Strategic Location
Kern County is California’s population center, with a one day turnaround to 36 million people. That proximity provides direct access to the world’s sixth largest economy via Interstate 5 and Highway 99 north and south, Highway 46 west to the coast, and Highway 58 east to Interstate 15.

Quality,  Affordable Workforce
Kern County’s economy has historically been rooted in the oil and agriculture industries. While these sectors contribute to the fluctuations in the unemployed and underemployed, it also creates an ideal opportunity for industrial employers wanting access to an affordable, motivated labor force.

Available and Affordable Land and Facilities 
Kern enjoys a more affordable commercial real estate environment than many other counties in the state of California. Potential benefits associated with available sites around Kern County include Class I rail service from both the Union Pacific and BNSF, intermodal service, Foreign Trade Zone status, and three state
Enterprise Zones.

Satisfied Employees
Owning a home is part of the American dream, but for many Californian’s that dream is out of reach. Not for residents of Kern County, however, since the area has the distinction of being one of the most affordable housing market in California with a median home price of $242,600 (according to the Kern Economic Journal, 2007 Fourth Quarter). Add that to shorter commute times (averaging about 15 minutes in Metro Bakersfield) and abundant recreational opportunities and you have a satisfied and stable workforce.

A Business-Friendly Environment
The permit and plan check process is dramatically shorter in Kern County than elsewhere in California, typically measured in days or weeks rather than months and sometimes years. Just one example of how Kern County works with business, not against.