Homes for Sale Under 500K in Bakersfield, CA

The median home price in Bakersfield is around $424,500. Home prices vary by neighborhood and property type, with more affordable options in areas such as East Bakersfield and higher-priced homes in neighborhoods like Seven Oaks and Stockdale.

Certain areas report higher violent and property crime rates, including parts of Downtown and Lakeview. Always review recent neighborhood-level crime maps and visit the street at different hours before purchasing a home in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield can be a good market for buyers who are ready to purchase and plan to stay long-term. Home prices were up just 0.5% year-over-year as of July 2026, and homes were selling in about 32 days, giving buyers some room to compare options and negotiate.

Seven Oaks and Rosedale consistently rank as top choices. Seven Oaks offers master-planned luxury, gated communities, and lower crime in the Southwest. Rosedale leads for top-rated schools and newer suburban developments, while Downtown suits walkable urban living.

Bakersfield is considered relatively affordable compared with much of California. Housing and everyday expenses tend to cost less than in many major California cities, although Bakersfield's overall cost of living is still slightly above the national average.

Bakersfield presents a split political profile. While broader Kern County leans conservative, registered Democrats hold a narrow lead over Republicans within Bakersfield city limits, with about one-fifth of the electorate registered as independent or No Party Preference.

The median household income in Bakersfield is approximately $80,540, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data. Individual average salaries typically vary based on sector, with energy, agriculture, and healthcare leading local compensation.

Yes. About 54.7% of Bakersfield's population is Hispanic or Latino, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. This means more than half of the city's residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Agriculture and energy are Bakersfield's primary industries driving Bakersfield’s economy. Kern County is a top national producer of oil, natural gas, and agricultural crops, supported by growing regional sectors in healthcare, logistics, and government services.

Pros: Lower cost of living, accessible home prices compared to coastal California, and central state access.

Cons: Triple-digit summer heat, poor Central Valley air quality, and localized crime issues in certain neighborhoods.