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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
'''Mojave''' is a ] (CDP) in ], ], ]. The population was 3,836 at the 2000 census. The town is located at the northwest corner of the ], below the ]. Telephone numbers in Mojave follow the format (661) 824-xxxx and the area includes three postal ZIP Codes.
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Mojave, California
|settlement_type = ]
|image_skyline = File:LADWP Mojave District Headquarters 2016-12-10.jpg
|image_caption = LADWP Mojave District Headquarters
|image_map = Kern_County_California_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Mojave_Highlighted.svg
|map_caption = Location in ] and the state of ]
| pushpin_map = USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States
|subdivision_type = ]
|subdivision_name = ]
|subdivision_type1 = ]
|subdivision_name1 = ]
|subdivision_type2 = ]
|subdivision_name2 = ]
|government_type =
|leader_title = ]
|leader_name = {{Representative|casd|12|fmt=sleader}}<ref name=swd>{{Cite web |url=http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html |title=Statewide Database |publisher=] |access-date=May 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201113744/http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html |archive-date=February 1, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|leader_title1 = ]
|leader_name1 = {{Representative|caad|34|fmt=sleader}}<ref name=swd/>
|leader_title2 = ]
|leader_name2 = {{Representative|cacd|23|fmt=usleader}}<ref>{{Cite GovTrack|CA|23}}</ref>
|established_date =
<!-- Area------------------>
|area_magnitude =
| unit_pref =US
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite US Gazetteer|2010|places|CA}}</ref>
| area_total_sq_mi = 58.375
| area_land_sq_mi = 58.29
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.085
| area_total_km2 = 151.191
| area_land_km2 = 150.970
| area_water_km2 = 0.220
| area_water_percent = 0.146
| area_note =


|elevation_ft = 2762
]
|elevation_m = 842
|population_as_of = ]
|population_footnotes = <ref name="US Census Bureau 2020 Mojave, CA Population">{{cite web |title=US Census Bureau |url=https://data.census.gov/all?q=Mojave%20CDP,%20California |website=www.census.gov |access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref>
|population_total = 4699
|population_metro =
|population_density_km2 = auto
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|timezone = ]
|utc_offset = -8
|coordinates = {{coord|35|03|09|N|118|10|26|W|region:US-CA|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis>{{gnis|1652752}}</ref>
|timezone_DST = PDT
|utc_offset_DST = -7
|postal_code_type = ]s
|postal_code = 93501, 93502, 93519
|area_code = ]
|blank_name = ]
|blank_info = 06-48452
|blank1_name = ] feature ID
|blank1_info = 1652752
|footnotes =
|website = {{URL|https://www.visitmojave.com/|visitmojave.com}}
}}
]
] as viewed from nearby ]]]


'''Mojave''' (formerly '''Mohave''')<ref name=gnis/> is an ] in ], United States. Mojave is located {{convert|50|mi|km|0}} east of ], and {{convert|100|mi|km|0}} north of ],<ref name=CGN>{{California's Geographic Names|1074}}</ref> at an elevation of {{Convert|2762|feet|}}.<ref name=gnis/> The town is located in the western region of the ], below and east of ] and the ]. Mojave is on the ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://hikerfeed.com/pacific-crest-trail/towns | title=Pacific Crest Trail Towns - HikerFeed }}</ref>
The city of Mojave began as an 1876 construction camp on the ]. From 1884 to 1889, the town was also the end of the 165-mile, twenty-mule-team borax wagon route originating at Harmony Borax Works in ]. It later served as headquarters for construction of the ].


