Ridgecrest Heights, CA
Population 355 · California
About Ridgecrest Heights, CA
Ridgecrest Heights is a small community located in California with a population of 355 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,000 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ridgecrest Heights features a median home value of $104,400, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ridgecrest Heights one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 205 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (110 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (52 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ridgecrest Heights shows an unemployment rate of 16.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ridgecrest Heights have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
6.8% of Ridgecrest Heights residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ridgecrest Heights Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Ridgecrest Heights, CA
Compared to national averages, Ridgecrest Heights has a median household income of $55,000 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,400, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Ridgecrest Heights's income is 44% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 84% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Ridgecrest Heights, CA?
Ridgecrest Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,000) that falls below the national average. However, Ridgecrest Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ridgecrest Heights has a population of 355 with a median age of 53.3 years. Compare Ridgecrest Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Ridgecrest Heights
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaver Lake | 355 | $131,875 | $582,800 | Compare |
| Del Dios | 357 | $153,083 | $955,400 | Compare |
| Terminous | 357 | $72,838 | $282,200 | Compare |
| Mesa | 358 | $135,667 | $561,500 | Compare |
| California Pines | 359 | $55,583 | $244,000 | Compare |
| Woodville Farm Labor Camp | 361 | $48,077 | $0 | Compare |
| Vina | 348 | $41,101 | $115,200 | Compare |
| Olde Stockdale | 363 | $161,923 | $642,900 | 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 Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ridgecrest Heights
What is the population of Ridgecrest Heights, CA?
The population of Ridgecrest Heights, CA is 355 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Ridgecrest Heights?
The median household income in Ridgecrest Heights, CA is $55,000 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ridgecrest Heights?
The median home value in Ridgecrest Heights, CA is $104,400, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ridgecrest Heights?
The median monthly rent in Ridgecrest Heights, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ridgecrest Heights?
The unemployment rate in Ridgecrest Heights, CA is 16.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ridgecrest Heights, CA a good place to live?
Ridgecrest Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 355 and a median age of 53.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ridgecrest Heights, CA?
6.8% of residents in Ridgecrest Heights 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 Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ridgecrest Heights, CA: median home value is $104,400 (57% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $55,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ridgecrest Heights?
The poverty rate in Ridgecrest Heights, CA is 9.9%, 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 Heights, CA?
Ridgecrest Heights's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.