Bakersfield and Santa Ana represent two different lifestyles within California. Bakersfield is a slower-paced, agricultural-based community in the Central Valley known for its traditional country culture and sunny, dry climate. Contrarily, Santa Ana, located in the coastal region of Orange County, offers an urban lifestyle with a diverse culture, historic arts district and mild seaside weather. The cost of living in Bakersfield is significantly lower than in Santa Ana, making it an attractive destination for those seeking affordability. However, Santa Ana provides access to bigger industries, more diverse job opportunities and a faster pace of life.
Distance between
Bakersfield, CA and
Santa Ana, CA : 129.5 miles
Bakersfield's population is larger by 32%. Its population has grown by 160,558 people (65.0%) since 2000. The population of Santa Ana has decreased by 28,536 people (8.4%) during that time.
Both cities have concerns related to crime but in different respects. Bakersfield has a higher crime rate compared to the California average, specifically in matters of property crime. On the other hand, Santa Ana also sees a crime rate higher than the average, although steps have been taken to increase policing and community outreach efforts to help reduce these rates.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,149 registered sex offenders living in Bakersfield and 425 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Bakersfield is 328 to 1; the ratio in Santa Ana is 786 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Bakersfield than in Santa Ana.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is noticeably different between Bakersfield and Santa Ana. Bakersfield's affordable housing, groceries, and transportation make it a more budget-friendly option. Conversely, Santa Ana's location in Orange County means it has one of the highest costs of living in California, primarily due to high housing costs.
Income Tax
Both Bakersfield and Santa Ana abide by California’s progressive income tax system. Depending on income, rates can range from 1% up to 13.3%, making it one of the highest rates in the US.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Bakersfield average around 1.07% of a property's assessed value, while in Santa Ana, it is slightly higher at about 1.10%.
Sales Tax
Both cities impose California's standard 7.25% state sales tax rate along with a small additional local tax. Bakersfield records a total combined rate of 7.25%, while Santa Ana implements a total combined rate of 9.25%.
Income
Type
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Estimated median household income
$66,666
$80,265
Estimated per capita income
$29,363
$26,691
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
92.6
88.6
If you make $50,000 in Santa Ana, you will have to make $52,257 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Bakersfield is located in the San Joaquin Valley with flat terrains and is surrounded by both ends of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Santa Ana is located in Southern California with the Santa Ana Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Bakersfield is home to California State University, Bakersfield and several community colleges. Santa Ana offers higher education options such as Santa Ana College and access to the renowned University of California, Irvine in the nearby vicinity. Both cities have public schools, with Santa Ana having a larger school district with more diversity.
Bakersfield's economy is centered around agriculture, petroleum extraction, and manufacturing industries. Santa Ana has a more diverse economy with services, retail and manufacturing sectors along with proximity to the technological and entertainment industries in the larger metro area of Los Angeles.
Biggest Employers
In Bakersfield, the largest employers are Kern County, The Giumarra Companies, and Bolthouse Farms. Santa Ana's top employers include the County of Orange, Ingram Micro, and Tenet Healthcare.
There were 1,121 building permits issued in Bakersfield in 2012 (699 more than in 2011) compared to 231 building permits issued in Santa Ana in 2012 (189 more than in 2011).
In Bakersfield (Kern County), 40.3% voted for Democrats and 57.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Santa Ana (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
2020
43.7%
53.6%
53.9%
44.6%
2.4%
1.8%
2016
40.4%
50.9%
53.1%
42.4%
6.5%
6.7%
2012
40.3%
45.8%
57.0%
52.0%
2.7%
2.3%
2008
40.1%
47.8%
57.9%
50.3%
1.9%
1.9%
2004
32.7%
39.3%
67.0%
60.2%
0.3%
0.5%
2000
36.3%
40.4%
60.8%
55.9%
2.9%
3.7%
1996
36.6%
37.9%
53.8%
51.7%
9.7%
10.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
CATHOLIC CHURCH
29.3%
26.5%
4.9%
4.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
3.2%
2.3%
12.0%
8.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.6%
0.4%
2.9%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.8%
0.7%
1.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
2.0%
2.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.7%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.4%
0.3%
2.3%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.0%
0.2%
Weather
Bakersfield has a semi-arid climate, experiencing hot summers and mild winters. A higher number of clear days and lower levels of rainfall, make for an ideal climate for those preferring drier weather. On the contrary, Santa Ana enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Its coastal location also means cooler summers compared to Bakersfield.
