The growing census-designated place of Rosamond, CA is a beautiful area that is about 74 miles southeast of Bakersfield and 82 miles north of Los Angeles. It is bordered by Lancaster, Palmdale, Desert View Highlands, Elizabeth Lake, Green Valley, Lake Hughes, Leona Valley, Mojave, and Quartz Hill.
Land that now makes up Rosamond was previously owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was settled in 1877. It was named Rosamond after one of the representatives of the railroad. While the area flourished as a gold mining town during the late 1800s, the community has since become more of a residential town.
Rosamond is known for being the gateway to Edwards Air Force Base close by as well as the new spaceport at Mojave. This association has led many people to refer to the area by a nickname of “Aerospace Valley”.
The most notable people who have come from the small community of Rosamond are the poet and writer Kay Ryan as well as actor John Quade.
1. People Living in Rosamond, CA – Population & Demographics
How many people live in Rosamond? There’s been consistent growth since 2010 with nearly 3,000 new people relocating to Rosamond in that time. The Rosamond population is 20,851 with a median age of 32 years old.
As a diverse place to live, local Rosamond demographics include about 44% Caucasian, 41% Hispanic or Latino, 8% Black or African American, and 1% Asian. The town’s gender ratio leans slightly in favor of men as the split is about 52% male and 48% female. The median household income in Rosamond is $61,807 per year, which is a bit less than the national average.
Is Rosamond a safe place to live? The crime rate in Rosamond is 46% higher than the California average and is also 61% higher than the national average. While you’ll want to be mindful of the community that you decide to live in, Rosamond is a safe place to live.
Residents relocating to Rosamond will be protected by the brave men and women serving as part of the Kern County Sheriff’s Department.
2. Cost of Living in Rosamond, CA
How much does it cost to live in Rosamond, CA? While the average cost of living in Rosamond is about 6% higher than the US average, it is also 44% lower than the California state average, making it affordable in comparison. Although home utilities can be a bit more expensive, other budget items like healthcare, groceries, transportation, and the Rosamond real estate market have lower prices.
The homeownership rate in Rosamond is 64.9% as a slight majority of residents own their properties. Looking through Rosamond, CA homes for sale, you’ll find mobile homes for less than $100,000 up to large estate homes and multi-million dollar plots of land. The average price of a home in Rosamond is $375,000, equaling out to a median sale price of $227 per square foot.
The Rosamond property tax rate is only 1%, which is around $3,750 per year for an average priced home.
Approximately 35% of individuals residing in Rosamond rent. The average price of rent in Rosamond is $975 per month, depending on where you live and the amenities the community offers nearby.
3. Rosamond Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Rosamond
Where should you live in Rosamond? Covering a large area, there are many top-rated neighborhoods in Rosamond worth your consideration:
- Terra Sol
- Asher Ranch
- Bryan Manor
- United Park
Rosamond operates three local parks as well as a variety of other outdoor activities for residents to visit and spend time. These destinations are monitored and maintained by the Rosamond Parks & Recreation Department.
Whenever you need convenient shopping in Rosamond, the most popular places are RiteAid, Albertson’s, Dollar General, and the Rosamond Plaza.
Getting from Rosamond to Bakersfield covers a drive of about 74 miles and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes each way on average. On the other hand, traveling from Rosamond to Edward AFB is about 17 miles away and takes 20 minutes.
4. Rosamond, CA Weather & Climate
The arid subtropical climate in Rosamond makes it a dry and hot place to live. People living there can spend most of the year wearing shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. Though light jackets and pants will likely need to be pulled out of storage for a few months in the winter.
Rosamond weather only gets an average of 7.5 inches of rain a year, with no snow to speak of.
The average temperature in Rosamond during the summer is between lows in the mid-60s and highs that get above 100°F. As the coldest months of the year come around, temps drop into the low 30s at night and reach the upper 50s during the day.
5. Things to Do in Rosamond
While most of the area is residential and open land, there are still plenty of enjoyable outdoor activities, local attractions, and neat places to visit in Rosamond.
