Baker, California

Baker, California
Census designated place
Aerial view of Baker looking north: I-15 jogs south around the town, leaving Baker Boulevard, the main street, to show where the pre-interstate highway (US 91 and US 466) went. Baker Airport sits just north of the city alongside northbound CA 127, the "Death Valley Road".
Aerial view of Baker looking north: I-15 jogs south around the town, leaving Baker Boulevard, the main street, to show where the pre-interstate highway (US 91 and US 466) went. Baker Airport sits just north of the city alongside northbound CA 127, the "Death Valley Road".
Location in San Bernardino County and the state of California
Location in San Bernardino County and the state of California
Baker is located in California
Baker
Baker
Location within California
Baker is located in the United States
Baker
Baker
Location within the United States
Coordinates: 35°16′37″N 116°04′18″W / 35.27694°N 116.07167°W / 35.27694; -116.07167
Country United States
State California
CountySan Bernardino
Area
 • Total
2.69 sq mi (6.96 km2)
 • Land2.69 sq mi (6.96 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0%
Elevation
942 ft (287 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
442
 • Density164.4/sq mi (63.49/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
92309
Area codes442/760
FIPS code06-03512
GNIS feature ID2628708
View of Baker from the east on I-15

Baker is a census-designated place located in San Bernardino County, California, US. As of the 2020 census, the CDP had a total population of 442. Baker's ZIP Code is 92309 and the community is within area codes 442 and 760.

History

Baker was founded as a station on the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad in 1908 and was named for Richard C. Baker, business partner of Francis Marion Smith in building the railroad. Baker later became president of the T&T himself.

Baker was established in 1929 by Ralph Jacobus Fairbanks (1857–1942), who was an American prospector, entrepreneur, and pioneer who established several towns in the Death Valley area of California, including Fairbanks Springs (1904–05) and Shoshone (1910).

It is the site of a vacant, 223-bed for-profit prison formerly operated by Cornell Corrections which experienced a major riot on December 2, 2003, four weeks before it was temporarily closed. It was permanently closed on December 25, 2009. GEO Group purchased Cornell Companies, its owner, on August 12, 2010. It had previously experienced escapes in August and November 1995 and two on July 15, 1997.

Geography and climate

Baker is located in the Mojave Desert at the junction of Interstate 15 and SR 127 (Death Valley Road). Its elevation is approximately 930 feet (283.5 m) above sea level, which is much lower than either Barstow or Las Vegas, due to its location at the southern end of the Death Valley geological depression. The Cronese Mountains are located southwest of the community. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 2.7 square miles (7.0 km2), all of it land. Summer temperatures in Baker routinely exceed 110 °F (43.3 °C); 2007 saw a record of 125 °F (51.7 °C).

Climate data for Baker, California
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 80
(27)		 92
(33)		 96
(36)		 106
(41)		 116
(47)		 119
(48)		 124
(51)		 124
(51)		 119
(48)		 110
(43)		 92
(33)		 82
(28)		 124
(51)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 63.1
(17.3)		 68.6
(20.3)		 76.8
(24.9)		 84.3
(29.1)		 94.9
(34.9)		 104.8
(40.4)		 110.2
(43.4)		 107.9
(42.2)		 100.2
(37.9)		 87.1
(30.6)		 72.6
(22.6)		 62.4
(16.9)		 86.1
(30.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 34.6
(1.4)		 39.4
(4.1)		 45.6
(7.6)		 51.7
(10.9)		 61.3
(16.3)		 70.2
(21.2)		 77.0
(25.0)		 75.4
(24.1)		 67.2
(19.6)		 54.7
(12.6)		 42.8
(6.0)		 33.9
(1.1)		 54.5
(12.5)
Record low °F (°C) 16
(−9)		 21
(−6)		 24
(−4)		 34
(1)		 38
(3)		 43
(6)		 53
(12)		 54
(12)		 42
(6)		 32
(0)		 23
(−5)		 14
(−10)		 14
(−10)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.47
(12)		 0.71
(18)		 0.51
(13)		 0.20
(5.1)		 0.11
(2.8)		 0.07
(1.8)		 0.27
(6.9)		 0.46
(12)		 0.41
(10)		 0.25
(6.4)		 0.31
(7.9)		 0.41
(10)		 4.19
(106)
Source: The Western Regional Climate Center

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
2010735—
2020442−39.9%
U.S. Decennial Census
1850–1870 1880-1890
1900 1910 1920
1930 1940 1950
1960 1970 1980
1990 2000 2010

Baker first appeared as a census designated place in the 2010 U.S. census.

Racial and ethnic composition

Baker CDP, California – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2010 Pop 2020 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 195 67 26.53% 15.16%
Black or African American alone (NH) 1 2 0.14% 0.45%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 3 4 0.41% 0.90%
Asian alone (NH) 10 8 1.36% 1.81%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) 14 5 1.90% 1.13%
Other race alone (NH) 4 1 0.54% 0.23%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 6 10 0.82% 2.26%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 502 345 68.30% 78.05%
Total 735 442 100.00% 100.00%

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Baker had a population of 442. The population density was 164.4 inhabitants per square mile (63.5/km2). The median age was 28.6 years. 33.7% of residents were under the age of 18, 11.1% were aged 18 to 24, 24.7% were aged 25 to 44, 24.4% were aged 45 to 64, and 6.1% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 101.8 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 118.7 males age 18 and over. 0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.