The population was 4,238 at the 2010 census, up from 3,836 at the 2000 census. Telephone numbers in Mojave follow the format (661) 824-xxxx and the area includes three postal ZIP Codes.
The name Mojave comes from the name of the Indian nation occupying the area before the arrival of European settlers. Geographic features using the word Mojave are spelled differently from state to state. The convention is to spell it ''Mojave'' in California and ''Mohave'' in Arizona according to David Darlington's book on the Mojave Desert.
] as viewed from nearby ]]]
== Aerospace History ==
Located not very far from ], ], and ], Mojave has a rich aerospace history as well. Its airport is the home of various aerospace companies and institutions such as ] and the civilian ]. The town was home to the ], the first aircraft to fly around the world without stopping or refueling. The airport is also the first inland spaceport in the ], the ], which was the location of the first private spaceflight, the launch of ] on ], ].


==History==
After winning the ], ] quipped that the isolation of the ] fosters invention. "Innovation is what we do here," he said, "because there's not much else to do in Mojave."
The town of Mojave began in 1876 as a construction camp on the ]. From 1884 to 1889, the town was the western terminus of the {{convert|165|mi|km|adj=on}}, ] at ] in ]. It later served as headquarters for construction of the ].<ref name=CGN/>
]

===Mojave Airport: aviation and military use===
Located near ], ], and ], Mojave has a rich aerospace history. Besides being a general-use public airport, Mojave has three main areas of activity: flight testing, space industry development, and aircraft heavy maintenance and storage. The closest airfield to the city, formerly known as the Mojave Airport, is now part of the ].

In 1935, Kern County established the Mojave Airport {{Convert|0.5|mile||1}} east of town to serve the gold and silver mining industry in the area. The airport consisted of two dirt runways, one of which was oiled, but it lacked any fueling or servicing facilities. In 1941, the Civil Aeronautics Board began improvements to the airport for national defense purposes that included two {{Convert|4500|by|150|foot}} asphalt runways and an adjacent taxiway. Kern County agreed the airport could be taken over by the military in the event of war.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://californiamilitaryhistory.org/MCASMojave.html/ |title=Historic California Posts: Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station, Mojave |work=California State Military Department |access-date=July 3, 2015 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424162414/http://californiamilitaryhistory.org/MCASMojave.html |archive-date=April 24, 2015 }}</ref>

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the ] took over the airport and expanded it into Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station (MCAAS) Mojave. The two existing runways were extended and a third one added. Barracks were constructed to house 2,734 male and 376 female military personnel. Civilian employment at the base would peak at 176. The Marines would eventually spend more than $7 million on the base, which totaled {{Convert|2312|acre|}}.<ref name="auto"/>

Many of the Corps' World War II aces received their gunnery training at Mojave. During World War II, Mojave hosted 29 aircraft squadrons, four Carrier Aircraft Service Detachments, and three Air Warning Squadrons. At its peak, the air station had 145 training and other aircraft. Mojave also had a {{Convert|75|by|156|foot}} swimming pool that was used to train aviators in emergency water egress and for recreation. The base's 900-seat auditorium hosted several USO shows that featured Bob Hope, ] and ].<ref name="auto"/>

With the end of WWII, MCAAS was decommissioned on February 7, 1946; a ] Air Station was established the same day. The Navy used the airport for drone operations for less than a year, closing it on January 1, 1947. The base remained closed for four years until the outbreak of the Korean War. Mojave was reactivated as an auxiliary landing field to ]. The airport was recommissioned as a MCAAS on December 31, 1953.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=http://mojaveairport.com/about/history/ |title=About Mojave Air & Space Port |work=Mojave Air and Space Port |access-date=July 3, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705114354/http://mojaveairport.com/about/history/ |archive-date=July 5, 2015 }}</ref> Squadrons used Mojave for ordnance training when El Toro had bad weather. Marine Corps reserve units were temporarily deployed to Mojave for two week periods. MCAAS Mojave personnel peaked at 400 military and 200 civilians during this period.

