
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Shafter, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 20,238 people. According to the most recent Census, 68% of Shafter residents are White, 2% Black and 1% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Shafter are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 65% of the population also speak Spanish. Shafter could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 27 years old is below the nation’s average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Shafter will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Shafter is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Shafter, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, education and more.
Shafter has a livability score of 70 out of 100 and is ranked #238 in California and #7,249 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Shafter has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Shafter scores poorly for, including: cost of living (D), education (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
If you're considering living in Shafter, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Shafter provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Shafter apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Shafter real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Shafter. The median home price for Shafter homes is $353,843, which is 51.6% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Shafter, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.1, which is 33.8% lower than the California average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Shafter | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.1% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.5% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.5% | 5.4% | 4.6% |