Ridgecrest, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Ridgecrest, California is 28,138 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 280th-largest city in California. The median household income is $88,107, the median home value is $235,800, and the median age is 34.8.
The population has grown 2.5% since 2010 (27,684 → 28,373).
28,138
Population
1349
People / sq mi
$88,107
Median Income
$235,800
Median Home Value
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Ridgecrest covers 20.9 sq mi of land at 1349 people per square mile.
About Ridgecrest, CA
Age is the most distinctive thing about Ridgecrest: a median age of 34.8, younger than the national median. Ridgecrest is a city in California with a population of 28,138.
Median household income is $88,107, above the US median of $78,538. About 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $235,800, with typical rent around $1,178.
31.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.6%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Ridgecrest city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Ridgecrest city had a population of 27,684 in 2010 and 28,373 in 2024, a 2.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,973 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.18%.
28,373
Population (2024)
27,684
Population (2010)
28,973
Peak (2019)
0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,684 |
| 2011 | 27,904 |
| 2012 | 28,275 |
| 2013 | 28,569 |
| 2014 | 28,591 |
| 2015 | 28,616 |
| 2016 | 28,604 |
| 2017 | 28,699 |
| 2018 | 28,851 |
| 2019 | 28,973 |
| 2020 | 27,994 |
| 2021 | 28,223 |
| 2022 | 28,233 |
| 2023 | 28,212 |
| 2024 | 28,373 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.7% |
| Black or African American | 4.9% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$88,107
Median Household Income
$40,173
Per Capita Income
7.7%
Poverty Rate
5.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$235,800
Median Home Value
$1,178
Median Rent
59.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.8%
High School+
31.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
75.5%
Public Transit
9.6%
Work From Home
15.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
27.8%
Foreign Born
83.9%
Non-English at Home
15.3%
Veterans
14.6%
With Disability
96.5%
Health Insurance
95.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Public Administration | 30.4% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 4.4% |
| Retail Trade | 4.2% |
| Construction | 4.2% |
| Information | 4.0% |
| Manufacturing | 3.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ridgecrest, California has a population of 28,138 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 280th-largest city in California.
The median household income in Ridgecrest, California is $88,107, with 7.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Ridgecrest, California is $235,800, with median monthly rent at $1,178 and a homeownership rate of 59.7%.
The median age in Ridgecrest, California is 34.8 years. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The population has grown 2.5% since 2010 (27,684 → 28,373).
Where to stay in Ridgecrest
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.