Living in Barstow, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Barstow · Census data 2020–2024
Barstow has 25,100 residents with a median age of 32.7. The median household income is $53,380 (46% lower than the California median), the median home value is $245,000, the median rent is $1,091/month.
Barstow at a glance
- Population
- 25,100
- Median age
- 32.7State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $53,380State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $245,000State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $1,091/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 43.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 13.2%
- Average commute
- 28 min
Is Barstow a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 67% lower than the state median; an average commute of 28 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 46% lower than the California median; unemployment of 11.9%; a poverty rate of 23.1%.
The weather is best in March to May and October.
Cost of living in Barstow
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Barstow the median home value is $245,000, 26% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,091 per month, which is 31.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,625 a month in housing costs.
Barstow median household income
The median household income in Barstow is $53,380 and the income per person is $26,121. 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Barstow: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 10,017
- Owner-occupied
- 43.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 56.3%
- Vacant
- 8.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1970
- Average household size
- 2.71
Barstow demographics
- Population
- 25,100
- Median age
- 32.7
- Under 18
- 30.5%
- 65 and older
- 12.3%
- Households
- 9,145
- Foreign-born
- 10.7%
- Veterans
- 9.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Barstow ›
Education in Barstow
13.2% of adults 25 and older in Barstow have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 4.8% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Barstow
- Unemployment rate
- 11.9%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 28 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 6.1%
- Drive alone
- 74.3%
- Public transit
- 0.6%
- Walk to work
- 5.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 81%
Barstow vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barstow | 25,100 | $53,380 | $245,000 | $1,091 |
| Lenwood | 3,383 | $78,958 | $194,300 | $1,176 |
| Yermo | 958 | $59,167 | — | $681 |
| Silver Lakes | 6,977 | $115,829 | $383,600 | $1,720 |
| Apple Valley | 75,473 | $69,882 | $407,400 | $1,444 |
| Spring Valley Lake | 9,483 | $82,625 | $463,000 | $2,350 |
| Victorville | 137,627 | $74,410 | $385,600 | $1,618 |
| Adelanto | 37,964 | $68,685 | $349,100 | $1,437 |
| Lucerne Valley | 5,957 | $54,788 | $269,100 | $1,181 |
More for people moving to Barstow
Barstow ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Barstow: FAQ
What is the median household income in Barstow, CA?
The median household income in Barstow is $53,380, 46% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Barstow?
The median home value in Barstow is $245,000, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Barstow?
The median gross rent in Barstow is $1,091 per month, about 31.2% of household income.
Is Barstow, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 67% lower than the state median; an average commute of 28 minutes. Minuses: median household income 46% lower than the California median; unemployment of 11.9%; a poverty rate of 23.1%.
What is the median age in Barstow?
The median age in Barstow is 32.7 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Barstow?
The average commute to work in Barstow is 28 minutes; 6.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Barstow?
The unemployment rate in Barstow is 11.9% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Barstow?
13.2% of adults in Barstow have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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