2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Rapid City, SD vs Ridgecrest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Ridgecrest older or younger than people in Rapid City?
- The Median Age in Ridgecrest is 1.5 years younger than in Rapid City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ridgecrest or Rapid City?
- Ridgecrest housing costs are 16.0% less expensive than Rapid City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ridgecrest or Rapid City?
- The average commute for residents of Ridgecrest is 7.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Rapid City.

Things to do in Rapid City?
Rapid City, South Dakota is a vibrant city located in the southwestern corner of the United States. Home to attractions such as Bear Country USA and Reptile Gardens, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Rapid City. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Journey Museum & Learning Center and Art Alley. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Rapid City has something for everyone!

Things to do in Ridgecrest?
Located in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, Ridgecrest is a city in Kern County known for its rich cultural and recreational activities. With a population of over 27,000, this growing city offers attractions such as the desert landscape and nearby mountains, along with local events and recreation opportunities.

 Rapid City, SDRidgecrest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock27,989329,725,481
 Median Income$58,072  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$292,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.68  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Rapid City    31 Reviews

I have lived in this city for the last three and half years and I can't stand it!! Let me spell it out for you, but to be fair, let me give you the Pros first:  More

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Unless you made your pension out of state or already bought a home you can't afford to liver there. Rapid City is gray in winter.  More

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Over 4 years ago

I've lived in the city 5 years a loved  More

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Reviews for Ridgecrest    7 Reviews

For context, I grew up in Ridgecrest and moved away after graduating high school. I have since lived in LA and the Bay Area but I visit RC often. RC is in the high  More

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Ridgecrest and Kern County are red state bastions in a land of blue voting counties. If you want a concealed weapons permit, you'll get it. Want to own any firearm  More

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Over 13 years ago

The hardest thing to get used to in Ridgecrest is the weather. It can get quite windy. And hot. 115 hot. But it's a dry heat! It does cool off in the evening, and it  More

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