Livability Score

61
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities C-

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (4) F
Village Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (6) B
Desert Discovery Center
Museum
Mojave River Valley Museum
Museum
Western America Railroad Museum
Museum
Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum
Museum
Barstow Station Cinema 6
Cinema
Rosita
Attraction
Screen 1
Cinema
Skyline Drive-In
Cinema
Screen 2
Cinema
Skyline Drive-In
Cinema
Food and Drink (33) F
Num Nums
Sweets
7 Days Liquor
Alcohol
Wienerschnitzel
Fast Food
Whoose on 1st
Bar
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Del Taco #1 Flagship Store
Fast Food
Del Taco
Fast Food
Carl's Jr.
Fast Food
Long John Silver's
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
Domino's
Fast Food
Popeyes
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Jacks Liquior
Alcohol
Loyal Order of Moose
Bar
Fitness (2) F
Cora M. Harper Fitness Center
Gym
Dana Park Community Center
Community Centre
Groceries (4) F
Buzz's Mini Market
Grocery Store
Morgan Meat Co.
Butcher
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Parks (10) B
Lillian Park
Park
Dana Park
Park
Waterman Park
Park
Barstow Memorial Park
Park
Sturnacle Park
Park
Stringham Park
Park
Foglesong Park
Park
H Street Soccer Fields
Park
Barstow Heights Park
Park
Venner Park
Park
Venner Park Playground
Playground
Shops (39) C+
Boost Mobile
Electronics
Head To Toe Beauty Salon
Beauty
99¢
Discount Store
Barstow Shopping Center
Mall
Aaron's
Furniture
Shell
Convenience Store
Dollar Tree
Discount Store
Food Mart
Convenience Store
Dollar General
Discount Store
76
Convenience Store
Dollar General
Discount Store
A-One Cycle
Bicycle
The Home Depot
Home Improvement
See more Barstow amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 1.4% take public transportation in Barstow.
Public Transit Stops (13)
Stops & Stations
A+
Routes 1,2,3,4,5
Bus Stop
Barstow
Transit Station
Barstow, CA - Amtrak Station
Bus Stop
Barstow, CA - Bus Stop/Meal Stop
Bus Stop
Barstow Station
Bus Stop
route 1,2
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.4%
F
See more Barstow commute data

cost of living C

The cost of living in Barstow is 100/100 - which is 28% lower than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
C
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Barstow cost of living data

crime F

Barstow crime rates are 3,401 per 100k, which is 20% higher than California
Property Crime
2,313 crimes per 100k
D
Violent Crime
1,088 crimes per 100k
F
See more Barstow crime data

employment F

The median income in Barstow is $42,912 - which is 33% lower than California.
Med. Household Income
$42,912
F
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
F
See more Barstow employment data

health C-

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (10)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Barstow Community Hospital
Hospital
Dr. Mike's Walk In Clinic
Clinic
Barstow Dental
Dentist
CHP - Barstow
Police
Barstow Police Department
Police
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Barstow Patrol Station
Police
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Walmart Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more Barstow health & safety data

housing A+

Barstow home prices are $130,100 - which is 68% lower than California
Home Price
$130,100
F
Home Appreciation Rate
26%
A+
Home Affordability
3x (home price to income ratio)
B+
See more Barstow housing data

schools F

The Barstow graduation rate is 72% - which is 10% lower than California
School Test Scores
22%
F
High School Grad. Rates
72%
D-
Elementary Schools (9) C-
Cameron Elementary
Barstow Christian School
Challenges Community Day
Barstow Stem Academy
Henderson Elementary
Crestline Elementary
Barstow Fine Arts Academy
Montara Elementary
Skyline North Elementary
Mojave River Academy - Silver Mountain
High Schools (4) A
Busd School Of Opportunity
Barstow High
Central High (Continuation)
Mojave River Academy - Silver Mountain
See more Barstow education data

ratings F

Barstow has an overall rating of 20% from 18 reviews.
User Reviews (2)
From AreaVibes
F
User Surveys (16)
From AreaVibes
F
See more Barstow user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Barstow, CA
( 18 Ratings )

