Where is Shafter, California

Shafter is a city in the southern San Joaquin Valley and part of the Bakersfield metropolitan area in Kern County. Located about 18 miles northwest of Bakersfield, the city is surrounded by productive farmland and oil-producing areas. Shafter is known for its agricultural economy, historic downtown, and location near the foothills of the southern Sierra Nevada.

Location Map of Shafter, Kern County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Shafter in Kern County, in the U.S. state of California.

Shafter Map, California

Where is Shafter Located?

Shafter is a city located in Kern County, California, the United States. It lies in the southern San Joaquin Valley, about 18 miles northwest of Bakersfield and roughly 30 miles southeast of Wasco. The city is approximately 110 miles from Fresno and about 115 miles from Los Angeles. Shafter is located at 35.5005° North latitude and 119.2718° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 19,953 residents. The city covers about 27.4 square miles (71.0 square kilometers), with nearly all of its area consisting of land. Agriculture is central to the local economy, with crops such as almonds, pistachios, cotton, grapes, and vegetables grown in the surrounding area. The Shafter Depot Museum is a notable local attraction. A unique feature of Shafter is its role as an important agricultural community in one of California’s most productive farming regions.

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Shafter City Facts

Distance from Shafter, CA to Nearby Cities

• Wasco, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
• Bakersfield, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
• McFarland, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Buttonwillow, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Delano, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Arvin, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Taft, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Tehachapi, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Porterville, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Tulare, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
• Visalia, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
• Hanford, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
• Fresno, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
• Santa Maria, CA – 135 miles (217 km)
• Santa Barbara, CA – 145 miles (233 km)
• Los Angeles, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
• Riverside, CA – 180 miles (290 km)
• San Diego, CA – 235 miles (378 km)

Top Attractions in Shafter, California

• Shafter Depot Museum – A local museum preserving the city’s railroad, agricultural, and community history.
• Shafter Raceway Park – A motorsports facility in the Shafter area hosting racing events and community activities.
• Shafter City Park – A community recreation area with open space, playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
• Sequoia National Forest – A large forested mountain region east of Shafter featuring giant sequoias, hiking trails, rivers, and scenic mountain landscapes.
• Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area – A nearby reservoir and recreation area offering fishing, boating, camping, and birdwatching.
• Kern National Wildlife Refuge – A protected wetland area south of Shafter providing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
• California Area Living Museum – A regional wildlife and natural history center in Bakersfield featuring native California plants and animals.
• Hart Memorial Park – A large park north of Bakersfield with picnic areas, trails, fishing ponds, and open recreation space.
• Downtown Bakersfield – A nearby urban center with museums, historic buildings, restaurants, theaters, and cultural attractions.

Airports Near Shafter, California

• Meadows Field Airport (BFL) – 20 miles
• Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) – 105 miles
• Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS) – 70 miles
• Tehachapi Municipal Airport (TSP) – 55 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Shafter city website and local government records.

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