Bakersfield’s Booming Job Market and Rising Gas Prices: Why Vehicle Storage Makes Sense in 2025

Bakersfield's Expanding Economy: Jobs Are on the Rise

The Bakersfield economy is entering a new era. Fueled by a combination of statewide investment initiatives and local industry strength, job creation is accelerating. In March 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom visited Kern County to promote the California Jobs First plan, which is expected to bring a wave of new employment opportunities to the region. The plan emphasizes sustainable industries like carbon management and high-tech manufacturing while reinforcing Kern County’s ongoing role in the energy economy.

Even with the state’s push toward decarbonization, the oil and gas industry remains a dominant force. According to a new report covered by TurnTo23 News, California's oil and gas sector contributed over $20 billion to the state’s economy and supported over 105,000 jobs in 2023 alone. A significant portion of that impact stems directly from Kern County, home to one of the largest concentrations of oilfields in the United States. This industrial presence provides not just direct jobs, but also fuels secondary employment in logistics, equipment maintenance, housing, and retail.

Combined with the growth of the tech sector—predicted to increase by 12% in Bakersfield in 2024, nearly double the national average—the city is positioning itself as an economic hub in the Central Valley.

A Growing Population: More Residents, More Needs

With job creation on the rise, Bakersfield is attracting more people. The population grew to 411,109 residents in 2024, up nearly 3,300 from the previous year. As more individuals and families relocate in search of opportunity and affordable living, housing and infrastructure are being pushed to meet demand.

This steady influx puts pressure not just on homes and apartments, but also on roads, public services, and parking availability. Many residents—especially those who own extra vehicles or recreational automobiles—are turning to self-storage as a reliable solution.

The Cost of Commuting: Gas Prices Keep Climbing

While job prospects in Bakersfield are brighter than ever, the rising cost of transportation is dampening the excitement for some. As of April 2025, the average cost of regular gasoline in Bakersfield hovers around $4.74 per gallon, according to AAA. The price is down slightly from 2022 highs but still significantly above pre-pandemic levels.

A recent move in the California Senate to reverse the 65-cent-per-gallon gas tax was struck down by the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. Without legislative relief, Bakersfield residents are bracing for continued fuel expenses that can strain household budgets—particularly for those commuting to oil fields or tech campuses outside of downtown.

For multi-vehicle households or those with seasonal-use cars, storing a vehicle instead of keeping it on the road daily can lead to serious cost savings. Parking a second or third vehicle at a secure storage facility like Derrel’s Mini Storage eliminates unnecessary mileage, maintenance, and fuel costs.

Why Vehicle Storage Is a Smart Move in 2025

As economic activity ramps up and more people arrive in Bakersfield, storage is no longer just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a new resident looking to store a classic car during the week, or a local worker with a gas-guzzling truck only needed for field jobs, self-storage provides an easy way to manage your transportation needs.

Storing your vehicle offers several advantages:

• Protect Your Investment: Secure facilities guard against theft, vandalism, and sun or weather damage—particularly important in Bakersfield’s hot summers.
• Free Up Space: Not everyone has access to covered garages or driveways, especially with new multi-family housing on the rise.
• Cut Costs: Fewer miles on your car means lower maintenance, fewer oil changes, and far less money spent at the pump.

At Derrel’s Mini Storage, we offer vehicle storage solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of Bakersfield’s workforce. With more people commuting longer distances or choosing alternative transportation to avoid fuel expenses, having a secure space to store a vehicle makes both financial and practical sense.

Looking Ahead: Bakersfield’s Growth Means Planning Ahead

From energy to technology, Bakersfield is undergoing a transformation. With each passing month, new jobs are added, more families move in, and city infrastructure adapts. But along with the opportunity comes logistical challenges—like how to deal with rising fuel prices and limited space at home.

Self-storage isn’t just about packing away furniture. It’s a flexible, accessible way to prepare for the shifts of modern life. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating for a job, or simply trying to avoid another week of commuting expenses, Derrel’s Mini Storage offers secure, affordable vehicle storage right here in Bakersfield.

Now more than ever, it pays to plan ahead. And in Bakersfield’s thriving economy, self-storage is becoming part of the smart solution.