Feline Conservation Center
A can’t miss thing to do in Rosamond for animal lovers is the Feline Conservation Center. This zoo-like atmosphere is home to a large number of cats both big and small including tigers, leopards, mountain lions, and more.
Feline Conservation Center, 3718 60th St W, Rosamond, CA 93560 (661) 256-3332
Willow Springs International Raceway
One of the most popular points of interest in Rosamond is the Willow Springs International Raceway, which is a family-friendly destination for people who love an adrenaline rush. The racetrack features high-speed races for motorcycles, Formula cars, and high-speed karts. Throughout the year, instructors offer group classes or one-on-one sessions.
Willow Springs International Raceway, 3500 75th St W, Rosamond, CA 93560 (661) 256-6666
Additional Rosamond Attractions
You can find a Rosamond events calendar here.
6. Rosamond Restaurants
One of the best parts of living in Rosamond is the many different restaurants that can be found all over the town map.
Tom’s Famous Burgers 28
One of Rosamond’s top places to eat is Tom’s Famous Burgers, where they serve up some of the best and most juicy burgers anywhere. The classic diner offers meal options all day long with pairings like milkshakes and a handful of Mexican options like tacos.
Tom’s Famous Burgers 28, 2642 W Rosamond Blvd, Rosamond, CA 93560 (661) 256-7778
Fosters Freeze
Another one of the top Rosamond restaurants is Fosters Freeze, a California-based chain with tasty American grub. Their menu offers a mouthwatering selection of sandwiches, chicken strips, fries, onion rings, hot dogs, burritos, and more.
Fosters Freeze, 2080 W Rosamond Blvd, Rosamond, CA 93560 (661) 256-4436
7. Jobs in Rosamond
A handful of large employers are constantly providing Rosamond jobs and opportunities to local residents. The best places to work in Rosamond include:
- Aera Energy
- US Air Force
- Chevron
The average salary in Rosamond is $75,000 per year with a 9.3% state income tax rate. There is currently an 11.1% Rosamond unemployment rate, which is more than twice the national average.
8. Rosamond Schools
Rosamond is an excellent place for families to live as the area is home to a reputable school district, comfortable neighborhoods, and fun things to do. About 31% of the population living in Rosamond are children as the area is home to 6,463 kids between the ages of 0 and 18 years old.
The best schools in Rosamond are located within the borders of the trusted Southern Kern Unified School District with campuses at:
- Westpark Elementary School
- Rosamond Elementary School
- Abraham Lincoln Alternative School
- Tropico Middle School
- Rosamond High Early College Campus
Antelope Valley College, the University of Antelope Valley, and the California Institute of the Arts are the best colleges and universities that are close to Rosamond.
The free Rosamond Public Library offers residents the chance to rent books, movies, and other items at no additional cost.
9. Rosamond Statistics & Information
Rosamond spans a geographical area of 52.1 square miles near the southeastern side of Kern County in California. Properties around the census-designated place have either 93501 or 93560 zip codes. The main area code is 661.
Located near the west coast, the time zone in Rosamond is Pacific Standard Time (PST), which will switch to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) every year during daylight savings time.
The elevation in Rosamond is 2,517 feet above sea level, which puts it up in a mountainous area.
Map of Rosamond, CA
Check out this convenient Rosamond map if you’d like to search for other amenities and features that the area has to offer.
Tips for Living in Rosamond
- Keep your sunscreen and comfy clothes handy as Rosamond has a hot, sunny climate.
- Rosamond is a great place to live if you want to escape the hectic, busy atmosphere of a big city.
- The area is often considered to be a diverse, family-friendly community for all ages.
Moving to Rosamond, CA
This should be all the reasons you need to move to Rosamond and make this great place your new residence. If this is the community for you, look to the reliable Rosamond movers here at Mentors Moving to handle your upcoming relocation. Reach out to us at (661) 215-6023 or complete the Request a Quote form on this page for a free moving estimate!