Find Counselors Serving
Wasco, CA

Frequently asked questions

Wasco, CA

Wasco (formerly, Dewey and Deweyville) is a city in the San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County, California, United States. Wasco is located 24 miles (39 km) northwest of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 328 feet (100 m). The population was 25,545 at the 2010 census, up from 21,263 at the 2000 census. Wasco is the headquarters of the Tejon Indian Tribe of California, a federally recognized tribe of Kitanemuk, Yokuts, and Chumash indigenous people of California.

The name Dewey was in honor of Admiral George Dewey, a hero of the Spanish–American War. The Deweyville post office opened in 1899 and changed its name to Wasco in 1907.

The origin of the name Wasco is subject to two different theories: (1) it was coined from Western American Sugar Company; and (2) that it was named by a resident from Wasco County, Oregon. Wasco is the site of the Fourth Home Extension Colony, founded in 1907 by the American Home Extension Association.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.4 square miles (24 km2), all of it land. At the 2000 census, according to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 7.6 square miles (20 km2), all of it land. Wasco is located on the floor of the San Joaquin Valley, at the intersection of California State Routes 43, which runs north-south, and 46, which runs east-west. 

At the 2010 census, Wasco had a population of 25,545. The population density was 2,710.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,046.4/km2). The racial makeup of Wasco was 12,579 (49.2%) White, 1,951 (7.6%) African American, 283 (1.1%) Native American, 180 (0.7%) Asian, 12 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 9,714 (38.0%) from other races, and 826 (3.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19,585 persons (76.7%). The census reported that 19,825 people (77.6% of the population) lived in households, 10 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 5,710 (22.4%) were institutionalized.

Wasco emphasizes health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Wasco 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 Padilla Physical Therapy & Fitness Inc., Anytime Fitness, and Iron Valley Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Wasco, such as Annin Park and Westside Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Wasco, CA are Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center, Kern County Museum, and Cesar E. Chavez National Monument.

Population: 25,545 (2010). ZIP code: 93280. Area: 24.32 km². Area code: 661. Elevation: 328 ft (100 m).

FAQs

What is Wasco, CA famous for?

First known as Dewey, then Deweyville, Wasco was established as a loading station on the Santa Fe Railroad in 1897. Wasco is primarily an agricultural community, boasting crops such as cotton, onions, potatoes, and almonds, and is famous for its roses. Each September, Wasco hosts a Rose Festival with activities such as the Rose Queen Pageant, concerts, arts and crafts shows, rose field tours, and chili cook-offs.

Is Wasco, CA Safe?

With a crime rate of 32 per one thousand residents, Wasco has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32. Within California, more than 84% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Wasco.

Is Wasco, CA a good place to live?

Wasco is in Kern County. Living in Wasco offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Wasco and residents tend to lean liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Wasco

Wasco Recreation and Community Services Department

Padilla Physical Therapy & Fitness Inc

Anytime Fitness 

Iron Valley Fitness

Annin Park 

Westside Park

Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center

Kern County Museum

Cesar E. Chavez National Monument

Kerncog.org

Neighborhoodscout

Niche

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.