Living in Barstow, CA

Barstow Area Facts

New Real Estate Listings in Barstow Area
Search Homes for Sale in Barstow, CA

Barstow Reviews

Write a review about Barstow Tell people what you like or don't like about Barstow…
Watch out for trumpers 3 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 23, 2024) All I'm going to say is Calico Ghost Town is pretty cool and watch out for trumpers like the goofball who left the nice rant in the other review. He sounds like the real problem in this town. ...Read More Read Less
Watch out for trumpers 3 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 23, 2024) All I'm going to say is Calico Ghost Town is pretty cool and watch out for trumpers like the goofball who left the nice rant in the other review. He sounds like the real problem in this town. ...Read More Read Less
Barstow small and doesnt grow! California SUCKS in GENERAL! Very sad 1 rating By Anonymous ( Sep 21, 2020) Where to start! Ive lived in Barstow for about 34 years. Been wanting to move for about 3 years now. If your middle class you can't escape unless your making around 140,000 or more year! I will just go over pros and cons of California Barstow is more conservatives and there are ...Read More wonderful people! On the other hand there are 75% of residents on government assistants. ONLY JOBS are the Base (Ft. Irwin) or BNSF. Very high poverty rate (28%). Drugs and Homeless out of control! California is the worst state to live in and this is why.....

Pros-
1.Beautiful state
2. Weather! Not ever Cold and if you like HOT it get about 110 degrees in the summer!
3. Some really good Areas but you will have to pay high rent to be in those areas!
4. Ocean and things to do!

Cons-
1. High taxes and will continue to go up (take about 40% of your hard earned Money per pay check)
2. Fuel PRICES are extremely HIGH over 3.25 a gallon
3. Regulations and laws are ridiculous
4. No death penalty
5. Horrible democrat Governor(Newsom)
6. NOT business friendly at all- Do not plan to start a business here! Go to TX, TN or AZ
7. Love to have people on Government assistance so they can rip off the hard working citizens
8. Crime and Homeless out of control (especially in LA metro areas)
9. Liberals are welcome and if your libertarian or conservative you will not want to move here..
10. Monthly bills (gas, water, and electricity) are very expensive. My electricity bill averages about $450 for about 4 months of the year (My house is 1500sqft) and maybe about $150 the rest of the year ( between hours of 12-8pm you pay 38 cents per Kill watt). If Edison isn't ripping you off the gas company will. Water will go up 14% more starting 2021or maybe 2022 and 4 cents every year after) So if rent doesn't break the bank then add rent and monthly expenses and you barely make it!
11. GUNS LAWS SUCK!!! They want to make it were they will take your guns away!
12. You get charged for everything! Nothing is FREE! State parks charge, beaches charge to park. It's nothing like the South states!
13. Schools SUCK. Especially in Barstow. The only Christian school we had CLOSED because of COVID. Very sad.
14. Newsom just let 18,000 criminals out of Jail. That should tell you exactly how unsafe we are here in Caifornia.
15. From Barstow everything is about 2 and half hours away! Not bad but after gas, food and paying extra for activities and parking its just crazy.
16. Bartow has NOTHING for Kids to DO.....NOTHING.....WE barely are able to allow the kids to play sports. Even then there no extra circular activities.
17. CHILDCARE if SO expensive

You can research All this it's NO SECRET! Even if you love California its still the most expensive state to live in and is democrat ran! This state has got so bad over the past 2 years.

Just last year 69,000 residents move out of Cali and continue to move out! Its really bad. A lot of business had to move and went to TX! Including Ben Shaprio and Joe Rogan. Newsom thinks keeping Cali closed is the best thing. 13,000 business in San Fran have closed or relocated and only 12,000 have survived.

It's extremely sad to see this happen. But its always been this way since 1987 when I moved here! 2020 just has opened peoples eyes to how horribly ran this state is!

Don't let your children out of your sight because there is a new law that helps pedophiles in this state and it's horrible..and there trying to pass a "LEAVE TAX" so if you leave Cali you will be taxed. Just CRAZY! Everyone that can get out should NOW!

DO NOT MOVE TO CALI! If we had a republican running in office they could change this state but it would take along time!

