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Shafter, CA

Frequently asked questions

Shafter, CA

Shafter is a city in Kern County, California, United States. It is located 18 miles (29 km) west-northwest of Bakersfield. The population was 16,988 at the 2010 census, up from 12,736 at the 2000 census. The city is located along State Route 43. Suburbs of Shafter include Myricks Corner, North Shafter, Smith Corner, and Thomas Lane.

The city of Shafter began as a loading dock along the Santa Fe Railroad (former San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley Railroad) right-of-way. The community was named for General William Rufus Shafter who commanded US Forces in Cuba during the Spanish–American War. Property was sold beginning in 1914 and the city incorporated on January 11, 1938.

The first post office opened in 1898, moved in 1902, and closed in 1905. A new postal service started in 1914.

Shafter is home to Minter Field, which began operations in June 1941 and saw heavy use during World War II. Approximately 7,000 troops were stationed at the airstrip which hosted up to 600 prisoners of war. It is publicly owned and administered by the Minter Field Airport District and serves as an industrial center and airport for crop dusters and private aircraft. The Minter Field Museum is maintained on location as well.

The first truly successful human-powered airplane, the Gossamer Condor, piloted by Bryan Allen won the Kremer prize on August 23, 1977, at Shafter's Minter Field. Allen piloted, and powered, the Paul MacCready designed airplane along the one-mile-long figure '8' course with two 10-foot high obstacles as specified by the Royal Aeronautical Society to claim the £50,000 prize. A California State Monument is located at the field for this event.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.9 square miles (72.3 km2), all of it land.

Shafter gives importance to health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Shafter 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 Iron Valley Fitness, Senior Fitness, and Shafter Fit. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Shafter, such as the Shafter Grade Trail and the Kern River Trail Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.
 

Top Sites in Shafter, CA are Minter Field Air Museum, Shafter Depot Museum, Shafter Ford Theater.

Population: 20,678 (2021). ZIP code: 93263. Area code: 661. Elevation: 348 ft (106 m). Area: 38.72 sq mi (100.29 km2).

FAQs

What is Shafter, CA is known for?

Historically, much of Shafter's economy has been based on agriculture and ag-related industry. Local crops include almonds, pistachios, cotton, grapes, alfalfa, and some carrots, potatoes, and other vegetables. Cotton and potatoes have a special historical significance for the town of Shafter as leading industries in different periods of the town's development.

Is Shafter, CA a good place to live?

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

How safe is Shafter, CA?

The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Shafter is 1 in 36. Based on FBI crime data, Shafter is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Shafter has a crime rate that is higher than 78% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Shafter

Shafter Recreation and Community Services Department

Iron Valley Fitness

Senior Fitness 

Shafter Fit

Shafter Grade Trail 

Kern River Trail Loop

Minter Field Air Museum

Shafter Depot Museum

Shafter Ford Theater

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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