US Map showing Location Map of Bakersfield in California
Bakersfield, California Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Bakersfield |
| County | Kern County |
| State | California |
| State Capital | Sacramento |
| US Region | West |
| Latitude | 35.3733° N |
| Longitude | 119.0187° W |
| Elevation | 404 ft (123 m) |
| Land Area | 149.8 sq mi |
| Water Area | 0.6 sq mi |
| Total Area | 150.4 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 403,455 |
| Population Density | Approximately 2,693 per sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 93301, 93304, 93305, 93306, 93307, 93308, 93309, 93311, 93312, 93313, 93314 |
| Area Code | 661 |
| Time Zone Standard | Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC-8) |
| Time Zone Daylight | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC-7) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 06-03526 |
| Congressional District | California 20th Congressional District |
Location and Surroundings
Bakersfield is located in Kern County in the southern portion of California's Central Valley. It lies between Fresno to the north and Los Angeles to the south, near the foothills of the Tehachapi Mountains. The city is famous for its energy industry, agricultural production, country music heritage, and role as a major transportation hub in the San Joaquin Valley.
Nearby Cities to Bakersfield, California
- Shafter, California - 18 mi Northwest
- Arvin, California - 20 mi Southeast
- Wasco, California - 25 mi Northwest
- Tehachapi, California - 38 mi East
- Delano, California - 32 mi North
- McFarland, California - 25 mi North
- Taft, California - 37 mi Southwest
- Porterville, California - 54 mi Northeast
- Visalia, California - 76 mi North
- Lancaster, California - 69 mi South
Bakersfield, California Climate and Weather Overview
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58 | 39 | 1.4 |
| April | 77 | 50 | 0.6 |
| July | 98 | 69 | 0.0 |
| October | 83 | 57 | 0.4 |
| Annual | 79 | 54 | 6.5 |
| Climate Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Classification (Köppen) | Hot Semi-Arid (BSh) |
| Annual Rainfall | About 6.5 inches |
| Annual Sunshine Days | Approximately 272 days |
| Hurricane/Tornado Risk | Very low |
| Snowfall | Rare |
Driving Distances from Bakersfield, California
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shafter | California | 18 | 20 min |
| Arvin | California | 20 | 25 min |
| Delano | California | 32 | 35 min |
| Wasco | California | 25 | 30 min |
| Tehachapi | California | 38 | 45 min |
| Taft | California | 37 | 45 min |
| Porterville | California | 54 | 1 hr |
| Visalia | California | 76 | 1 hr 20 min |
| Lancaster | California | 69 | 1 hr 15 min |
| Los Angeles | California | 112 | 2 hr |
Transportation and Connectivity in Bakersfield, California
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Meadows Field Airport |
| IATA Code | BFL |
| Port | Not Applicable |
| Major Highways | CA 99, CA 58, CA 178, CA 184, CA 204 |
| Train/Amtrak Service | Amtrak San Joaquins and Thruway Bus Service |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | Golden Empire Transit District (GET) |
- State Route 99 - Major north-south corridor through California's Central Valley.
- State Route 58 - Connects Bakersfield with Mojave, Barstow, and Interstate 15.
- State Route 178 - Provides access to Lake Isabella and the Kern River Valley.
- State Route 184 - Connects central Bakersfield with eastern communities.
- State Route 204 - Serves downtown Bakersfield and local commercial districts.
- Westside Parkway - Important urban transportation corridor across the city.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Bakersfield, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Kern County Museum | Museum |
| California Living Museum (CALM) | Zoo |
| Buck Owens' Crystal Palace | Music Venue |
| Fox Theater | Historic Theater |
| The Park at River Walk | Urban Park |
| Buena Vista Museum of Natural History | Museum |
| Hart Memorial Park | Regional Park |
| Rabobank Arena | Event Venue |
| Kern River Parkway Trail | Recreation Trail |
| Murray Family Farms | Agritourism Attraction |
Waterbodies in Bakersfield, California
Kern River, Buena Vista Lake, Lake Ming, Truxtun Lake, Isabella Lake, Calloway Canal, Friant-Kern Canal, Kern River Canal, Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area Lakes, Mill Creek
Golf Courses in Bakersfield, California
Seven Oaks Country Club, Bakersfield Country Club, Rio Bravo Country Club, Sundale Country Club, Kern River Golf Course, North Kern Golf Course, Buena Vista Golf Course, Valley Rose Golf Course, Links at Riverlakes Ranch, Stockdale Country Club
Economy and Major Employers in Bakersfield, California
| Sector | Major Employer or Industry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Oil and Natural Gas Industry | One of California's largest petroleum-producing regions. |
| Agriculture | Crop and Food Processing Industry | Major contributor to the regional economy. |
| Healthcare | Dignity Health and Adventist Health | Leading healthcare employers. |
| Education | Kern High School District | Major public-sector employer. |
| Government | Kern County Government | Significant employment source. |
| Logistics | Transportation and Distribution | Benefits from Central Valley location. |
| Retail | Commercial and Shopping Centers | Supports local employment. |
| Manufacturing | Industrial Production Facilities | Important economic sector. |
Colleges and Schools in Bakersfield, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University, Bakersfield | Public | University | Regional public university |
| Bakersfield College | Public | Community College | One of California's oldest community colleges |
| University of La Verne Bakersfield | Private | University | Adult and graduate programs |
| Santa Barbara Business College | Private | College | Career-focused education |
| Kern High School District | Public | K-12 District | Largest secondary school district in the area |
| Bakersfield City School District | Public | K-12 District | Primary education provider |
Bakersfield, California - Key Historical Facts
- Bakersfield was founded in 1869 and named after Thomas Baker, an early settler who established a homestead in the area.
- The city grew rapidly as an agricultural and transportation center in California's Central Valley.
- Oil discoveries in the late nineteenth century transformed Bakersfield into a major energy-producing region.
- Bakersfield became famous for the "Bakersfield Sound," a country music style popularized by artists such as Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
- The city experienced significant growth during the twentieth century due to agriculture, petroleum production, and manufacturing.
- Today, Bakersfield is one of California's leading centers for agriculture, energy production, and logistics.
Sources
- Official City of Bakersfield Website
- Official Kern County Website
- U.S. Census Bureau
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- National Weather Service
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