ZIP Code 93238 in Kernville, CA

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Kernville, California
Names to Avoid:
River Kern
Counties:Kern County[Primary]
Tulare County
Timezone:Pacific (GMT -08:00)
Local Time:8:38:00 PM
Population:1,603 [See All]
Area Codes:760 / 442
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:35.7285, -118.3724
Land Area:109.616 sq mi
Quick Link:
https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/93238/zip-code-93238.asp

Download this data |

Download ZIP Boundaries |

Interactive charts load automatically as you scroll. Hover for data, click to explore trends, and use the menu to export.

Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 93238 has 1,603 residents and 804 households (average 1.94 persons per household). The median age is 57.8 years, significantly older than the state (37.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.3% male and 50.7% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (82.3%, much higher than the state average of 41.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (10.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 10.2%, which is much lower than the state average (39.4%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:1,603Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:726Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:300Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:14.6 people per sq mile
Average Income:$49,665Source: Census ACS
Households:804Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$365,400Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:1.94Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.50Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--1,6251,4961,6531,5751,6641,5501,4081,015673810808866726
Decennial Census1,490------------------1,603------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 57.8

Male Median Age: 56.1

Female Median Age: 59.3

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male322731543023393537354459819878551221
Female173527292220343835364780918878612747
Total49625883524373737271911391721861561163968
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:1,32082.50%
Black:110.69%
Hispanic:*16310.19%
Asian:241.50%
American Indian:191.19%
Hawaiian:10.06%
Other:623.88%
Total:1,600100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:79149.34%56.1 years
Females:81250.66%59.3 years
Total:1,603100%57.8 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:70797.38%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:00.00%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:192.62%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:02.62%
Total Population:726100%
Total Native Population:70797.38%
Total Foreign-born Population:192.62%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $49,665, which is far less than the state median ($96,334), is down $9,752 (16.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $49,665. Family households earn a median of $49,155 versus $70,863 for nonfamily households (a difference of $21,708). By gender, male median income is $106,306 and female is $18,958, which is considerably lower than the state female median ($61,569), with a current gap of $87,348 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 43.7%, which is much lower than the state rate (63.9%). The unemployment rate is 22.4%, which is far worse than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (68.7%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$59,417$55,243$58,480$58,012$57,888$58,190$62,963$0$0$23,325$39,652$41,563$49,665
Median Family Income$69,167$67,583$59,595$62,000$60,521$61,505$91,574$0$63,750$55,851$41,851$46,917$49,155
Median NonFamily Income$22,115$20,750$24,688$16,128$17,104$21,818$0$19,976$0$19,651$0$0$70,863
Median Male Income$58,208$41,831$52,089$60,266$0$61,033$63,672$72,664$0$55,383$57,568$63,730$106,306
Median Female Income$28,393$21,412$31,782$40,489$0$40,833$53,944$62,125$0$0$0$0$18,958
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:24333.94%
Unemployed:709.78%
Not In Labor Force:40356.28%
Total:716100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:16768.72%
Service:6727.57%
Sales and Office:93.70%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:00.00%
Production, transportation, and material moving:00.00%
Total Civilian Employed Population:243100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $365,400, which is much lower than the state median ($695,400), is up $123,200 (50.87%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $131,000. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,956), is down $360 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $672. Of occupied housing, owners make up 97.99% (50.00% with a mortgage, 50.00% free-and-clear) and renters 2.01% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 48.32%, which is considerably higher than the state rate (7.55%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$242,200$256,500$240,500$230,000$228,200$231,400$226,400$225,500$234,400$230,500$0$244,500$365,400
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:00.00%
$500 to $999:00.00%
$1,000 to $1,499:222.22%
$1,500 to $1,999:00.00%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:777.78%
Total:9100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$360$299$803$861$799$879$974$930$672$0$0$0$0
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):21948.99%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):21948.99%
Renter Occupied:92.01%
Total Occupied Housing Units:447100%

Occupied Housing Units:44751.68%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):41848.32%
Total Housing Units:865100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:52760.92%
Multi-Family Units:708.09%
Other Units:26830.98%
Total Housing Units:865100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 54.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 99.40%, which is markedly above the state rate (84.60%). The uninsured rate is 5.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 43.60%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 65.60%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 3.40 percentage points since 2011. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (64.29%). College enrollment is 14.29%, which is on par with the state rate (30.00%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:00.00%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:40.56%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):324.48%
Some college, no degree:19026.61%
Associate's degree:9913.87%
Bachelor's degree:31143.56%
Graduate or professional degree:7810.92%
Total:714100%
High school or higher:71099.44%
Bachelor's degree or higher:38954.48%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:31537.95%
Public Insurance:47457.11%
No Insurance:414.94%
Total:830100%
Has Health Insurance:78995.06%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty3.4%4.0%1.4%2.8%2.5%0.2%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:00.00%
Kindergarten:00.00%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):964.29%
High school (grades 9-12):321.43%
College or graduate school:214.29%
Total:14100%
Early Childhood:00.00%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):1285.71%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 93238 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 59 business establishments, employing about 454 people with an annual payroll of $20,268,000. USPS data shows 155 residential mailboxes and 46 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:155Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:46Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:1,024Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:155Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:0Source: USPS
# of Businesses:59Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$4,508,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$20,268,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:454Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 93238 is located in Kern County, California, within the Bakersfield-Delano, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 12540) and California's 20th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 910,433 people, about 0.18% of whom live in ZIP Code 93238. It covers 109.616 sq mi of land and a water area of 6.975 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Bakersfield-Delano, CASource: Census
CBSA Number:12540Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:910,433Source: Census
MSA:Bakersfield, CA MSASource: Census
Land Area:109.616 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:6.975 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:20Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:4874.22 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:--Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:0638310Source: Census
Place Name:Kernville CDP; CaliforniaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


93239 | | 93237

Schools in ZIP Code 93238


ZIP Code 93238 is in the Kernville Union Elementary School District, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 8th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Kernville Elementary 13550 Sierra Way
Kernville, CA 93238
District: Kernville Union Elementary School District
Towanits School 310 N Reservation Rd
Porterville, CA 93257
District: Private SchoolNearby
Zion Lutheran School 10368 Rd 256
Terra Bella, CA 93270
District: Private SchoolNearby
Nigritian Academy 2600 La Costa Ct
Bakersfield, CA 93306
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 93238


Bakersfield College 1801 Panorama Dr
Bakersfield, CA 93305-1299
Type: Post Secondary
Cerro Coso Community College 3000 College Heights Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-9571
Type: Post Secondary
Porterville College 100 E College Ave
Porterville, CA 93257
Type: Post Secondary
San Joaquin Valley College-Porterville 314 North Main Street
Porterville, CA 93257-3730
Type: Post Secondary
California Aeronautical University 1450 Boughton Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Type: Post Secondary
Lyle's College Of Beauty 2935 F St
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov