Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Desert Aire, WA
Thinking of moving to Desert Aire, WA? With a small-town population of about 1,850 and median home prices around $325,000, Desert Aire offers affordable housing and a relaxed atmosphere. You'll enjoy over 70% sunny days a year and short average commutes of 22 minutes. While crime rates are moderate and educational attainment is below the national average, the area boasts beautiful weather and access to outdoor recreation along the Columbia River, making it a great fit for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle.
Demographics - Desert Aire, WA
Demographics - Desert Aire, WA
Desert Aire is a small, close-knit community of about 1,850 people, with a median age of 36.8 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The population is diverse, with over 30% speaking a language other than English at home and a significant portion identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The area offers a family-friendly environment with a moderate population density.
Population:
1,850
Density:
590 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
31.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
61.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
36.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Desert Aire, WA?
Desert Aire offers a cost of living that is slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $325,000 and average rent around $1,050. Utilities and other everyday expenses remain moderate, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious families. Washington's lack of state income tax also benefits residents financially.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,470
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.5
Grocery:
99.2
Housing:
93.8
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
102.1
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
95.4
Crime
Is Desert Aire, WA a safe place to live?
Crime in Desert Aire is moderate, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 54 and a lower risk of violent crime at 1 in 520. Residents enjoy a generally safe environment, though staying aware of property security is wise. The overall crime index suggests the area is relatively safe compared to larger urban centers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
192
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,042
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 520
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Desert Aire, WA year-round?
Desert Aire enjoys a sunny and dry climate with over 70% of days being clear each year. Summers are warm, often reaching highs in the 90s, while winters are cold but not severe, with lows around 25°F. The region receives about 7.6 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Residents of Desert Aire typically earn a median household income of $55,800, with about 14% living below the poverty line. The average commute is a manageable 22 minutes, and the community has a high rate of homeownership. Education levels are mixed, with around 70% having completed high school or higher.
Median Income:
$29,200
Household Income:
$55,800
Family Income:
$61,500
Per Capita Income:
$24,500
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$26,500
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
31.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
70.2%
Bachelors or More:
11.4%
Education
How are the schools in Desert Aire, WA?
Desert Aire is served by public schools such as Wahluke High School and Mattawa Elementary, both offering supportive learning environments with student-teacher ratios around 16:1. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is nearby at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, about 38 miles away. Educational attainment in the community is moderate, with just over 70% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Wahluke High School
Street:
411 E Saddle Mountain Dr
Phone:
509-932-4477
Students:
705
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Mattawa Elementary School
Street:
400 N Boundary Rd
Phone:
509-932-4433
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Colleges
Name:
Big Bend Community College
City:
Moses Lake
State:
WA
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Desert Aire residents have access to healthcare facilities such as Samaritan Hospital in nearby Moses Lake, which offers emergency and general medical services. The community has 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 86.5%. Overall, healthcare access is adequate for a small community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Samaritan Hospital
Address:
801 E Wheeler Rd, Moses Lake, WA 98837
Phone:
(509) 765-5606
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Desert Aire, WA?
The housing market in Desert Aire is stable, with a median home price of $325,000 and an owner-occupied rate of over 68%. Rental options are available, with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,050 and a rental vacancy rate of 7.1%. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, making it a solid option for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services for Desert Aire residents are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, headquartered in Olympia. The department handles driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and related needs. Residents can access information and services through the official website or by phone.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone:
360-902-3900
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.