Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cathedral City, CA
Thinking about moving to Cathedral City, CA? With a population of 52,000, Cathedral City offers sunny desert living and affordable housing, with a median home price around $437,000 and average rents near $1,650. Residents enjoy short commute times (under 25 minutes), over 85% sunny days each year, and close proximity to major healthcare providers. While crime rates are a bit above national averages, the city’s laid-back lifestyle, vibrant diversity, and access to schools and recreation make it a welcoming choice for newcomers.
Demographics - Cathedral City, CA
Demographics - Cathedral City, CA
Cathedral City is home to approximately 52,000 residents, featuring a diverse community where nearly half identify as White and over 45% represent other backgrounds. The median age sits at 39, and about 32% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, creating a culturally rich environment. The city maintains a balanced gender ratio and moderate population density, offering a dynamic yet approachable atmosphere.
Population:
52,000
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
32.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
48.5%
Black:
3.4%
Asian:
2.9%
Others:
45.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cathedral City, CA?
The cost of living in Cathedral City is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 124.0. Median home prices are around $437,000, and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are about $1,650, making the area relatively affordable by California standards. Residents also benefit from reasonable utility and healthcare expenses compared to other parts of the state.
Median House Value:
$437,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$175
Auto Insurance:
$1,890
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.0
Grocery:
110.3
Housing:
132.8
Utilities:
108.5
Transportation:
123.0
Health Care:
109.7
Miscellaneous:
111.2
Crime
Is Cathedral City, CA a safe place to live?
Cathedral City experiences crime rates slightly above national norms, with about 282 violent crimes and 2,316 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of a property crime is roughly 1 in 43, while violent crime risk is around 1 in 355. Despite these statistics, many residents find the area welcoming and community-focused.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
282
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,316
Crime Index:
2,598
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 355
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Cathedral City, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a classic desert climate with mild winters averaging highs of 70°F and hot summers reaching up to 107°F. Cathedral City boasts around 85% sunny days per year and receives just 5 inches of annual rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate abundant sunshine and dry conditions. Seasonal variations are noticeable but generally pleasant for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F

Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
85°F

Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
107°F

Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
90°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
5.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
Local households in Cathedral City typically earn a median income of about $56,300, with a poverty rate of 17.4%. Commute times are short at just under 24 minutes, and the community is characterized by a mix of renters and homeowners. Education levels show most adults have at least a high school diploma, contributing to a friendly and accessible neighborhood vibe.
Median Income:
$40,600
Household Income:
$56,300
Family Income:
$67,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$36,500
Income Female:
$29,900
Poverty Rate:
17.4%
Non English Speakers:
32.0%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
77.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Cathedral City, CA?
Cathedral City offers a range of public and private educational options, including Cathedral City High School and James Workman Middle School, both known for robust student populations. The area is also close to College of the Desert, located just 7 miles away, providing higher education opportunities. With a mix of schooling choices and reasonable student-teacher ratios, families find quality education accessible.

Public Schools
Name:
Cathedral City High School
Street:
69250 Dinah Shore Dr
Phone:
760-770-0100
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
James Workman Middle School
Street:
69300 Converse Rd
Phone:
760-770-8540
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.0

Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Lutheran Child Development Center
Street:
81500 Miles Ave
Phone:
760-324-3212
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
College of the Desert
City:
Palm Desert
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
12,500
Healthcare
Cathedral City provides convenient access to major hospitals such as Eisenhower Health and Desert Regional Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency services nearby. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 87% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from solid healthcare resources. The area’s healthcare index of 76.5 reflects generally good access and quality of care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Eisenhower Health
Address:
39000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Phone:
(760) 340-3911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Desert Regional Medical Center
Address:
1150 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone:
(760) 323-6511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.1%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cathedral City, CA?
The housing market in Cathedral City is relatively stable, with a median home price of $437,000 and home values appreciating at about 4.6% annually. Approximately 61% of residences are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate is 7.5%, providing options for both buyers and renters. The market is considered accessible for a range of budgets, with low foreclosure rates and new construction underway.
Median Home Price:
$437,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Cathedral City residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located on Date Palm Drive. The local DMV provides all standard licensing and registration services, with information and resources available through the state website or by phone. Convenient access ensures residents can easily manage their vehicle and licensing needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
34-110 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.