I love Barstow, but the truth is the state of California doesn't change and business don't and will not come and open here! Which means nothing changes. All we have is the famous OUTLETS in Barstow and that was supported by travelers and who knows how long that will stay around! You have to drive 30-60 mins away and then have to deal with stupid traffic.

Barstow has become over ran with Homeless and druggies! It has always been that way but it has got worse int he past 2 years.

Good Luck if your moving here! Stay to your self and stay humble and there are a few good Churches to go to.
I worked for the base for 8 years and wife's that are married to soldiers leave within weeks of BOREDOM and because it's pricey and HOT! You have to drive hours just to get any good views! Read Less
Think twice, it ain't that nice 0.5 rating By crazymancrazy ( Apr 14, 2016) Barstow has really gone straight down the tubes. This town once had so much potential. Now it is a section 8, welfare, crime infested pool of poverty. It is very hard to do business in this town(shopping, banking, recreation etc. ) because of the herds of homeless, mentally ill ...Read More and criminals who roam the streets and parking lots in this town. Just try to go into any business(or what is left of the businesses) in this town and you will be harassed by beggars, nuts, pervos and creeps wanting something from you. Then you have the ooglies and illegals trying to sell you crap like cable subscriptions, and tamales or menudo in the parking lots. The crime is through the roof. Shootings, thefts, break ins, assaults, trespassing, rapes....you name it...we got it.....and we got it...ALOT. Loads of dope too. These horrible scavengers will walk into a business and just load up with merchandise and run out without paying. Not many good jobs either. There are the bases and railroad and some jobs with the school district and city.....but other than that....not much. So, think twice before moving here......and if you do....I would not live in the city.....most of it is pretty bad. Until these issues are dealt with I see no improvement or positive,long term growth. Who would even want to invest in a business other than the ones aimed at tourists in this horrible, dirty, dangerous, out of control town? Good luck. You are going to need it. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Barstow small and doesnt grow! California SUCKS in GENERAL! Very sad 1 rating By Anonymous ( Sep 21, 2020) Where to start! Ive lived in Barstow for about 34 years. Been wanting to move for about 3 years now. If your middle class you can't escape unless your making around 140,000 or more year! I will just go over pros and cons of California Barstow is more conservatives and there are ...Read More wonderful people! On the other hand there are 75% of residents on government assistants. ONLY JOBS are the Base (Ft. Irwin) or BNSF. Very high poverty rate (28%). Drugs and Homeless out of control! California is the worst state to live in and this is why.....

Pros-
1.Beautiful state
2. Weather! Not ever Cold and if you like HOT it get about 110 degrees in the summer!
3. Some really good Areas but you will have to pay high rent to be in those areas!
4. Ocean and things to do!

Cons-
1. High taxes and will continue to go up (take about 40% of your hard earned Money per pay check)
2. Fuel PRICES are extremely HIGH over 3.25 a gallon
3. Regulations and laws are ridiculous
4. No death penalty
5. Horrible democrat Governor(Newsom)
6. NOT business friendly at all- Do not plan to start a business here! Go to TX, TN or AZ
7. Love to have people on Government assistance so they can rip off the hard working citizens
8. Crime and Homeless out of control (especially in LA metro areas)
9. Liberals are welcome and if your libertarian or conservative you will not want to move here..
10. Monthly bills (gas, water, and electricity) are very expensive. My electricity bill averages about $450 for about 4 months of the year (My house is 1500sqft) and maybe about $150 the rest of the year ( between hours of 12-8pm you pay 38 cents per Kill watt). If Edison isn't ripping you off the gas company will. Water will go up 14% more starting 2021or maybe 2022 and 4 cents every year after) So if rent doesn't break the bank then add rent and monthly expenses and you barely make it!
11. GUNS LAWS SUCK!!! They want to make it were they will take your guns away!
12. You get charged for everything! Nothing is FREE! State parks charge, beaches charge to park. It's nothing like the South states!
13. Schools SUCK. Especially in Barstow. The only Christian school we had CLOSED because of COVID. Very sad.
14. Newsom just let 18,000 criminals out of Jail. That should tell you exactly how unsafe we are here in Caifornia.
15. From Barstow everything is about 2 and half hours away! Not bad but after gas, food and paying extra for activities and parking its just crazy.
16. Bartow has NOTHING for Kids to DO.....NOTHING.....WE barely are able to allow the kids to play sports. Even then there no extra circular activities.
17. CHILDCARE if SO expensive

You can research All this it's NO SECRET! Even if you love California its still the most expensive state to live in and is democrat ran! This state has got so bad over the past 2 years.

