Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Death Valley, CA
Moving to Death Valley, CA? With a small population of just 320 residents, Death Valley offers a unique, quiet desert lifestyle with affordable housing (median home price around $250,000) and low rents. You'll experience one of the sunniest and driest climates in the U.S., with summer highs frequently exceeding 110°F. Commute times are short, crime rates are low, and the community is friendly—though amenities and schools are limited, and you'll need to travel for major healthcare and shopping. If you value open space, dramatic landscapes, and a laid-back pace, Death Valley could be your perfect desert retreat.
Demographics - Death Valley, CA
Demographics - Death Valley, CA
Death Valley is a small, close-knit community of about 320 residents, characterized by a low population density and a median age of 54, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White, with a slightly higher number of males than females, and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a quiet and homogenous desert environment.
Population:
320
Density:
0.1 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.0
Gender Ratio:
115 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.5%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
13.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Death Valley, CA?
The cost of living in Death Valley is moderately high, with a cost of living index of 118 and median home values around $250,000. Utility costs and groceries are above national averages due to the remote location, but housing and rent remain relatively affordable compared to California standards.
Median House Value:
$250,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,580
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
118
Grocery:
112
Housing:
110
Utilities:
128
Transportation:
117
Health Care:
113
Miscellaneous:
106
Crime
Is Death Valley, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Death Valley are low, with a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 and property crime risk well below urban areas. Residents enjoy a safe environment with a 1 in 455 chance of being affected by violent crime, making it a secure choice for those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,430
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Death Valley, CA year-round?
Death Valley is famous for its extreme desert climate, featuring over 90% sunny days and summer highs often soaring above 110°F. Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 38°F to 65°F, and rainfall is scarce at just 2.4 inches annually, ideal for those who appreciate constant sunshine and dry conditions.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
92°F
Summer
Min:
85°F
Max:
116°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
94°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
2.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
90%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of $51,000 and a poverty rate of 12.5%, with most residents commuting just 14 minutes to work. Educational attainment is solid, with 87% having completed high school, and the area maintains a laid-back, friendly atmosphere with virtually no use of public transportation.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$51,000
Family Income:
$57,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.0%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
14 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.0%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Death Valley, CA?
Education in Death Valley is centered around Death Valley Academy, a small public school with low student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention. For higher education and specialized programs, residents typically travel to nearby institutions such as College of the Desert, located about 110 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Death Valley Academy
Street:
Highway 190, Death Valley, CA 92328
Phone:
760-786-2382
Students:
50
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5
Colleges
Name:
College of the Desert
City:
Palm Desert
State:
CA
Distance:
110 miles
Students:
12,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Death Valley is limited, but residents have coverage rates near 89% and can reach general and critical access hospitals within a reasonable drive. The area has about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people, so for major medical care, some travel to nearby towns is typically required.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Desert View Hospital
Address:
360 S Lola Ln, Pahrump, NV 89048
Phone:
(775) 751-7500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Southern Inyo Hospital
Address:
501 E Locust St, Lone Pine, CA 93545
Phone:
(760) 876-5501
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
68
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Death Valley, CA?
Death Valley's housing market is stable, featuring a median home price of $250,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,250. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area experiences low foreclosure and vacancy rates, making it an affordable option for buyers seeking desert living.
Median Home Price:
$250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Death Valley residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Bishop, CA. Essential vehicle registration and licensing services are accessible both in-person and online through the state DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1115 South Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514
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.