Living in Searles Valley, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Searles Valley · Census data 2020–2024
Searles Valley has 1,713 residents with a median age of 33.7. The median household income is $62,500 (37% lower than the California median), the median home value is $80,800, the median rent is $819/month.
Searles Valley at a glance
- Population
- 1,713
- Median age
- 33.7State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $62,500State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $80,800State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $819/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 63.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 14.5%
- Average commute
- 21 min
Is Searles Valley a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 89% lower than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 37% lower than the California median; unemployment of 11.1%; a poverty rate of 24.3%.
The weather is best in March–April and October–November.
Cost of living in Searles Valley
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Searles Valley the median home value is $80,800, 76% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $819 per month, which is 19.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $870 a month in housing costs.
Searles Valley median household income
The median household income in Searles Valley is $62,500 and the income per person is $24,785. 24.3% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Searles Valley: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 831
- Owner-occupied
- 63.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 36.7%
- Vacant
- 30.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1958
- Average household size
- 2.96
30.4% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Searles Valley has many vacation and second homes.
Searles Valley demographics
- Population
- 1,713
- Median age
- 33.7
- Under 18
- 35.1%
- 65 and older
- 17.3%
- Households
- 578
- Foreign-born
- 3.1%
- Veterans
- 10.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Searles Valley ›
Education in Searles Valley
14.5% of adults 25 and older in Searles Valley have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 3.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Searles Valley
- Unemployment rate
- 11.1%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 21 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 7.8%
- Drive alone
- 80.9%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 1.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 88.9%
Searles Valley vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Searles Valley | 1,713 | $62,500 | $80,800 | $819 |
| Ridgecrest | 28,225 | $89,250 | $253,900 | $1,186 |
| Ridgecrest Heights | 370 | $77,130 | $164,300 | — |
| China Lake Acres | 2,594 | $68,594 | $160,300 | $1,283 |
More for people moving to Searles Valley
Searles Valley ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Searles Valley: FAQ
What is the median household income in Searles Valley, CA?
The median household income in Searles Valley is $62,500, 37% 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 Searles Valley?
The median home value in Searles Valley is $80,800, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Searles Valley?
The median gross rent in Searles Valley is $819 per month, about 19.2% of household income.
Is Searles Valley, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 89% lower than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes. Minuses: median household income 37% lower than the California median; unemployment of 11.1%; a poverty rate of 24.3%.
What is the median age in Searles Valley?
The median age in Searles Valley is 33.7 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Searles Valley?
The average commute to work in Searles Valley is 21 minutes; 7.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Searles Valley?
The unemployment rate in Searles Valley is 11.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Searles Valley?
14.5% of adults in Searles Valley 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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