Bakersfield lies approximately 160 km (100 mi) north of Los Angeles (about a 1.5-hour drive on I-5 and State Route 99) and about 500 km (300 mi) southeast of the state capital, Sacramento (about a 4.5-hour drive on State Route 99).
As of the 2000 census, 247,057 people, 83,441 households, and 60,995 families resided in Bakersfield.
The large bluff and plateau which lie east of Bakersfield have been under development for the last sixty years toward the Rio Bravo and Kern Canyon area. Because the steep north-facing edge of the bluff provides a spectacular view of the foothills, mountains, and Kern River, the city government has attempted to balance development and preservation in this area. In addition, city leaders recognize the possibility that extensive development may lead to erosion and landslides.