Just last year 69,000 residents move out of Cali and continue to move out! Its really bad. A lot of business had to move and went to TX! Including Ben Shaprio and Joe Rogan. Newsom thinks keeping Cali closed is the best thing. 13,000 business in San Fran have closed or relocated and only 12,000 have survived.

It's extremely sad to see this happen. But its always been this way since 1987 when I moved here! 2020 just has opened peoples eyes to how horribly ran this state is!

Don't let your children out of your sight because there is a new law that helps pedophiles in this state and it's horrible..and there trying to pass a "LEAVE TAX" so if you leave Cali you will be taxed. Just CRAZY! Everyone that can get out should NOW!

DO NOT MOVE TO CALI! If we had a republican running in office they could change this state but it would take along time!

I love Barstow, but the truth is the state of California doesn't change and business don't and will not come and open here! Which means nothing changes. All we have is the famous OUTLETS in Barstow and that was supported by travelers and who knows how long that will stay around! You have to drive 30-60 mins away and then have to deal with stupid traffic.

Barstow has become over ran with Homeless and druggies! It has always been that way but it has got worse int he past 2 years.

Good Luck if your moving here! Stay to your self and stay humble and there are a few good Churches to go to.
I worked for the base for 8 years and wife's that are married to soldiers leave within weeks of BOREDOM and because it's pricey and HOT! You have to drive hours just to get any good views! Read Less
Think twice, it ain't that nice 0.5 rating By crazymancrazy ( Apr 14, 2016) Barstow has really gone straight down the tubes. This town once had so much potential. Now it is a section 8, welfare, crime infested pool of poverty. It is very hard to do business in this town(shopping, banking, recreation etc. ) because of the herds of homeless, mentally ill ...Read More and criminals who roam the streets and parking lots in this town. Just try to go into any business(or what is left of the businesses) in this town and you will be harassed by beggars, nuts, pervos and creeps wanting something from you. Then you have the ooglies and illegals trying to sell you crap like cable subscriptions, and tamales or menudo in the parking lots. The crime is through the roof. Shootings, thefts, break ins, assaults, trespassing, rapes....you name it...we got it.....and we got it...ALOT. Loads of dope too. These horrible scavengers will walk into a business and just load up with merchandise and run out without paying. Not many good jobs either. There are the bases and railroad and some jobs with the school district and city.....but other than that....not much. So, think twice before moving here......and if you do....I would not live in the city.....most of it is pretty bad. Until these issues are dealt with I see no improvement or positive,long term growth. Who would even want to invest in a business other than the ones aimed at tourists in this horrible, dirty, dangerous, out of control town? Good luck. You are going to need it. Read Less

How Do You Rate The Livability In Barstow?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Barstow Awards

Compare Barstow, CA Livability

      vs

      C- Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Barstow? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Lillian Park
      Dana Park
      Waterman Park
      Barstow Memorial Park
      Sturnacle Park
      Stringham Park
      Foglesong Park
      H Street Soccer Fields

      Entertainment

      Desert Discovery Center
      Mojave River Valley Museum
      Western America Railroad Museum
      Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum
      Barstow Station Cinema 6
      Rosita
      Screen 1
      Skyline Drive-In

      Food & Drink

      Num Nums
      7 Days Liquor
      Wienerschnitzel
      Whoose on 1st
      Jack in the Box
      Del Taco #1 Flagship Store
      Del Taco
      Carl's Jr.

      D+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Barstow? Of all people who commute, 1.4% take public transportation in Barstow.
      Drive to Work
      77%

      1% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      3%

      equal to the US average

      D Health & Safety

      Is Barstow a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Barstow Community Hospital

      Pharmacies

      Walmart Pharmacy
      Rite Aid

      Doctors