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Wasco
cityWasco is a city located in the San Joaquin Valley, Kern County, California, approximately 24 miles northwest of Bakersfield. The city had a population of 27,047 in 2020. The population in 2026 is estimated to be 28,415. Wasco offers a sparse suburban feel and is known for its close-knit community with strong agricultural roots. Agriculture is a major economic driver, particularly the cultivation of roses; at one point, the area produced over half of all roses grown in the United States. Oil and gas extraction also contribute to the local economy. Wasco is the headquarters of the Tejon Indian Tribe of California, a federally recognized tribe. Wasco's history dates back to 1897 when it was established as a railroad town. Originally named Deweyville, it was later renamed Wasco. The city hosts the annual Rose Festival, celebrating its agricultural heritage.
Wasco, California
Overview
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 06-83542
- Country
- United States
- County
- Kern County
Geography
- Region
- San Joaquin Valley
- Elevation
- 328 ft
- Total Area
- 9.4 sq mi
- Land Area
- 9.4 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 35.595
- Longitude
- -119.38389
- Climate
- Semi-arid climate with extremely hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters. The average annual mean temperature is 64.1 °F (17.8 °C).
- Neighboring Areas
- Shafter · McFarland · Delano · Lost Hills
Demographics
- Population (2020)
- 27,047
- Est. Population (2026)
- 28,415
- Median Age
- 30.6
- Median Income
- $51,727
- Poverty Rate
- 18.38%
- Family Households
- 83.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 58.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Wasco is 26.67% White, 4.33% Black or African American, 1.05% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.78% Asian, 0.04% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 24.27% some other race and 42.85% multiracial. 87.26% of the population is Hispanic or Latino (of any race).
Governance
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Wasco Union High School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire
U.S. Congress
Padilla, AlexD
U.S. SenatorSchiff, Adam B.D
U.S. RepresentativeHuffman, JaredD
U.S. Representative - District 2Kiley, KevinI
U.S. Representative - District 3Thompson, MikeD
U.S. Representative - District 4McClintock, TomR
U.S. Representative - District 5Bera, AmiD
U.S. Representative - District 6Matsui, Doris O.D
U.S. Representative - District 7Garamendi, JohnD
U.S. Representative - District 8Harder, JoshD
U.S. Representative - District 9DeSaulnier, MarkD
U.S. Representative - District 10Pelosi, NancyD
U.S. Representative - District 11Simon, LateefahD
U.S. Representative - District 12Mullin, KevinD
U.S. Representative - District 15Khanna, RoD
U.S. Representative - District 17Lofgren, ZoeD
U.S. Representative - District 18Panetta, JimmyD
U.S. Representative - District 19Fong, VinceR
U.S. Representative - District 20Costa, JimD
U.S. Representative - District 21Valadao, David G.R
U.S. Representative - District 22Obernolte, JayR
U.S. Representative - District 23Carbajal, Salud O.D
U.S. Representative - District 24Ruiz, RaulD
U.S. Representative - District 25Brownley, JuliaD
U.S. Representative - District 26Whitesides, GeorgeD
U.S. Representative - District 27Chu, JudyD
U.S. Representative - District 28Rivas, Luz M.D
U.S. Representative - District 29Friedman, LauraD
U.S. Representative - District 30Cisneros, Gilbert RayD
U.S. Representative - District 31Sherman, BradD
U.S. Representative - District 32Aguilar, PeteD
U.S. Representative - District 33Gomez, JimmyD
U.S. Representative - District 34Torres, Norma J.D
U.S. Representative - District 35Lieu, TedD
U.S. Representative - District 36Kamlager-Dove, SydneyD
U.S. Representative - District 37Sánchez, Linda T.D
U.S. Representative - District 38Takano, MarkD
U.S. Representative - District 39Kim, YoungR
U.S. Representative - District 40Calvert, KenR
U.S. Representative - District 41Garcia, RobertD
U.S. Representative - District 42Waters, MaxineD
U.S. Representative - District 43Barragán, Nanette DiazD
U.S. Representative - District 44Tran, DerekD
U.S. Representative - District 45Correa, J. LuisD
U.S. Representative - District 46Min, DaveD
U.S. Representative - District 47Issa, DarrellR
U.S. Representative - District 48Levin, MikeD
U.S. Representative - District 49Peters, Scott H.D
U.S. Representative - District 50Jacobs, SaraD
U.S. Representative - District 51Vargas, JuanD
U.S. Representative - District 52Economy
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.6%
- Economic Profile
- Agricultural · Oil and Gas Extraction
- Employment Sectors
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting · Retail Trade · Educational Services
Education
- School Districts
- Wasco Union Elementary School District · Wasco Union High School District
Infrastructure
- Transportation
- California State Route 43 · California State Route 46 · Rail service
- Utilities
- Municipal water
- Major Facilities
- Wasco State Prison
Recreation
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
History
- Founded
- 1897
- Incorporated
- 1945
- Named After
- Either Wasco County, Oregon or Western American Sugar Company
- Historical Significance
- Established as a railroad depot and agricultural center in the San Joaquin Valley
- Key Events
- Established as a railroad town · Fourth Home Extension Colony founded in 1907 · Long white potatoes planted in 1916, becoming a staple crop · Cotton introduced in 1918