1,436 | $1,688 | $2,032 | $1,474 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,616 | $1,172 | $1,303 | $2,032 | $1,742 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,616 | $1,173 | $1,459 | $2,032 | $1,226 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,616 | $958 | $1,074 | $2,032 | $1,483 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $1,137 | $960 | $1,229 | $1,766 | $876 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $1,137 | $717 | $844 | $1,766 | $889 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $1,137 | $759 | $1,000 | $901 | $721 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $1,137 | $490 | $615 | $901 | $615 |
| 2 adults | $869 | $610 | $771 | $0 | $545 |
| 1 adult | $863 | $332 | $385 | $0 | $539 |
Safety trends & Data
Kern County, California, has had an interesting property crime landscape over the past five years. Larceny-theft dropped dramatically from 691.00 cases in 2018 to 3.00 in 2021, but then spiked back up to 476.00 in 2022. Stolen property crimes have surged, peaking at 1570.00 in 2022. While motor vehicle theft has seen minor fluctuations, arson and burglary have shown consistent activity. The variable behavior of vandalism and fraud should also be carefully watched. These trends could influence... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Kern County, CA Over the Last 5 Years
Kern County, California, has experienced some noticeable fluctuations in property crime over the last five years. Notably, arson and burglary have shown small but consistent activity, while larceny-theft has seen a significant drop from a high of 691.00 cases in 2018 to just 3.00 in 2021, before increasing again to 476.00 in 2022. Meanwhile, motor vehicle theft has remained relatively stable, albeit with slight variances. Cases involving stolen property have notably surged, peaking at 1570.00 in 2022. Another point of interest is the variable behavior of vandalism and fraud, which warrant close monitoring. These trends can inform property investment decisions, insurance premiums, and law enforcement focus areas in Kern County.
Demographics
Kern County, California, shows a nuanced demographic profile with males slightly outnumbering females within the adult population. The educational attainment is diverse but there’s a notable concentration at the high school graduate level, reflecting possible opportunities for targeted educational programs. Age distribution skews younger, suggesting a robust future workforce but also underlining the need for services catering to youth and young families. Racial diversity is significant, with... Read more
Race Distribution in Kern County, California (2022)
Educational Attainment in Kern County, California (2022)
Age Distribution in Kern County, California
Citizen Population in Kern County, California (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Kern County, California, exhibited a moderately Republican preference during the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, as about 53.9% of votes went to the GOP. Democrats, while a sizable minority, captured 43.7% of the vote. Minimal third-party influence was noted, with Libertarians drawing approximately 1.3% and other candidates less than 1.2%. This voting behavior potentially highlights the county's mixed yet predominantly right-leaning demographic... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
In Kern County, California, the political landscape during the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election leaned moderately Republican, with approximately 53.9% of votes cast in their favor. Democrats garnered around 43.7% of the vote, which might suggest a competitive but distinct minority presence. Notably, third-party candidates had minimal impact, with Libertarians receiving roughly 1.3%, while Green Party and other candidates collectively secured less than 1.2%. This voting pattern could be reflective of the county's broader political inclinations and demographic diversity.
53.88% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
43.68% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
1.29% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.35% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.79% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
The student-to-teacher ratio in Kern County, California, has seen a gradual decrease from 23 to around 21 students per teacher over the past nine years. While this improvement might signal better learning environments, the ratios still remain above the national average of 14 students per teacher. This discrepancy might impact decisions for investors and families evaluating the area's educational infrastructure when considering a... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Kern County, California over the last 9 years
The student-to-teacher ratio in Kern County, California, has generally trended downward over the past nine years, decreasing from 23 to around 21 students per teacher. This subtle yet significant shift could suggest improved learning environments, making Kern County potentially more appealing for families and educators alike. However, it's worth noting that these ratios consistently remain above the national average of 14 students per teacher. This higher ratio might influence decisions for investors, real estate agents, and appraisers looking to gauge the overall quality of local educational infrastructure, as well as for families contemplating a move to the area.
