Mojave, California

Mojave, California
Name	Mojave
Settlement type	Census-designated place
Pushpin label	Mojave
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	California
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Kern
Area total sq mi	23.50
Area land sq mi	23.50
Area water sq mi	0.00
Elevation ft	2762
Population as of	2020
Population total	3801
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Pacific
Utc offset	-8
Timezone DST	PDT
Utc offset DST	-7
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	93501
Area code	661
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	06-48414
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1652752, 2408860

Mojave, California is a census-designated place situated in the Mojave Desert within Kern County. Its development has been intrinsically linked to major transportation corridors, first as a critical stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad and later as a hub for aerospace and aviation industries. The community is internationally recognized for the Mojave Air and Space Port, a premier center for flight testing, aircraft storage, and the emerging commercial spaceflight sector. Located along U.S. Route 395 and near the Antelope Valley, Mojave serves as a gateway between Southern California and the Great Basin.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Kawaiisu people before European contact. Modern settlement began with the construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s, with the town formally established as a construction camp and water stop. Mojave served as a vital shipping point for mining operations in the surrounding desert, including those near Randsburg and the El Paso Mountains. During World War II, the nearby Marine Corps Air Station and the establishment of Edwards Air Force Base solidified the region's aviation significance. The town's economic trajectory shifted permanently with the development of the civilian Mojave Air and Space Port, which evolved from a former Marine auxiliary field into a world-renowned center for aerospace innovation under the management of the East Kern Airport District.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers a total area of 23.5 square miles, all of it land. Mojave lies at an elevation of approximately 2,762 feet within the western reaches of the Mojave Desert, characterized by arid basin and range topography. The community is bordered by the El Paso Mountains to the northeast and sits at the southwestern edge of the Fremont Valley. Major geographic features nearby include Red Rock Canyon State Park and the Tehachapi Mountains, with the Tehachapi Pass serving as a major wind corridor that influences local conditions and supports extensive wind farms. The climate is typical of the high desert, with hot summers, cool winters, and low annual precipitation.

Demographics

The 2020 census reported a population of 3,801 residents. The population density was approximately 162 people per square mile. Historically, demographic shifts have correlated with booms in railroad, mining, and aerospace activities. The racial makeup of Mojave is diverse, with significant Hispanic or Latino and White populations, alongside smaller communities of African American, Native American, and Asian residents. The median household income in Mojave has traditionally been lower than the California state average, reflecting the cyclical nature of its industrial base and the economic challenges of the surrounding desert region.

Economy

The economy is dominated by the Mojave Air and Space Port, which functions as an industrial airport and a key site for aerospace research and development. Major tenants and companies operating there have included Scaled Composites, Virgin Galactic, Masten Space Systems, and National Test Pilot School. The airport is also a primary site for aircraft storage and reclamation, serving carriers like Southwest Airlines and FedEx Express. Supporting industries include renewable energy, with numerous wind turbine and solar power installations in the surrounding desert, and logistics for the nearby State Route 58 corridor. Traditional sectors such as railroad maintenance and mining of boron and other industrial minerals from the Kramer Borate deposit also contribute to the local economy.

Transportation

Mojave is a historic transportation crossroads. It is served by U.S. Route 395 and State Route 14, which connect it to Los Angeles and the Owens Valley. The town is a junction for the Union Pacific Railroad (successor to the Southern Pacific Railroad) and the BNSF Railway. The Mojave Air and Space Port provides general aviation services and is a designated Spaceport. Public ground transportation is limited, with regional bus service provided by Kern Transit connecting to communities like Bakersfield and Lancaster. The nearby Tehachapi Pass is a critical route for both rail and wind energy infrastructure.

In popular culture

Mojave and its iconic landscape have served as a filming location for numerous motion pictures, television programs, and music videos, capitalizing on its stark desert scenery. The town and airfield have been featured in projects such as the film The Flight of the Phoenix, the television series Top Gear, and the science fiction series Caprica. The Mojave Air and Space Port itself has been the backdrop for documentaries covering the Ansari X Prize and the development of SpaceShipOne. The area's association with cutting-edge aviation and isolation has cemented its place in American culture as a frontier for innovation and adventure.

Category:Census-designated places in Kern County, California Category:Populated places in the Mojave Desert Category:Incorporated cities and towns in California