Bakersfield, CA Neighborhood
Is University Park a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Bakersfield, CA - 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)
Severe2
Medium2
Low3
Other8
90 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape12
Child involved80
Assault14
Other2
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic indicates a separate incident was created for apparent illegal campfires near the Upper Richbar area along CA-178, with units also handling a related vehicle accident and medical aid response in the region. | CA-178, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Fire |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic indicates a vehicle accident and a separate incident involving suspected illegal fires near Upper Richbar along CA-178 in the Bakersfield area. Multiple units, including patrol and fire resources, were assigned and later reported clear or en route to other calls. | CA-178, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Traffic |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers received a report of a possible fire in a canyon area near the highway, with ash on the road and fire units already nearby. Crews investigated and traffic backed up near Isabella and Lower Rich Bar, but officials later reported no fire in the area. | CA-178, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Wildfire |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews investigated a possible fire in a canyon area off CA 178 after a caller reported ash on the road and fire units in the area. Battalion units checked several miles of the roadway from near Isabella toward Lower Rich Bar and reported no visible smoke or fire, and no additional fire reports were received from nearby agencies. | CA-178, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Fire |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, there is a medical emergency reported just south of Upper Richbar Park involving one patient who is conscious, alert, and breathing. | CA-178, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 8, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a lift assist was reported near Cattle King Drive in the Station 10 area. Engine 42 responded with a delay. | Cattle King Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 8, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical lift assist was reported near Cattle King Drive in the Station 10 area. | Cattle King Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 8, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic indicates a disabled motorhome pulled into a turnout along CA-178 near Upper Richbar, reportedly out of gas and possibly receiving help from fire personnel. | CA-178, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Traffic |
| Jul 4, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies checked on a possible suspicious elderly man riding on the bike path near Lake Ming by the Campground Road and Riddle Road area. | Lake Ming, 13375 Lake Ming Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Suspicious Person |
| Jun 24, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid is dispatched for a 32-year-old female found dehydrated in an orchard near Indian Rock Road. An ambulance was requested to respond urgently to Rancho Rio and Indian Rock Road. | Indian Rock Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93306 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$457,818
Average Rent
$2,441
Vacancy Rate
7.5%
Overview
University Park is an urban neighborhood in Bakersfield, California, with a mix of medium to large single-family homes and apartment complexes. Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, with some older homes from 1940 to 1969.
The median home price is $457,818, making it more affordable than most California neighborhoods. Average rents are $2,441, also below the state average.
Vacancy rates are moderate at 7.5%, near the national median.
The neighborhood has a notable military presence and a diverse population with a majority of Mexican ancestry residents.
UrbanUpper-Middle IncomeMilitary PresenceDiverse Ancestry
Quick Facts
| Military Employment | Higher than 97.0% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
University Park's housing stock includes medium to large single-family homes and apartment complexes, with a mix of owners and renters. Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, with some older homes.
| Housing Age | Most homes built between 1970 and 1999, some from 1940 to 1969 |
|---|---|
| Housing Type Mix | Medium to large single-family homes and apartment complexes |
| Owner vs Renter Mix | Mixture of owners and renters |
What buyers will notice right away
The neighborhood features a mix of housing ages, mostly from the late 20th century.
Vacancy rates are near the national median, indicating balanced supply and demand.
Families & Lifestyle
University Park is an upper-middle income neighborhood with a significant military population. The community has a childhood poverty rate higher than most U.S. neighborhoods.
Military Influence — A higher proportion of residents are active military, shaping the neighborhood's culture.
Diverse Occupations — Residents work in executive, manufacturing, sales, and clerical roles, reflecting a varied economy.
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 22.3% |
|---|---|
| Military Employment | 2.5% |
Demographics
| Bachelor's Degree Holders | |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Upper-middle income |
| Mexican Ancestry | 53.0% |
| English Language Speakers | 62.1% |
| Spanish and Chinese Speakers | Significant minorities |
Commute
Most residents drive alone to work, with many commuting between 15 and 30 minutes, shorter than average for the U.S.
The neighborhood's commute patterns reflect a car-dependent community with relatively short travel times.
Very High Drive Alone Rate — Nearly 90% of residents drive alone, higher than most U.S. neighborhoods.
Short Commutes — Almost half of commuters spend 15 to 30 minutes traveling to work, shorter than the national average.
| Drive Alone Rate | 89.9% |
|---|---|
| Carpool Rate | 7.6% |
| Typical Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes (46.8% of workers) |
Homes for sale near 93306
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
$117,000
2 bd | 2 ba | 1,248 sqft
8536 Kern Canyon Rd Space 184
Bakersfield, CA, 93306
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in University Park?
The median home price is $457,818, which is less expensive than 86.4% of California neighborhoods.
What languages are commonly spoken here?
English is spoken by 62.1% of households, with Spanish and Chinese also common.