California · Off-grid & homestead potential

Kern County

29BoltScore / 100
#41 of 58 in California

Kern County is a weak bolthole (29/100). The trade-offs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and arid land — only 8.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 41.5% of years.

How Kern County scores

Hazard Safety1
Freedom38
Food43
Isolation34
Sovereignty38
Water17
Affordability32
$364kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$10,539Land / acre
8.9"Annual rain
41.5% of yrsSevere drought
18 miNearest metro
112.3People / sq mi
31%Federal land
62.3°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Kern County, California

Is Kern County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Kern County is a weak bolthole (29/100). Watch-outs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and arid land — only 8.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 41.5% of years.

How much does land cost in Kern County, California?

Land in Kern County runs about $10,539 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kern County?

Kern County gets about 8.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 41.5% of years.

How remote is Kern County?

The nearest major metro is about 18 miles away, and population density is 112.3 people per square mile.

How Kern compares in California

See all 58 California counties ranked →