Kern County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 11th-largest in California
The population of Kern County, California is 910,433 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 11th-largest county in California. The median household income is $67,660, the median home value is $310,600, and the median age is 32.4.
The population of Kern County has grown 9.6% since 2010 (841,365 → 922,529), a +0.66% annualized rate.
910,433
Population
+0.66%
Annual growth
112
People / sq mi
$67,660
Median Income
$310,600
Median Home Value
Kern County covers 8,135 sq mi of land at 111.9 people per square mile.
About Kern County, CA
Kern County skews on age — the median resident is 32.4, younger than the national median. With 910,433 residents, Kern County is a county in California. It ranks #11 among counties in California by population.
The typical household here earns about $67,660, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.2% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $310,600, with typical rent around $1,220.
18.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 6.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Kern County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kern County had a population of 841,365 in 2010 and 922,529 in 2024, a 9.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 922,529 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.66%.
922,529
Population (2024)
841,365
Population (2010)
922,529
Peak (2024)
0.66%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 841,365 |
| 2011 | 848,651 |
| 2012 | 854,392 |
| 2013 | 862,727 |
| 2014 | 869,837 |
| 2015 | 876,548 |
| 2016 | 881,094 |
| 2017 | 887,316 |
| 2018 | 893,618 |
| 2019 | 898,898 |
| 2020 | 906,124 |
| 2021 | 912,782 |
| 2022 | 917,293 |
| 2023 | 916,646 |
| 2024 | 922,529 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 49.2% |
| Black or African American | 5.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.4
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
11.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 23.8% · Seniors (65+): 11.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,660$-28,674 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,401 |
| Per-capita income | $29,238 |
| Poverty rate | 15.2%+6.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kern County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
79.2%
Public transit
6.6%
Work from home
24.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$310,600$-384,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,220
Median rent
59.8%
Homeownership rate
304,481
Total housing units
92.4%
Occupied
7.6%
Vacant
40.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.2%
With health insurance
94.1%
With broadband internet
11.2%
Foreign-born
5.1%
Veterans (18+)
11.9%
With a disability
54.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
77.1%
High School+
18.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in California
Other counties in California
Part of California
Metro areas in California
County rankings
Common questions about Kern County, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Kern County, California has a population of 910,433 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 11th-largest county in California. Population density is 112 people per square mile.
The population of Kern County has grown 9.6% since 2010 (841,365 → 922,529), a +0.66% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kern County, California is $67,660, with mean (average) household income of $91,401 and per-capita income of $29,238. 15.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kern County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (49.2%), Black or African American (5.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kern County, California is 32.4 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Kern County is $310,600 and median monthly rent is $1,220. 59.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 304,481 total housing units, 7.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kern County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.9%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Kern County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
Kern County, CA Climate
Kern County, CA has an average annual temperature of 16.9°C (62°F) and receives about 304 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.9°C
Avg Temp
304
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9° / 47° | 52 mm |
| February | 10° / 50° | 47 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 60 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 29 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 10 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 3 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 1 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 4 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 8 mm |
| October | 19° / 65° | 13 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 38 mm |
| December | 9° / 47° | 39 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Kern County, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Kern County, CA are typically May, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 36°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kern County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.