Delano is a city in Kern County, California, United States. Delano is located 31 miles north-northwest of Bakersfield at an elevation of 315 feet. The population was 52,088 in 2016, up from 38,824 in 2000. It is Kern County's second largest city after Bakersfield.Agriculture is Delano's major industry. The area is particularly well known as a center for the growing of table grapes. Delano is also home to two California state prisons, North Kern State Prison and Kern Valley State Prison. The Voice of America once operated its largest, most powerful shortwave broadcast facility outside Delano at 35°45′15″N 119°17′7″W / 35.75417°N 119.28528°W / 35.75417; -119.28528. However, the Voice of America ceased broadcasts in October 2007, citing a changing political mission, reduced budgets, and changes in technology.Delano's two school districts currently operate eight elementary schools, three middle schools, three comprehensive high schools and two alternative high schools.