In 1961, after the USMC transferred operations to ], ] obtained title to the airport. In February 1972, the East Kern Airport District (EKAD) was formed to administer the airport; EKAD maintains the airport to this day. To a great extent EKAD was the brainchild of Dan Sabovich who heavily lobbied the state for the airport district's creation and ran EKAD until 2002.<ref name="auto1"/>

During the 1970s, Mojave Airport was served by commuter air carrier ] with scheduled passenger flights operated with ] turboprops direct to Los Angeles (]).<ref>http://www.departedflights.com, Golden West Airlines system timetables & route maps</ref>

===Mojave Air and Space Port===
On November 20, 2012, the EKAD Board of Directors voted to change the name of the district to the Mojave Air and Space Port. Officials said that the spaceport name is well known around the world, but EKAD is not. The change took effect on January 1, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/11/23/mojave-spaceport-governing-district-changes-its-name/ |title=Mojave Spaceport Governing District Changes Its Name |work=Douglas Messier |date=23 November 2012 |access-date=July 3, 2015 }}</ref>

The airport is now the home of various aerospace companies and institutions such as ] and the civilian ]. The town was home to the ], the first aircraft to fly around the world nonstop and unrefueled. The airport is also the first inland ] in the United States, and was the location of the first ], the launch of ] on June 21, 2004.

Mojave also has a Mojave Transportation Museum.


==Geography== ==Geography==
Mojave is located at {{Coord|35|03|09|N|118|10|26|W|type:city}}.<ref name=gnis/> According to the ], the town has a total area of {{convert|58.4|sqmi|km2}}, over 99% of it land.
]
Mojave is located at {{coor dms|35|1|1|N|118|11|21|W|city}} (35.016867, -118.189145){{GR|1}}.


===Climate===
According to the ], the town has a total area of 151.4 ] (58.5 ]), all land.
Mojave has a ] (]: ]).<ref name="Climate-Data.org">{{cite web|title=Climate: Mojave - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table|url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/125143/|publisher=Climate-Data.org|access-date=23 September 2013}}</ref> It has hot summers and cool winters. Average January temperatures are a maximum of {{convert|57.8|F|C}} and a minimum of {{convert|34.3|F|C}}. Average July temperatures are a maximum of {{convert|97.7|F|C}} and a minimum of {{convert|69.8|F|C|0}}. There are an average of 98 days with highs of {{convert|90|F|C}} and an average of 45.7 days with lows of {{convert|32|F|C}}. The record high temperature was {{convert|118|F|C}} on August 5, 1914. The record low temperature was {{convert|8|F|C}} on December 23, 1990.


Average annual rainfall is {{convert|5.96|in|cm}}. There are an average of 22 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1983 with {{convert|15.51|in|cm}} and the driest year was 1942 with {{convert|0.85|in|cm}}. The most rainfall in one month was {{convert|6.85|in|cm}} in February 1998. The most rainfall in 24 hours was {{convert|3|in|cm}} on January 30, 1915. Snow is relatively rare in Mojave, averaging {{convert|1.7|in|cm}}. The most snowfall in one month was {{convert|11|in|cm}} in February 1911.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca5756|title=MOJAVE, CALIFORNIA - Climate Summary|website=Wrcc.dri.edu|access-date=22 September 2018}}</ref>
See also : ]

{{Weather box
|location = Mojave, California, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1904–2021
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 82
|Feb record high F = 90
|Mar record high F = 89
|Apr record high F = 99
|May record high F = 104
|Jun record high F = 112
|Jul record high F = 117
|Aug record high F = 118
|Sep record high F = 110
|Oct record high F = 100
|Nov record high F = 96
|Dec record high F = 79

|Jan avg record high F = 68.5
|Feb avg record high F = 73.0
|Mar avg record high F = 79.6
|Apr avg record high F = 87.0
|May avg record high F = 95.1
|Jun avg record high F = 102.1
|Jul avg record high F = 106.8
|Aug avg record high F = 105.0
|Sep avg record high F = 99.9
|Oct avg record high F = 92.0
|Nov avg record high F = 79.4
|Dec avg record high F = 69.3
|year avg record high F = 107.9

