Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Desert Center, CA
Considering a move to Desert Center, CA? This tiny desert community has a population around 150, featuring affordable housing with a median home price of $120,000 and rents averaging $890. Expect very sunny weather (88% sunny days) and warm winters, but limited local amenities—the nearest hospital and schools are in Blythe, about 45 miles away. Crime rates are moderate for the region, cost of living is below California’s average, and most residents commute by car. Desert Center offers a quiet, rural lifestyle for those seeking space and desert serenity.
Demographics - Desert Center, CA
Demographics - Desert Center, CA
Desert Center is a small, close-knit community of about 150 residents, with a median age of 56 years and a slightly higher number of males than females. The area is predominantly White, but nearly 40% of residents identify with other ethnic backgrounds, and 18% speak a language other than English at home. Its sparse population density and older age profile contribute to a quiet, rural atmosphere.
Population:
150
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
37.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Desert Center, CA?
Desert Center offers a low cost of living compared to much of California, with a median home value of $120,000 and average rent around $890. Utility costs are somewhat higher than average, but housing expenses remain affordable, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. State taxes vary, but the overall cost of living index is below the national average.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.0
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Desert Center, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Desert Center are moderate for the region, with residents having a 1 in 311 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 60 chance for property crime. The area maintains a small-town feel, but it's important for newcomers to stay aware of local safety trends. Most residents enjoy a generally peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
322
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,680
Crime Index:
2,002
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 311
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Desert Center, CA year-round?
Desert Center boasts abundant sunshine, with 88% of days being sunny, and experiences warm winters with highs near 70°F. Summers are extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F, while annual rainfall is minimal at just 4 inches. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate dry, sun-filled days and mild winters.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Spring
Min:
60°F
Max:
90°F
Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
108°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
92°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
88%
Neighbors
Local incomes are modest, with a median household income around $35,000 and a poverty rate of 22%. Most residents drive to work, facing an average commute of 30 minutes, and public transportation is unavailable. Educational attainment is mixed, with about three-quarters holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$35,000
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$16,500
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
22.0%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
9.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
30.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.0%
Bachelors or More:
13.0%
Education
How are the schools in Desert Center, CA?
Educational options in Desert Center are limited, as the local public school has closed and students attend schools in the Blythe Unified School District about 45 miles away. Blythe schools serve roughly 2,000 students with an average class size of 19. For higher education, Palo Verde College in Blythe offers local access to college courses.
Public Schools
Name:
Desert Center Unified School (Closed)
Street:
Desert Center, CA
Phone:
N/A
Students:
N/A
Student Teacher Ratio:
N/A
Name:
Blythe Unified School District (serving area)
Street:
2950 E Hobsonway, Blythe, CA 92225
Phone:
760-922-4164
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.0
Colleges
Name:
Palo Verde College
City:
Blythe
State:
CA
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Desert Center does not have its own hospital, but residents access healthcare at Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe, which is about 45 miles away. Health insurance coverage is high at 89%, though physician availability is limited with 0.7 doctors per 1,000 people. The healthcare index suggests services are somewhat less comprehensive than in larger cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Palo Verde Hospital
Address:
250 N 1st St, Blythe, CA 92225
Phone:
(760) 922-4115
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Desert Center, CA?
The housing market in Desert Center is affordable, with a median home price of $120,000 and rent for a two-bedroom averaging $890. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a relatively high rental vacancy rate at 10%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, reflecting a stable but slow-moving market.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Desert Center are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Blythe, located at 1450 S Broadway. DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are accessible by phone or through the state website. Plan for a short drive to complete most vehicle-related tasks.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1450 S Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225
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.