Kern County, California

Kern County, California
Name	Kern County
Settlement type	County
Coordinates	35, 20, N, 118...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	California
Established title	Founded
Established date	1866
Seat type	County seat
Seat	Bakersfield
Largest city	Bakersfield
Area total sq mi	8,163.0
Area land sq mi	8,140.6
Area water sq mi	22.4
Population total	909,235
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Pacific
Utc offset	-8
Timezone DST	PDT
Utc offset DST	-7
Blank name sec1	Congressional district
Blank info sec1	20th, 22nd
Website	www.kerncounty.com

Kern County, California is a major economic and cultural hub in the San Joaquin Valley of the U.S. state of California. Established in 1866, it is named for Edward Kern, a cartographer on John C. Frémont's expedition. The county seat and largest city is Bakersfield, a center for country music and petroleum production. Encompassing over 8,000 square miles, its diverse landscape ranges from fertile agricultural valleys to the Mojave Desert and the southern reaches of the Sierra Nevada.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Yokuts and Tübatulabal peoples before Spanish exploration in the 18th century. Following the Mexican–American War, the region became part of the United States. The county was formed from parts of Los Angeles County and Tulare County after the discovery of gold at the Kern River in the 1850s, attracting prospectors during the California Gold Rush. The late 19th century saw the expansion of cattle ranching and the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which spurred the growth of Bakersfield. The 20th century was defined by major oil field discoveries like the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, making the region a national energy leader, and the development of large-scale agriculture supported by water resource projects like the California Aqueduct.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of over 8,000 square miles, making it one of the largest counties by area in California. It features significant geographic diversity, bordered by the Sierra Nevada to the east, which includes Sequoia National Forest and the Kern River canyon. The western portion lies in the San Joaquin Valley, while the eastern third extends into the arid Mojave Desert, encompassing landmarks like Red Rock Canyon State Park. Major water bodies include Lake Isabella and the Kern River, with the Tehachapi Mountains forming a notable divide. The San Andreas Fault runs along its southwestern edge.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 909,235, with the majority residing in the Bakersfield metropolitan area. The demographic composition is diverse, with significant Hispanic or Latino communities, alongside non-Hispanic White, Black, and Asian populations. Other incorporated cities contributing to the population include Ridgecrest, home to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, and Delano, historically significant for the Delano grape strike led by Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers.

Economy

The economy is driven by petroleum extraction, agriculture, and renewable energy. Kern County is one of the most productive oil-producing regions in the United States, hosting giant fields like the Midway-Sunset Oil Field and operated by companies such as Chevron Corporation. It is a leading agricultural producer, with major crops including almonds, grapes, citrus, and carrots. The Tehachapi Pass is a major site for wind power, and Edwards Air Force Base serves as a key center for aerospace and flight testing. The Bakersfield area also has a growing logistics and distribution sector.

Government and politics

Kern County operates under a Council–manager government system, with a five-member Board of Supervisors and an appointed County Administrative Officer. The county seat is the Bakersfield courthouse. Federally, it is represented in the United States Congress primarily by the 20th and 22nd districts. Politically, the county is considered a stronghold for the Republican Party in statewide and national elections, though Bakersfield has more competitive local races. Key public safety agencies include the Kern County Sheriff's Office and the Bakersfield Police Department.

Culture and recreation

The county has a rich cultural identity, notably as a hub for the Bakersfield sound, a subgenre of country music pioneered by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Institutions like the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace and the Bakersfield Museum of Art are key venues. Outdoor recreation is abundant, with the Kern River popular for whitewater rafting, the Pacific Crest Trail traversing the Sierra Nevada, and destinations like Lake Isabella and Red Rock Canyon State Park. The county also hosts the annual Kern County Fair and is home to minor league baseball's Bakersfield Blaze and California State University, Bakersfield.

Category:Kern County, California Category:California counties Category:1866 establishments in California