Downtown Bakersfield, CA
Is Downtown a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Bakersfield, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe666
Medium618
Low1427
Other1772
353 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape68
Child involved266
Assault38
Other21
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible family-related disturbance involving a boyfriend at a residence near East Pine Road in Bakersfield. The man is reportedly wearing a gray shirt and dark-colored shorts. | Pine St, Bakersfield, CA 93304 | Domestic Dispute |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a welfare check is underway near Belle Terrace; the caller had called multiple times. | Belle Ter, Bakersfield, CA 93304 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, engine 4 is responding to a crash scene near Mountain View Street in Bakersfield to check for any additional victims. | Mountain View St, Bakersfield, CA 93309 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic indicates an officer is en route to Jamison Center with a detained woman. | Shalimar Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Other Incidents |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers conduct a traffic stop at the intersection of Sumner Street and Tulare Street in Bakersfield involving a vehicle with a reported California license plate. | Tulare St & Sumner St, Bakersfield, CA 93305 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers investigated a possible suspect who may have fled into a yard near 6th Street in Bakersfield. Radio traffic was moved to another channel, and one person was later reported in custody. During related radio traffic, officers also mentioned a medical aid call at a mobile home park on Lebeck Road and a separate traffic stop near Sumner and Tulare Street. | 6th St, Bakersfield, CA 93304 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers reported a possible suspect entering a yard near 6th Street in Bakersfield. Units later advised one person was in custody and the scene was reported code 4. | 6th St, Bakersfield, CA 93304 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible fight disturbance on Mountain View Street in Bakersfield, with radio traffic also referencing a recent assault involving caustic chemicals. | Mountain View St, Bakersfield, CA 93309 | Assault Report |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers respond to a reported traffic hazard on eastbound Rosedale Highway west of Superior, where tree branches are blocking traffic lanes and a gray Mazda sedan may have been hit. The California Highway Patrol was requested for a possible injury collision response. | Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were sent to a reported emergency involving a young child near Beardsley Avenue in Bakersfield. Dispatch reported that a caller said the child needed police, then disconnected, and they were trying to reach a parent again by phone. | Beardsley Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$363,645
Average Rent
$1,240
Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Nearby neighborhoods
Downtown Neighborhood Overview
Downtown Bakersfield is a suburban neighborhood featuring primarily small to medium apartment complexes and single-family homes, with most residences renter-occupied. The housing supply is tight, with a low vacancy rate of 1.4%, lower than 89.3% of U.S. neighborhoods.
This neighborhood is notable for its high proportion of same-sex households (4.8%), a rate higher than 99.9% of U.S. neighborhoods, indicating a likely gay-friendly community.
Residents have a lower average per capita income and college education rate compared to most U.S. neighborhoods, with 93.5% of adults lacking a four-year degree and income lower than 99.7% of neighborhoods nationwide.
SuburbanRenter DominantGay-FriendlyWalkable
Quick Facts
| Walk to Work Rate | 18.1% |
|---|---|
| Same-Sex Households | 4.8% |
Housing market and real estate character
Downtown's housing market is characterized by a dominance of rental properties and a tight supply with low vacancies.
| Renter Occupied Rate | 88.5% |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Rate | 1.4% |
| Housing Age (2000 or newer) | Majority |
| Housing Age (1970-1999) | Significant portion |
What buyers will notice right away
Most properties are renter-occupied, so buyers are rare in this neighborhood.
Low vacancy rate indicates strong demand relative to available housing.
Families & Lifestyle
Downtown offers a unique cultural mix and a walkable environment favored by diverse households.
High renter occupancy supports a dynamic urban lifestyle.
Walkability is a key feature, with many residents walking to work.
Diverse Community — Residents include a notable share of same-sex couples and a mix of cultural backgrounds.
Walkable Commute — Nearly one in five residents walk to work, reflecting a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
| Same-Sex Households | 4.8% |
|---|
Demographics
| Adults Without 4-Year Degree | 93.5% |
|---|---|
| Per Capita Income | Lower than 99.7% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| Executive/Professional Occupations | 43.9% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 12.8% |
| Top Languages | ["English (63.7%)","Spanish","Italian"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["Mexican (39.3%)","Russian (9.3%)","Ukrainian (8.8%)","German (5.0%)","Irish (4.7%)"] |
Commute
Downtown residents enjoy some of the shortest commutes in the country, with a high share walking to work.
Downtown's walkability and short commute times contribute to its urban appeal.
Walkability — 18.1% of residents walk to work, a rate higher than nearly all U.S. neighborhoods.
Short Commutes — Over one-third of residents commute under 15 minutes, easing daily travel.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 34.2% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 67.5% |
| Walk to Work Rate | 18.1% |
Homes for sale near 93301
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Bakersfield a good neighborhood for renters?
Yes, with 88.5% renter occupancy, Downtown is predominantly a rental market.
How affordable is housing in Downtown?
The median home price is $363,645, less expensive than 93.0% of California neighborhoods.