2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ridgecrest, CA vs Barstow, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Barstow older or younger than people in Ridgecrest?
- The Median Age in Barstow is 6.0 years younger than in Ridgecrest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Barstow or Ridgecrest?
- Barstow housing costs are 0.6% more expensive than Ridgecrest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Barstow or Ridgecrest?
- The average commute for residents of Barstow is 1.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Ridgecrest.

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.

Things to do in Barstow?
Barstow is an incorporated city sitting within San Bernardino County, California featuring plenty of attractions such as exploring its multiple trails ideal for biking or jogging plus nearby Fort Irwin National Training Center provides amazing views close by. Additionally there are numerous locally owned stores and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine great for any budget during their stay here!

 Ridgecrest, CABarstow, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,123329,725,481
 Median Income$77,534  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock30.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$245,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.43  Unlock26.38
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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Reviews for Barstow    14 Reviews

Mike · 

The positive of Barstow- yes there is something positive that can be said about Barstow. At least it's not as bad as South Lake Tahoe. The only reason it gets 2 stars  More

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Over 7 years ago

Just a place to travel thru. Cheap alternative to LA suburbs, about 70 miles or Palm Springs. It is in high Mojave desert, hot in the summer, 100-110, can get down  More

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Be careful is all I can say. I moved there with the focus to buy a home the investor Cliff Unegbu AKA Clifford Unegbu will rip off as many people as he can and use  More

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