|Jan high F = 57.9
|Feb high F = 60.4
|Mar high F = 66.5
|Apr high F = 71.6
|May high F = 80.8
|Jun high F = 90.8
|Jul high F = 97.2
|Aug high F = 97.2
|Sep high F = 89.5
|Oct high F = 78.4
|Nov high F = 66.2
|Dec high F = 56.5
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 45.3
|Feb mean F = 47.6
|Mar mean F = 53.4
|Apr mean F = 58.4
|May mean F = 67.0
|Jun mean F = 77.2
|Jul mean F = 83.1
|Aug mean F = 82.2
|Sep mean F = 75.0
|Oct mean F = 63.9
|Nov mean F = 52.4
|Dec mean F = 44.2
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 32.8
|Feb low F = 34.9
|Mar low F = 40.3
|Apr low F = 45.3
|May low F = 53.2
|Jun low F = 63.6
|Jul low F = 69.1
|Aug low F = 67.2
|Sep low F = 60.6
|Oct low F = 49.4
|Nov low F = 38.6
|Dec low F = 31.8
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 23.4
|Feb avg record low F = 27.6
|Mar avg record low F = 31.9
|Apr avg record low F = 36.1
|May avg record low F = 42.6
|Jun avg record low F = 50.5
|Jul avg record low F = 60.6
|Aug avg record low F = 58.2
|Sep avg record low F = 50.3
|Oct avg record low F = 39.6
|Nov avg record low F = 30.1
|Dec avg record low F = 22.9
|year avg record low F = 21.0

|Jan record low F = 10
|Feb record low F = 16
|Mar record low F = 17
|Apr record low F = 27
|May record low F = 32
|Jun record low F = 38
|Jul record low F = 43
|Aug record low F = 47
|Sep record low F = 31
|Oct record low F = 22
|Nov record low F = 13
|Dec record low F = 8
|Jan precipitation inch = 1.08
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.49
|Mar precipitation inch = 0.80
|Apr precipitation inch = 0.21
|May precipitation inch = 0.13
|Jun precipitation inch = 0.03
|Jul precipitation inch = 0.18
|Aug precipitation inch = 0.17
|Sep precipitation inch = 0.10
|Oct precipitation inch = 0.42
|Nov precipitation inch = 0.34
|Dec precipitation inch = 0.81
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 3.9
|Feb precipitation days = 4.2
|Mar precipitation days = 2.8
|Apr precipitation days = 1.5
|May precipitation days = 0.7
|Jun precipitation days = 0.2
|Jul precipitation days = 0.3
|Aug precipitation days = 0.4
|Sep precipitation days = 0.4
|Oct precipitation days = 1.4
|Nov precipitation days = 1.6
|Dec precipitation days = 2.8

|Jan snow inch = 0.5
|Feb snow inch = 0.1
|Mar snow inch = 0.2
|Apr snow inch = 0.0
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.0
|Nov snow inch = 0.0
|Dec snow inch = 0.4
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 0.2
|Feb snow days = 0.1
|Mar snow days = 0.0
|Apr snow days = 0.0
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Nov snow days = 0.0
|Dec snow days = 0.1

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00045756&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Mojave, CA
|access-date = April 7, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = XMACIS2<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = xmACIS2
|access-date = April 7, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}


==Demographics== ==Demographics==
For statistical purposes, the ] has defined Mojave as a ] (CDP).
As of the ]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 3,836 people, 1,408 households, and 940 families residing in the town. The ] was 25.3/km² (65.6/mi²). There were 1,806 housing units at an average density of 11.9/km² (30.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 67.54% ], 5.58% ] or ], 1.33% ], 2.01% ], 0.13% ], 18.12% from ], and 5.29% from two or more races. 28.31% of the population were ] or ] of any race.


===2010===
There were 1,408 households out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were ] living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.31.
The ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0648452|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715031635/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0648452|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Mojave CDP|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref> reported that Mojave had a population of 4,238. The population density was {{convert|72.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of Mojave was 2,381 (56.2%) ], 638 (15.1%) ], 54 (1.3%) ], 53 (1.3%) ], 19 (0.4%) ], 867 (20.5%) from ], and 226 (5.3%) from two or more races. ] or ] of any race were 1,592 persons (37.6%).


