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 is a county in California with a population of 910,433. It ranks #11 among counties in California by population. The median age is 32.4, younger than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Kern County is $67,660, below the US median of $74,580. 15.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $310,600, with monthly rent averaging $1,220. The homeownership rate of 59.8% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Kern County reflects 18.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.4 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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.