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Delano, CA

Frequently asked questions

Delano, CA

Delano is a city in Kern County, California, United States. Delano is located 31 miles (50 km) north-northwest of Bakersfield at an elevation of 315 feet (96 m). The population was 51,428 in 2020, down from 53,041 in 2010. It is Kern County's second-largest city after Bakersfield.

Agriculture is Delano's major industry. The area is particularly well known as a center for the growing of table grapes. Delano is also home to two California state prisons, North Kern State Prison and Kern Valley State Prison. The Voice of America once operated one of its largest, most powerful shortwave broadcast facilities at a station outside Delano at 35°45′15″N 119°17′7″W. The Voice of America ceased broadcasts in October 2007, citing a changing political mission, reduced budgets, and changes in technology.

Delano's two school districts currently operate eight elementary schools, three middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, and two alternative high schools. The city has its own police department and contracts with the Kern County Fire Department for fire services, EMS services are privately provided by a local company, Delano Ambulance Service.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.4 square miles (37 km2); over 99% of which is land. 

Delano was founded on July 14, 1869, as a railroad town, not because the railroad passed through the town but because the railroad coming south from San Francisco terminated at Delano. The Southern Pacific Railroad officially gave the name in honor of Columbus Delano, at the time the Secretary of the Interior (1870–1875) for the United States. The first post office opened in 1874. Delano was incorporated in 1913.

The town started with a boom. With Delano as the southern terminus of the railroad, it became the headquarters for hundreds of workmen who were building the railroad into town, and who eventually built the railroad into Bakersfield the following year. Meanwhile, the merchandise that formerly was trucked south from Visalia to Bakersfield and then to Walker Pass, or perhaps Tejon Pass, en route to Los Angeles, now coming via freight from the south, east, and west, was likewise trucked in by ox or mule team. Great loads of bullion were delivered here from the mines in the mountains. Delano became the northern terminus for the passenger stages that ran south to Bakersfield and Los Angeles. The fare from Bakersfield to Delano was $7.00.

Delano emphasizes health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs by Delano’s Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Kings Barbell Fitness, and Wonderful College Prep Academy. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Delano, such as Cecil Park and the Delano Heritage Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Delano, CA are Kern County Museum, California Living Museum, and Cesar E. Chavez National Monument.

Population: 51,500 (2023). ZIP codes: 93215, 93216. Area code(s): 661. Elevation: 315 ft. Area: 14.4 square miles (37 km2).

FAQs

What is Delano, CA famous for?

Agriculture is Delano's major industry. The area is particularly well known as a center for growing table grapes. Delano is also home to two California state prisons, North Kern State Prison and Kern Valley State Prison. 

Is Delano, CA a good place to live?

Living in Delano offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Delano, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Delano and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Delano are above average.

What is the crime rate in Delano, CA?

The crime rate in Delano is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 26 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Delano is 1 in 38. Based on FBI crime data, Delano is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Delano has a crime rate that is higher than 74% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Delano

Delano’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

Kings Barbell Fitness 

Wonderful College Prep Academy

Cecil Park 

Delano Heritage Park

Kern County Museum

California Living Museum

Cesar E. Chavez National Monument

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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