The 2010 Census reported that 4,238 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
In the town .5% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males.


There were 1,525 households, out of which 614 (40.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 597 (39.1%) were ] living together, 305 (20.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 111 (7.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 161 (10.6%) ], and 9 (0.6%) ]. 417 households (27.3%) were made up of individuals, and 128 (8.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78. There were 1,013 ] (66.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.37.
The median income for a household in the town was $24,761, and the median income for a family was $28,496. Males had a median income of $35,476 versus $19,250 for females. The ] for the town was $12,477. About 31.7% of families and 36.2% of the population were below the ], including 48.8% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.


The population was spread out, with 1,298 people (30.6%) under the age of 18, 509 people (12.0%) aged 18 to 24, 938 people (22.1%) aged 25 to 44, 1,052 people (24.8%) aged 45 to 64, and 441 people (10.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.
==Sources==
*Bailey, Richard C., ''Kern County Place Names'', (Bakersfield, California: Merchant's Printing and Lithography Co., 1967).
*Beck, Warren A. and Ynez D. Haase, "92: Borax Mines and Roads of the Late 1800s," ''Historical Atlas of California'', (Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 1974).
*United States Postal Service web site, 2006.


There were 1,817 housing units at an average density of {{convert|31.1|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}, of which 719 (47.1%) were owner-occupied, and 806 (52.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 13.7%. 1,907 people (45.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,331 people (55.0%) lived in rental housing units.
==External links==
*
*
{{Mapit-US-cityscale|35.016867|-118.189145}}


===2000===
As of the ]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 3,836 people, 1,408 households, and 940 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|65.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,806 housing units at an average density of {{convert|30.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 67.54% ], 5.58% ] or ], 1.33% ], 2.01% ], 0.13% ], 18.12% from ], and 5.29% from two or more races. 28.31% of the population were ] or ] of any race.

There were 1,408 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were ] living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the town 32.5% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,761, and the median income for a family was $28,496. Males had a median income of $35,476 versus $19,250 for females. The ] for the town was $12,477. About 31.7% of families and 36.2% of the population were below the ], including 48.8% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Bailey, Richard C., ''Kern County Place Names'', (Bakersfield, California: Merchant's Printing and Lithography Co., 1967).
* Beck, Warren A. and Ynez D. Haase, "92: Borax Mines and Roads of the Late 1800s," ''Historical Atlas of California'', (Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 1974).

==External links==
{{wikivoyage|Mojave}}
{{Commons category}}
*


{{Kern County, California|state=collapsed}}
{{KernCountyCA-geo-stub}}


{{authority control}}
{{Cities of Kern County, California}}


] ]
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Latest revision as of 05:42, 25 December 2024

Unincorporated community in California, United States
Mojave, California
Unincorporated community
LADWP Mojave District HeadquartersLADWP Mojave District Headquarters
Location in Kern County and the state of CaliforniaLocation in Kern County and the state of California
Mojave, California is located in the United StatesMojave, CaliforniaMojave, CaliforniaLocation in the United States
Coordinates: 35°03′09″N 118°10′26″W / 35.05250°N 118.17389°W / 35.05250; -118.17389
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyKern
Government
 • State senatorShannon Grove (R)
 • AssemblymemberTom Lackey (R)
 • U. S. rep.Jay Obernolte (R)
Area
 • Total58.375 sq mi (151.191 km)
 • Land58.29 sq mi (150.970 km)
 • Water0.085 sq mi (0.220 km)  0.146%
Elevation2,762 ft (842 m)
Population
 • Total4,699
 • Density80/sq mi (31/km)
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes93501, 93502, 93519
Area code661
FIPS code06-48452
GNIS feature ID1652752
Websitevisitmojave.com
Mojave, looking east, from 10,000 feet (3,000 m)
The Mojave Air and Space Port as viewed from nearby Highway 58

