Wasco ZIP Codes — Kern County, CA

There is one unique ZIP code in Wasco, California and it is 93280. Area code: 661.

ZIP codes

315.98

sq mi land

0.04

sq mi water

661

area code

Wasco, CA ZIP code map

About Wasco, CA

Wasco, California, is a small city located in the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley. Known for its agricultural roots, Wasco plays an important role in the economy of Kern County. With its rich history and community spirit, Wasco is a charming place to visit or call home.

Location & geography

Wasco is situated approximately 25 miles northwest of Bakersfield and 20 miles southeast of Delano, making it well-positioned within Kern County. The city spans a total area of 315.98 square miles, with only 0.04 square miles classified as water, highlighting its predominantly dry, land-based environment. The surrounding terrain is largely flat, characterized by agricultural fields and rural landscapes.

Community & economy

The community of Wasco is defined by its friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of local pride. Agriculture is the primary industry in the area, with many residents engaged in farming and related activities. Daily life in Wasco is also marked by community events and a focus on family and neighborly connections.

Transportation

Major transportation routes near Wasco include State Route 46, which runs east-west and connects to other significant highways in the region. The closest major airport is Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, approximately 30 miles to the southeast. Public transit options are available, but the city primarily relies on automobile travel for commuting and transportation needs.

History

Wasco was founded in the late 19th century and developed primarily as an agricultural hub. The city played a significant role in California's agricultural production, particularly known for its cultivation of crops like grapes and other fruits. Over the years, Wasco has hosted a number of events that celebrate its agricultural heritage and community culture.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Wasco is that it is home to one of the largest agricultural fairs in California, the Wasco Festival, which attracts visitors from all around. Additionally, Wasco is famous for its beautiful murals that adorn buildings throughout the city, showcasing local art and history.

ZIP codes for Wasco, CA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
93280	Wasco	Kern	View map

Demographics & statistics

27,356

Population

30.3

Median age

$48,021

Median household income

$16,710

Per capita income

$226,500

Median home value

$925

Median monthly rent

59.1%

Home ownership

21.1%

Poverty rate

8.9%

Unemployment

4,363

Housing units

5.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

1,158

Under 5

806

1,455

5–9

1,013

1,239

10–14

862

737

15–19

513

1,521

20–24

1,060

3,633

25–34

2,530

2,284

35–44

1,591

1,699

45–54

1,183

783

55–59

545

554

60–64

385

776

65–74

541

203

75–84

142

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	7,357	26.9%
18 and over	19,999	73.1%
65 and over	1,805	6.6%
Median age	30.3 years

Race & ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino 34.2%

White 26.6%

Two or more races 23.8%

Other race 11.1%

Black or African American 2.8%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.8%

Asian 0.6%

Group	Count	%
Hispanic or Latino	14,247	34.2%
White	11,085	26.6%
Two or more races	9,900	23.8%
Other race	4,614	11.1%
Black or African American	1,168	2.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native	313	0.8%
Asian	267	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 4.9%

$10k–$15k 12.9%

$15k–$25k 8.2%

$25k–$35k 8.0%

$35k–$50k 18.5%

$50k–$75k 17.6%

$75k–$100k 12.3%

$100k–$150k 11.1%

$150k–$200k 3.1%

$200k+ 3.4%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.9%
$10k–$15k	12.9%
$15k–$25k	8.2%
$25k–$35k	8.0%
$35k–$50k	18.5%
$50k–$75k	17.6%
$75k–$100k	12.3%
$100k–$150k	11.1%
$150k–$200k	3.1%
$200k+	3.4%
Median income	$48,021

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 3.9%

$50k–$100k 5.1%

$100k–$150k 7.5%

$150k–$200k 15.4%

$200k–$300k 50.2%

$300k–$500k 13.6%

$500k–$1M 3.0%

$1M+ 1.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$226,500
Median rent / month	$925
Owner occupied	59.1%
Renter occupied	40.9%
Vacant	8.4%
Single-family detached	75.1%
Large apartment buildings	10.9%
Mobile homes	5.5%
Median rooms	4.8
Avg household size (owned)	3.99