Weather and climate
Type
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Temperature - Average
64.9°F
65.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
53.5%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
59%
26.2%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
78.3%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
21%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
6.5 in
13.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
31.8%
26.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
80.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
31.1%
21.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
89.5%
84.8%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58.4%
62.9%
Wind speed - Average
6.8 mph
5.9 mph
Average climate in Bakersfield, California
Average climate in Santa Ana, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Santa Ana
2018
135
124
0.28
0.34
12.3
14.2
32.3
27.0
0.004
N/A
53.7
27.5
15.7
12.3
0.7
N/A
2017
141
129
0.29
0.35
12.7
13.9
32.9
29.1
0.004
N/A
68.2
26.7
15.8
13.6
0.5
N/A
2016
127
107
0.27
0.35
11.7
12.6
31.0
29.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
24.1
14.5
12.7
0.2
N/A
2015
144
128
0.29
0.32
11.8
13.4
32.2
29.6
0.003
N/A
N/A
25.0
16.2
14.7
0.2
N/A
2014
141
127
0.28
0.29
13.3
13.2
31.5
28.6
N/A
N/A
53.0
26.7
17.9
15.9
0.4
N/A
2013
134
123
0.30
0.34
14.3
13.9
31.0
27.6
0.003
0.003
N/A
28.8
21.7
14.0
0.3
N/A
2012
145
115
N/A
0.31
14.6
12.9
32.4
26.7
0.004
0.004
N/A
27.5
17.2
14.5
0.1
N/A
2011
126
118
N/A
0.31
15.0
14.8
29.3
27.1
0.004
0.006
43.9
27.5
17.8
15.9
0.7
N/A
2010
147
107
N/A
0.34
14.4
14.4
29.3
26.5
0.003
0.011
39.2
23.5
17.2
14.6
0.6
N/A
2009
170
133
0.37
0.35
16.6
16.0
28.0
27.7
0.005
0.010
41.5
24.4
20.8
14.9
1.1
N/A
2008
171
138
0.48
0.38
17.4
17.1
27.8
28.2
N/A
0.010
57.0
30.1
22.7
21.6
1.1
N/A
2007
167
121
0.55
0.36
18.5
17.0
26.2
27.1
0.007
0.012
43.0
N/A
23.0
N/A
0.8
N/A
2006
157
120
0.56
0.40
19.2
17.7
29.6
26.6
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
1.3
N/A
2005
165
119
0.53
0.40
19.3
18.2
28.2
28.3
N/A
0.013
N/A
N/A
21.5
N/A
1.3
N/A
2004
163
128
0.51
0.50
19.9
19.4
27.1
31.2
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
21.3
N/A
1.6
N/A
2003
170
139
0.56
0.64
21.2
22.3
29.1
28.3
N/A
0.029
N/A
N/A
24.4
N/A
1.1
N/A
2002
170
122
0.60
0.66
22.5
22.3
26.9
25.1
0.006
0.019
N/A
N/A
29.5
N/A
1.7
N/A
2001
150
120
0.73
0.76
18.2
22.6
29.6
25.1
0.006
0.036
39.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2000
130
127
0.77
0.80
23.4
25.7
28.8
23.7
0.006
0.028
39.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
2.7%
19.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,870.5%
6,931.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
32%
Transportation
Bakersfield is a car-centric city due to its widespread landscape. It does have a public transportation system called GET bus. However, most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting. Santa Ana is denser, and while many residents use personal vehicles, it also has a more robust public transportation system with buses and trains facilitated by the Orange County Transportation Authority.