Mojave (formerly Mohave) is an unincorporated community in Kern County, California, United States. Mojave is located 50 miles (80 km) east of Bakersfield, and 100 miles (161 km) north of Los Angeles, at an elevation of 2,762 feet (842 m). The town is located in the western region of the Mojave Desert, below and east of Oak Creek Pass and the Tehachapi Mountains. Mojave is on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The population was 4,238 at the 2010 census, up from 3,836 at the 2000 census. Telephone numbers in Mojave follow the format (661) 824-xxxx and the area includes three postal ZIP Codes.

History

The town of Mojave began in 1876 as a construction camp on the Southern Pacific Railroad. From 1884 to 1889, the town was the western terminus of the 165-mile (266 km), twenty-mule team at Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley. It later served as headquarters for construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct.

20 Mule Team Terminus: Sign in Mojave, CA

Mojave Airport: aviation and military use

Located near Edwards Air Force Base, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, and Palmdale Regional Airport, Mojave has a rich aerospace history. Besides being a general-use public airport, Mojave has three main areas of activity: flight testing, space industry development, and aircraft heavy maintenance and storage. The closest airfield to the city, formerly known as the Mojave Airport, is now part of the Mojave Air and Space Port.

In 1935, Kern County established the Mojave Airport 0.5 miles (0.8 km) east of town to serve the gold and silver mining industry in the area. The airport consisted of two dirt runways, one of which was oiled, but it lacked any fueling or servicing facilities. In 1941, the Civil Aeronautics Board began improvements to the airport for national defense purposes that included two 4,500 by 150 foot (1,372 by 46 m) asphalt runways and an adjacent taxiway. Kern County agreed the airport could be taken over by the military in the event of war.

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the U.S. Marine Corps took over the airport and expanded it into Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station (MCAAS) Mojave. The two existing runways were extended and a third one added. Barracks were constructed to house 2,734 male and 376 female military personnel. Civilian employment at the base would peak at 176. The Marines would eventually spend more than $7 million on the base, which totaled 2,312 acres (936 ha).

Many of the Corps' World War II aces received their gunnery training at Mojave. During World War II, Mojave hosted 29 aircraft squadrons, four Carrier Aircraft Service Detachments, and three Air Warning Squadrons. At its peak, the air station had 145 training and other aircraft. Mojave also had a 75 by 156 foot (23 by 48 m) swimming pool that was used to train aviators in emergency water egress and for recreation. The base's 900-seat auditorium hosted several USO shows that featured Bob Hope, Frances Langford and Marilyn Maxwell.

With the end of WWII, MCAAS was decommissioned on February 7, 1946; a U.S. Navy Air Station was established the same day. The Navy used the airport for drone operations for less than a year, closing it on January 1, 1947. The base remained closed for four years until the outbreak of the Korean War. Mojave was reactivated as an auxiliary landing field to MCAS El Toro. The airport was recommissioned as a MCAAS on December 31, 1953. Squadrons used Mojave for ordnance training when El Toro had bad weather. Marine Corps reserve units were temporarily deployed to Mojave for two week periods. MCAAS Mojave personnel peaked at 400 military and 200 civilians during this period.

In 1961, after the USMC transferred operations to MCAS El Centro, Kern County obtained title to the airport. In February 1972, the East Kern Airport District (EKAD) was formed to administer the airport; EKAD maintains the airport to this day. To a great extent EKAD was the brainchild of Dan Sabovich who heavily lobbied the state for the airport district's creation and ran EKAD until 2002.

During the 1970s, Mojave Airport was served by commuter air carrier Golden West Airlines with scheduled passenger flights operated with de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprops direct to Los Angeles (LAX).

Mojave Air and Space Port

On November 20, 2012, the EKAD Board of Directors voted to change the name of the district to the Mojave Air and Space Port. Officials said that the spaceport name is well known around the world, but EKAD is not. The change took effect on January 1, 2013.

