Is Bakersfield Arrests a Crisis? Experts Reveal the Alarming Truth - Away State Journal
At 422,853, Bakersfield remains the ninth-largest city in California by population, gaining on No. 8, Oakland, by 1,335. Among the 10 largest cities by population, Bakersfield was the third-fastest growing at 0.4%, trailing only Sacramento (1.3%) and San Diego (0.7%).
Find events and search for fun things to do, music, and more in Bakersfield with the official Visit Bakersfield Calendar of Events.
Long before it became known for its Basque restaurants and oil fields, Bakersfield grew from a mid-19th-century settlement along the Kern River into a key agricultural and transportation hub in California’s southern San Joaquin Valley.
Wondering what to do in Bakersfield, CA? See the top attractions, best activities, places to visit & fun things to do in Bakersfield here.
Bakersfield, city, seat (1875) of Kern county, south-central California, U.S. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, it was founded along the Los Angeles and Stockton road in 1869 by Thomas Baker, who reclaimed swamplands along the nearby Kern River.
Official Web Site for Bakersfield, California Travel and Tourism Information. Listen to the Bakersfield Sound, Enjoy Bakersfield Basque Food, Whitewater rafting and more!
Visitors can enjoy the all-American Bakersfield Sound at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace featuring the country music star’s memorabilia, a restaurant and a live country music performance theater where top acts perform today.
The City of Bakersfield continues to see its population grow, exceeding 422,000 as of Jan. 1, 2026 according to the California Finance Department's annual population estimate. At 422,853, Bakersfield remains the ninth-largest city in California by population, gaining on No. 8, Oakland, by 1,335.