Transport
Type
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
433
150
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
15
Means of transportation to work
Type
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
0.3%
0.9%
Carpooled
8.7%
12%
Car alone
87.4%
83.6%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Walked
0.8%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Average
21.5 min
30.4 min
Other means
22.2 min
25.5 min
Public transportation
44.6 min
48.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.3%
84.6%
In 2 person carpool
6.2%
11.7%
In 3 person carpool
2.9%
2.7%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Bakersfield is significantly more affordable than in Santa Ana. Bakersfield offers a mix of suburban and rural living options, while Santa Ana is more densely populated, providing a mixture of single-family homes, condominiums, and apartment living.
Neighborhoods
Bakersfield is characterized by quieter, suburban neighborhoods, whereas Santa Ana has a mix of urban, suburban, and historic districts, such as Downtown Santa Ana which is known for its arts and dining scene.
Houses and residents
Type
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Houses
134,270
80,604
Average household size (people)
3.1
4.4
Median year apartment built
1984
1974
Median year house/condo built
1994
1962
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
15.9 years
Houses occupied
128,007 (95.3%)
78,674 (97.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
78,398 (61.2%)
35,317 (44.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
49,609 (38.8%)
43,357 (55.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,220
$1,407
Median monthly housing costs
$1,384
$1,836
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$366,859
$976,981
Estimated median house or condo value
$318,600
$623,000
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
5.6
Median house price - detached houses
$371,576
$724,856
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$254,175
$512,474
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$299,855
$351,406
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$221,915
$406,926
Median house price - mobile homes
$92,500
$125,004
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$244,694
$492,339
Median house price - All housing units
$356,236
$648,392
Median house age
32
53
Renting percentage
40.3%
52.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,187.2
2,969.6
House value disparities
29.3%
21.7%
Household income disparities
44.3%
40.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$98,668
$120,617
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,298
$74,449
Housing units without a mortgage
376 (0.7%)
318 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
1,793 (3.1%)
1,175 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
56,648 (99.3%)
25,378 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
0 (0%)
23 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,474 (4.3%)
1,438 (5.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
5
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
3.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
One, detached
71.5%
46.4%
One, attached
3.9%
5.8%
Two
1.3%
3.6%
3 or 4
7.8%
7.3%
5 to 9
3.8%
5.7%
10 to 19
2.0%
8.8%
20 to 49
2.2%
6.3%
50 or more
5.1%
11.0%
Mobile homes
2.3%
4.9%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,506
13,591
State government workers
10,997
3,716
Unpaid family workers
161
355
Industries and Occupations
Bakersfield's lead industries include oil and natural gas, agriculture, and health care. The most common jobs are in farming, fishing, and forestry. Conversely, Santa Ana's main industries are services, health care, and manufacturing, with majority of jobs are in office and administrative support.
Bakersfield is served by large health-care organizations like Dignity Health and Adventist Health. Santa Ana has access to renowned health-care facilities including the UC Irvine Health & Medical Center and CHOC Children's Hospital.
Bakersfield has a more sprawling layout with key infrastructure centered on agriculture and oil-based industries. Santa Ana benefits from its location in the dense urban area of Orange County with a developed infrastructure of roads, public transportation, and services.
Infrastructure
Type
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
Hospitals
18
9
TV stations
9
2
Bank branches located here
65
31
Bank institutions located here
19
13
Main business address for public companies
2
15
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Bakersfield
Santa Ana
1999
392
955
2000
393
834
2001
297
725
2002
372
933
2003
1,104
1,222
2004
2,188
1,657
2005
3,038
2,302
2006
3,393
2,615
2007
2,036
1,456
2008
565
694
2009
289
399
Culture and Food
Bakersfield has a significant rock music and country culture with a culinary scene that reflects its agricultural staples. Santa Ana is known for its multicultural food scene, particularly its Mexican cuisine, reflective of its diverse population, along with a vibrant arts scene.
Sports Teams
While Bakersfield does not host any major league sports teams, it is home to minor leagues. Santa Ana residents can easily access major sports teams in close-by Anaheim and Los Angeles, including the Angels, Dodgers, Lakers, and Kings.
Bakersfield, CA
Santa Ana, CA