The airport is now the home of various aerospace companies and institutions such as Scaled Composites and the civilian National Test Pilot School. The town was home to the Rutan Voyager, the first aircraft to fly around the world nonstop and unrefueled. The airport is also the first inland spaceport in the United States, and was the location of the first private spaceflight, the launch of SpaceShipOne on June 21, 2004.

Mojave also has a Mojave Transportation Museum.

Geography

Mojave is located at 35°03′09″N 118°10′26″W / 35.05250°N 118.17389°W / 35.05250; -118.17389. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 58.4 square miles (151 km), over 99% of it land.

Climate

Mojave has a desert climate (Köppen: BWk). It has hot summers and cool winters. Average January temperatures are a maximum of 57.8 °F (14.3 °C) and a minimum of 34.3 °F (1.3 °C). Average July temperatures are a maximum of 97.7 °F (36.5 °C) and a minimum of 69.8 °F (21 °C). There are an average of 98 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) and an average of 45.7 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C). The record high temperature was 118 °F (48 °C) on August 5, 1914. The record low temperature was 8 °F (−13 °C) on December 23, 1990.

Average annual rainfall is 5.96 inches (15.1 cm). There are an average of 22 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1983 with 15.51 inches (39.4 cm) and the driest year was 1942 with 0.85 inches (2.2 cm). The most rainfall in one month was 6.85 inches (17.4 cm) in February 1998. The most rainfall in 24 hours was 3 inches (7.6 cm) on January 30, 1915. Snow is relatively rare in Mojave, averaging 1.7 inches (4.3 cm). The most snowfall in one month was 11 inches (28 cm) in February 1911.

Climate data for Mojave, California, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1904–2021
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 82
(28) 		90
(32) 		89
(32) 		99
(37) 		104
(40) 		112
(44) 		117
(47) 		118
(48) 		110
(43) 		100
(38) 		96
(36) 		79
(26) 		118
(48)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 68.5
(20.3) 		73.0
(22.8) 		79.6
(26.4) 		87.0
(30.6) 		95.1
(35.1) 		102.1
(38.9) 		106.8
(41.6) 		105.0
(40.6) 		99.9
(37.7) 		92.0
(33.3) 		79.4
(26.3) 		69.3
(20.7) 		107.9
(42.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 57.9
(14.4) 		60.4
(15.8) 		66.5
(19.2) 		71.6
(22.0) 		80.8
(27.1) 		90.8
(32.7) 		97.2
(36.2) 		97.2
(36.2) 		89.5
(31.9) 		78.4
(25.8) 		66.2
(19.0) 		56.5
(13.6) 		76.1
(24.5)
Daily mean °F (°C) 45.3
(7.4) 		47.6
(8.7) 		53.4
(11.9) 		58.4
(14.7) 		67.0
(19.4) 		77.2
(25.1) 		83.1
(28.4) 		82.2
(27.9) 		75.0
(23.9) 		63.9
(17.7) 		52.4
(11.3) 		44.2
(6.8) 		62.5
(16.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 32.8
(0.4) 		34.9
(1.6) 		40.3
(4.6) 		45.3
(7.4) 		53.2
(11.8) 		63.6
(17.6) 		69.1
(20.6) 		67.2
(19.6) 		60.6
(15.9) 		49.4
(9.7) 		38.6
(3.7) 		31.8
(−0.1) 		48.9
(9.4)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 23.4
(−4.8) 		27.6
(−2.4) 		31.9
(−0.1) 		36.1
(2.3) 		42.6
(5.9) 		50.5
(10.3) 		60.6
(15.9) 		58.2
(14.6) 		50.3
(10.2) 		39.6
(4.2) 		30.1
(−1.1) 		22.9
(−5.1) 		21.0
(−6.1)
Record low °F (°C) 10
(−12) 		16
(−9) 		17
(−8) 		27
(−3) 		32
(0) 		38
(3) 		43
(6) 		47
(8) 		31
(−1) 		22
(−6) 		13
(−11) 		8
(−13) 		8
(−13)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.08
(27) 		1.49
(38) 		0.80
(20) 		0.21
(5.3) 		0.13
(3.3) 		0.03
(0.76) 		0.18
(4.6) 		0.17
(4.3) 		0.10
(2.5) 		0.42
(11) 		0.34
(8.6) 		0.81
(21) 		5.76
(146.36)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.5
(1.3) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.2
(0.51) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.4
(1.0) 		1.2
(3.06)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 3.9 4.2 2.8 1.5 0.7 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 1.4 1.6 2.8 20.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.4
Source 1: NOAA
Source 2: XMACIS2

