2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ridgecrest, CA vs Grand Junction, CO

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Highlights
Are people in Grand Junction older or younger than people in Ridgecrest?
- The Median Age in Grand Junction is 2.8 years older than in Ridgecrest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Grand Junction or Ridgecrest?
- Grand Junction housing costs are 52.2% more expensive than Ridgecrest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Grand Junction or Ridgecrest?
- The average commute for residents of Grand Junction is 7.1 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 Grand Junction?
Grand Junction, Colorado is a vibrant city located in Mesa County. This bustling community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Cross Orchards Historic Site or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available in Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa National Forest, and James M Robb Colorado River State Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Grand Junction their home.

 Ridgecrest, CAGrand Junction, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,067329,725,481
 Median Income$77,534  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$245,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.1%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 Grand Junction    54 Reviews

Grand Junction is another one of those fast growing places due to its cheaper than average cost of living. However with each passing year, that once $600 a month one  More

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I’ve lived in Grand Junction for 18 years, but have been coming here (girlfriend, wife, family) since 1992. I think the biggest change or challenge for long time locals,  More

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Over 4 years ago

I've lived in Grand Junction for 14 months and it is a nice area, but very expensive to live. There is an ongoing housing crisis due to poor city planning and it has  More

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