Ridgecrest, CA
Population 28,138 · California
About Ridgecrest, CA
Ridgecrest is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 28,138 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,107 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ridgecrest features a median home value of $235,800, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ridgecrest in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,178, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,920 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (6,531 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (4,417 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ridgecrest shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ridgecrest have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.7% of Ridgecrest residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 16.1% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 7.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ridgecrest, CA
Compared to national averages, Ridgecrest has a median household income of $88,107 (17% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $235,800, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,178 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Ridgecrest's income is 10% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 64% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,107, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $235,800, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 11.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Ridgecrest has a population of 28,138 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Ridgecrest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Ridgecrest
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut | 27,857 | $133,762 | $972,500 | Compare |
| Temescal Valley | 28,560 | $119,647 | $648,200 | Compare |
| East Niles | 28,586 | $51,250 | $228,100 | Compare |
| Twentynine Palms | 28,738 | $56,000 | $238,400 | Compare |
| Belmont | 27,505 | $207,609 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Lemon Grove | 27,489 | $79,278 | $640,600 | Compare |
| East Palo Alto | 29,143 | $104,832 | $1,124,000 | Compare |
| Suisun City | 29,205 | $97,083 | $551,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ridgecrest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ridgecrest
What is the population of Ridgecrest, CA?
The population of Ridgecrest, CA is 28,138 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Ridgecrest?
The median household income in Ridgecrest, CA is $88,107 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ridgecrest?
The median home value in Ridgecrest, CA is $235,800, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ridgecrest?
The median monthly rent in Ridgecrest, CA is $1,178, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ridgecrest?
The unemployment rate in Ridgecrest, CA is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ridgecrest, CA a good place to live?
Ridgecrest offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 28,138 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ridgecrest, CA?
31.7% of residents in Ridgecrest aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ridgecrest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ridgecrest, CA: median home value is $235,800 (4% below national), median rent is $1,178/month, and median household income is $88,107. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ridgecrest?
The poverty rate in Ridgecrest, CA is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest's population is 16.1% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 4.4% two or more races. 7.0% of residents are foreign-born.