Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Bakersfield, CA
The median monthly rent in Bakersfield, CA is $1,420, translating to $17,040 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.44% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Bakersfield spend approximately 30% of the local median household income ($56,800) on rent. This is within the healthy 25-30% range, indicating rent is affordable relative to local incomes. There may be room for moderate rent increases, especially for updated or well-located units.
The vacancy rate in Bakersfield is 5.8%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 0.9% annually provides stable demand.
Bakersfield's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 18.8x. A GRM above 16x means the property is expensive relative to its income. Investors here are typically betting on appreciation rather than current cash flow. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,420/mo, a single-family rental in Bakersfield generates approximately $17,040 in gross annual income. After accounting for 5.8% vacancy ($988 lost), property taxes of $2,304, insurance (~$1,280), and maintenance (~$1,280), the estimated NOI is $11,188 per year, or $932/mo.