Bakersfield, CA town hall & government
Bakersfield spent $617.2 million in the year to June 30, 2024, about $1,503 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Bakersfield's government.
Who runs Bakersfield
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Bakersfield's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Sales taxes 33%
- Fees & charges 23%
- Property taxes 15%
- Interest, fines & other 9%
- Utility sales 7%
- From the federal government 6%
- From the state 5%
- Other taxes & licenses 2%
Who works for Bakersfield
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Kern High School District
Bakersfield's high school district, shared with Arvin and Shafter. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from California districts overall: 36% local, 52% state, 11% federal
- Local 24%
- State 63%
- Federal 12%
Of the $19,073 per pupil, $9,253 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Bakersfield: Bakersfield City School District ($20,798 per pupil) · Panama-Buena Vista School District ($17,448 per pupil) · Rosedale Union Elementary School District ($14,308 per pupil).
Which schools Bakersfield kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Bakersfield pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Bakersfield's government
Who represents Bakersfield
Bakersfield is represented in Congress by Senators Alex Padilla and Adam B. Schiff and Representatives Vince Fong and David G. Valadao. Gavin Newsom is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.