Demographics

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Mojave as a census-designated place (CDP).

2010

The 2010 United States Census reported that Mojave had a population of 4,238. The population density was 72.6 inhabitants per square mile (28.0/km). The racial makeup of Mojave was 2,381 (56.2%) White, 638 (15.1%) African American, 54 (1.3%) Native American, 53 (1.3%) Asian, 19 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 867 (20.5%) from other races, and 226 (5.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,592 persons (37.6%).

The 2010 Census reported that 4,238 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,525 households, out of which 614 (40.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 597 (39.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 305 (20.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 111 (7.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 161 (10.6%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 9 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 417 households (27.3%) were made up of individuals, and 128 (8.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78. There were 1,013 families (66.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.37.

The population was spread out, with 1,298 people (30.6%) under the age of 18, 509 people (12.0%) aged 18 to 24, 938 people (22.1%) aged 25 to 44, 1,052 people (24.8%) aged 45 to 64, and 441 people (10.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.

There were 1,817 housing units at an average density of 31.1 per square mile (12.0/km), of which 719 (47.1%) were owner-occupied, and 806 (52.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 13.7%. 1,907 people (45.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,331 people (55.0%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,836 people, 1,408 households, and 940 families residing in the town. The population density was 65.6 inhabitants per square mile (25.3/km). There were 1,806 housing units at an average density of 30.9 per square mile (11.9/km). The racial makeup of the town was 67.54% White, 5.58% Black or African American, 1.33% Native American, 2.01% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 18.12% from other races, and 5.29% from two or more races. 28.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,408 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were married couples living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the town 32.5% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,761, and the median income for a family was $28,496. Males had a median income of $35,476 versus $19,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,477. About 31.7% of families and 36.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.8% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

References

  1. ^ "Statewide Database". Regents of the University of California. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  2. "California's 23rd Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
  3. "2010 Census U.S. Gazetteer Files – Places – California". United States Census Bureau.
  4. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mojave, California
  5. "US Census Bureau". www.census.gov. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  6. ^ Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 1074. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
  7. "Pacific Crest Trail Towns - HikerFeed".
  8. ^ "Historic California Posts: Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station, Mojave". California State Military Department. Archived from the original on April 24, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ "About Mojave Air & Space Port". Mojave Air and Space Port. Archived from the original on July 5, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  10. http://www.departedflights.com, Golden West Airlines system timetables & route maps
  11. "Mojave Spaceport Governing District Changes Its Name". Douglas Messier. November 23, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  12. "Climate: Mojave - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table". Climate-Data.org. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  13. "MOJAVE, CALIFORNIA - Climate Summary". Wrcc.dri.edu. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  14. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Mojave, CA". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  15. "xmACIS2". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  16. "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Mojave CDP". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  17. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.

Further reading

  • Bailey, Richard C., Kern County Place Names, (Bakersfield, California: Merchant's Printing and Lithography Co., 1967).
  • Beck, Warren A. and Ynez D. Haase, "92: Borax Mines and Roads of the Late 1800s," Historical Atlas of California, (Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 1974).

External links

Municipalities and communities of Kern County, California, United States
County seat: Bakersfield
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