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.2%
2010–2019	13.4%
2000–2009	13.7%
1990–1999	14.5%
1980–1989	9.2%
1970–1979	9.0%
1960–1969	10.9%
1950–1959	14.7%
1940–1949	6.0%
1939 or earlier	8.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	3.9%
1 bedroom	6.4%
2 bedrooms	24.7%
3 bedrooms	50.0%
4 bedrooms	14.0%
5+ bedrooms	1.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.2%
1 vehicle	37.3%
2 vehicles	36.5%
3 or more	23.0%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	58.4%
Electricity	36.7%
Propane / LP gas	2.1%
Wood	0.4%
Solar	1.0%
No fuel used	1.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	3,485	54.6%
Cohabiting couple	605	9.5%
Male householder, no spouse	905	14.2%
Female householder, no spouse	1,392	21.8%
Households with children under 18	3,098	48.5%
Households with seniors (65+)	1,418	22.2%
Average household size	3.60

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	50.5%	33.7%
Married	36.6%	47.7%
Separated	3.0%	5.5%
Widowed	3.1%	7.9%
Divorced	6.9%	5.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 21.6%

Some HS, no diploma 15.5%

HS graduate 32.8%

Some college, no degree 19.6%

Associate's degree 4.6%

Bachelor's degree 4.3%

Graduate / professional 1.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	62.9%
Bachelor's or higher	5.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	247	3.3%
Kindergarten	611	8.1%
Elementary school	3,373	45.0%
High school	1,615	21.5%
College / grad school	1,654	22.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Agriculture & mining 33.1%

Education & healthcare 15.0%

Retail trade 9.0%

Professional & management 7.3%

Manufacturing 7.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 7.0%

Transportation & utilities 6.5%

Construction 3.7%

Wholesale trade 3.7%

Public administration 2.9%

Other services 2.3%

Finance & real estate 1.7%

Information 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	14.3%
Service	18.4%
Sales & office	13.8%
Natural resources & construction	30.3%
Production & transportation	23.2%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	87.9%
Government	8.9%
Self-employed	3.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.1%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	78.9%
Carpool	17.4%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.3%
Other means	0.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	22.8

Poverty

All people 21.1%

Under 18 years 26.2%

18 and over 18.7%

Married-couple families 17.7%

Female-led households 33.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	27.9%
Retirement income	7.7%
Supplemental Security	4.1%
Cash public assistance	4.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	20.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	26.8%
High cholesterol	26.4%
Heart disease	5.4%
Stroke	3.0%
Asthma	10.3%
Arthritis	16.5%
Kidney disease	3.1%
Pulmonary disease	6.7%
Cancer	3.2%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.3%
No physical activity	33.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	37.3%
Fair or poor health	26.8%
Poor mental health	18.7%
Poor physical health	14.3%
No health insurance	30.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	63.0%
Visited dentist	42.4%
Cholesterol screening	81.6%
Teeth loss	23.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	417	2.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	7.2%
Under 18	2.3%
18–64 years	7.4%
65 and over	25.4%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	47.0%
Public insurance	48.0%
Uninsured under 19	2.6%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	25,392	92.8%
Spanish	9,450	37.2%
Other Indo-European	9,317	36.7%
Asian & Pacific Islander	4	0.0%
Other languages	65	0.3%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	19,370	70.8%
Born in same state	19,120	69.9%
Born in different state	17,891	65.4%
Foreign born	250	0.9%
Naturalized citizen	7,986	29.2%
Not a US citizen	2,043	25.6%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	371	1.4%
French	303	1.1%
Italian	278	1%
English	105	0.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	29	0.1%
Dutch	7	0%
Irish	6	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	23.3%
Internet access	77.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Wasco, CA have?

Wasco, CA has one ZIP code: 93280. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.