Wasco, known by its motto “Grow With Us”, is a city within California’s Kern County, and located within the massive San Joaquin Valley. Originally named “Deweyville” in honor of Admiral George Dewey, the area was initially settled by Europeans in the late 1800s, changing its name to Wasco in 1907. The origins of the name are still hotly debated today. Nowadays, Wasco is a middle class city, combining central California’s beautiful vistas with affordability. A few notable people live here, like former offensive lineman Aaron Merz and artist Suzanne Lacy.
Wasco, CA Population & Demographics
Wasco has a population of 27,193 distributed over 9.4 miles at a population density of about 2,900 people per square mile. The median age here is 29.7 which is 20% lower than the California average of 36.5. The median household income in Wasco is $39,250, which is about half the average household income for the state of California, being $75,235.
The racial demographics of Wasco’s population are overwhelmingly Hispanic, with Hispanics making up 82% of Wasco’s population. Whites come second, at 9%, and Blacks come third at 6%. Wasco’s gender ratio is heavily skewed towards men, at 59%.
Thinking about moving to this community, but wondering if Wasco is a safe place to live? In terms of crime, Wasco’s scores aren’t stellar. Both violent crime and property crime are above the U.S. average by a significant margin, according to Bestplaces. Wasco’s police department is the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
Cost of Living in Wasco, CA
Wasco’s primary advantage is its affordability. Even with California’s typically high taxes and other costs, Wasco is competitively priced, with the cost of living here being 9% higher than most places in the United States, according to Payscale. The median home price in Wasco is $168,500, which is about one-third the average California home price of $505,000. If you choose to move to Wasco, you’ll find that you’ll be paying more than the average for groceries, transportation, and utilities. In terms of renting in Wasco, it’s expensive but decent enough for California, at $1,240 per month for all units.
Wasco, CA Everyday Expenses
It can be difficult to understand what abstract cost of living percentages and trends mean, so take a look at everyday expenses you can expect to pay while living in Wasco, provided by Numbeo.
- Basic Utilities per Month – $222.26
- Internet per Month – $93.90
- Gallon of Milk – $3.56
- Gallon of Gasoline – $3.38
- Loaf of Bread – $2.60
Best Neighborhoods in Wasco, CA
Wasco is small as far as cities go. Although densely populated, its small geographic area means there aren’t really distinct neighborhood communities like bigger cities. However, there’s still plenty to know about Wasco! Check out some of your neighborhood options below:
Wasco’s most expensive area is Palmo, which encircles the entire city, and is the best area for those looking to commute. The least expensive area is Paso Famoso Highway, situated right next to the main highway in the center of the city.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of this community, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Wasco, CA.
Wasco, CA Climate & Weather
California is widely renowned for its excellent weather, and Wasco is little different. Generally speaking, you can expect little rain or snow, but it gets hotter here than most coastal areas. You can expect lows of 37 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 98 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Wasco experiences far less than the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with only 7 inches per year as compared to 38 inches. Meanwhile, Wasco experiences essentially no snow. The best times to visit Wasco, in terms of comfort rating, are May and October.
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Things to Do in Wasco, CA
You would be forgiven for thinking that there’s hardly anything to do in a city like Wasco, but you would be wrong. Fun attractions and great eats abound in Wasco! Check out shopping in the area like the local Walmart Supercenter for all your shopping needs! You should also check out some of the best things to do in Wasco, CA below:
Westside Park
One of the few parks within city limits, Westside Park is a popular stop for families for picnics, romps on the playground, outdoor sports, and more. If you’re looking to spend the day outside, there are many worse places to do it at than Westside Park.
2433 Beckes St, Wasco, CA 93280, +16617583081
Barker Park
Compared to Westside Park, Barker Park is the more sports-oriented of the two. Many of the Little League teams local to Wasco use this park’s open space and baseball fields to play all sorts of games. If your kid is on the sports team, you’ll likely be bringing him or her here more than once.
Poso Dr & Poplar Avenue, Poplar Ave, Wasco, CA 93280, +16617583081
Wasco, CA Additional Attractions:
The city of Wasco operates four different parks for the enjoyment and enrichment of Wasco residents. See all of the most interesting parks at the Wasco parks & recreation site.
Places to Eat in Wasco, CA
Alongside its host of things to do, Wasco is also home to plenty of great eats! Check out some below:
Frosty King
Frosty King is a vestige of a culture of varied and eclectic fast food that hasn’t existed in other places in the country for decades. While certainly not the classiest establishment, Frosty King has retained its fans for its menu and variety of ways to keep the kids entertained.
1032 CA-46, Wasco, CA 93280, +16617582606
La Fonda Taquiero
Wasco’s unusually high Hispanic population means a wide variety of excellent Mexican restaurants, La Fonda Taquiero included. Enjoy authentic tacos and other Mexican dishes here!
1001 7th St, Wasco, CA 93280, +16617589901
Wasco, CA Schools & Colleges
Wasco residents are served by the Wasco Union Elementary School District, Wasco Union High School District, and more. Some highlights in terms of local schools include Teresa Burke Elementary School and Wasco High School. You can rest easy knowing your child will have access to good education during your stay in Wasco!
Students and others in Wasco are served by the Wasco Public Library.
Jobs in Wasco, CA
Those planning on making a living in Wasco should know that wages have been going up while cost of living has been going down, according to Payscale. The most popular positions of employment are Agronomist, Recreation Therapist, and Parts Manager. The most popular employer in Wasco is Primex. The average salary for a worker in Wasco is $68k a year, while the average hourly wage is $17.65.
If you’re planning on living in Wasco, a career in manufacturing may be a lucrative opportunity for you! Check out the latest listings for jobs in Wasco, CA here.
Map of Wasco, CA
Explore Wasco’s large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more with this map!
Wasco, CA Statistics & Information
Wasco’s singular zip code is 93280, while the area code is 661. Wasco is around 28 miles from Bakersfield’s city center, and if you want to commute from Wasco to Bakersfield, it will take you around thirty minutes. Wasco’s time zone is Pacific Standard Time, and sits at an elevation of 328’.
Tips for Moving to Wasco, CA
- Take advantage of Wasco’s affordability
- Check out local job opportunities and opportunities in Bakersfield
- Enjoy a variety of local attractions
- Be ready for long commutes
Ready to take that last step and start your journey to making Wasco your new home? Give Mentor’s Moving a call at 480-376-1009! Our crew of highly-trained professional Wasco movers will ensure your move is a stress-free process at affordable rates! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