There were 125 households in Baker, of which 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 52.8% were married-couple households, 8.8% were cohabiting couple households, 21.6% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 16.8% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.54. There were 89 families (71.2% of all households).

There were 167 housing units at an average density of 62.1 units per square mile (24.0 units/km2), of which 125 (74.9%) were occupied. Of these, 28.0% were owner-occupied, and 72.0% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.4% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.2%.

Racial composition as of the 2020 census
RaceNumberPercent
White9421.3%
Black or African American20.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native16336.9%
Asian81.8%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander51.1%
Some other race12428.1%
Two or more races4610.4%

Economy

Baker's economy is based primarily on tourism. The town is frequently used as a stop for food and fuel by drivers on Interstate 15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Baker is approximately 90 miles (144.8 km) southwest of Las Vegas. It is the last town for those traveling on SR 127 north to Death Valley National Park or south to the Mojave National Preserve. Until recently there was one motel in Baker, the Santa Fe Motel, formerly the Wills Fargo Motel, but as of 2023 the motel had closed.

Baker Airport is a small facility owned by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, but it is managed by San Bernardino County Department of airports

Former prison staff housing rentals

Government

State and federal representation

In the California State Legislature, Baker is in the 19th senatorial district, represented by Republican Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, and in the 34th Assembly district, represented by Republican Tom Lackey.

In the United States House of Representatives, Baker is in California's 23rd congressional district, represented by Republican Jay Obernolte.

Since Baker is an unincorporated community of San Bernardino County, County CEO, Leonard X. Hernandez, would be considered the Chief Administrator of Baker.

Water, Sanitary Sewers, Trash Collection Services, Fire Protection, Television Translators, Road Maintenance, Street Lighting, Park and Recreation is administered by the Baker Community Services District

Mars rover test site

The Mars Science Laboratory Team tested an engineering model of the Curiosity rover in the desert near Baker.

Education

The CDP is in the Baker Valley Unified School District.

Attractions

"World's tallest thermometer", in November 2003 in Baker, California

See also

References

  1. ↑ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Baker, California
  3. ↑ Bright, William (1998). 1500 California Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. p. 20. ISBN 0-520-21271-1.
  4. ↑ Hildebrand, George Herbert (1982). Borax Pioneer: Francis Marion Smith. San Diego: Howell-North Books. p. 89. ISBN 0-8310-7148-6.
  5. ↑ Prison Riot Investigation Underway Archived April 14, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, KLAS-TV, December 3, 2003. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  6. ↑ Final Audit Report—Baker Community Correctional Facility, Contract R05.006 Archived 2016-03-14 at the Wayback Machine, State of California Department of Finance, April 11, 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  7. ↑ Recent escapes from private prisons 1995-2000 Archived 2012-01-18 at the Wayback Machine, Oregon AFSCME, 2000. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  8. ↑ "Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Information". Western Regional Climate Center. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Decennial Census by Decade". United States Census Bureau.
  10. ↑ "1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Almeda County to Sutter County" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  11. ↑ "1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Tehama County to Yuba County" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  12. ↑ "1890 Census of Population - Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  13. ↑ "1900 Census of Population - Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  14. ↑ "1910 Census of Population - Supplement for California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  15. ↑ "1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  16. ↑ "1930 Census of Population - Number and Distribution of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  17. ↑ "1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  18. ↑ "1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  19. ↑ "1960 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  20. ↑ "1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  21. ↑ "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  22. ↑ "1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  23. ↑ "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  24. 1 2 "2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  25. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Baker CDP, California". United States Census Bureau.
  26. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Baker CDP, California". United States Census Bureau.
  27. 1 2 3 "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  28. 1 2 "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  29. ↑ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Baker Airport".
  31. ↑ "Final Maps | California Citizens Redistricting Commission". Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  32. ↑ "California's 23rd Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
  33. ↑ CSD, Baker. "Baker Community Services District". Baker Community Services District.
  34. ↑ "An Inside Look at the Mars Curiosity Rover". Time. December 9, 2013. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  35. ↑ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: San Bernardino County, CA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. p. 4 (PDF p. 5/12). Retrieved October 4, 2024. - Text list
  36. ↑ Willon, Phil (December 24, 2012). "Baker's giant thermometer, long on the blink, is taking heat". Los Angeles Times.
  37. 1 2 PlacesThatWere. "Gateway to Death Valley: The Broken Dreams of Baker, California". Places That Were. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  38. ↑ Rocha, Veronica (July 12, 2014). "World's tallest thermometer in Baker shines bright again". Los Angeles Times.
  39. ↑ Editorial Staff (May 9, 2020). "Beef Jerky Boss Sends Racist Email to 'Oriental' Client, Blames Poor English Skills". NextShark. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area". Bureau of Land Management, California. 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  41. ↑ "The Official Baker to Vegas Website". bakervegas.com. 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  42. ↑ The Big Empty (2003) - Filming & production - IMDb. Retrieved May 30, 2025 – via www.imdb.com.