California / County

Moving to Desert Center, CA

Thinking of making a move to Desert Center, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Desert Center, CA

Considering a move to Desert Center, CA? This welcoming community of 200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $900. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (86% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Desert Center's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Desert Center, CA

Desert Center has a population of 200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 53 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 58% White, 4% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
200
Density
10 per sq mi
Median Age
52.8
Gender Ratio
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
58.0%
Black
4.0%
Asian
2.0%
Others
36.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Desert Center, CA?

The cost of living in Desert Center is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 108.5. Median home values are around $165,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $900. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$165,000
Gross Rent
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$410
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
108.5
Grocery
106.0
Housing
92.0
Utilities
124.0
Transportation
109.0
Health Care
101.0
Miscellaneous
102.0

Crime

Is Desert Center, CA a safe place to live?

Desert Center is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 220 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 102. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
220
Property Crimes Per 100k
980
Crime Index
1,200
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 102

Weather

What is the weather like in Desert Center, CA year-round?

Desert Center experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 106°F and cold winters dipping to 40°F. The area receives about 4 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 86% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
40°F
Max
67°F

Summer

Min
76°F
Max
106°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
84°F

Fall

Min
56°F
Max
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches
4.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
86%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $49,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.5%. Over 79% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 13% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,000
Household Income
$49,500
Family Income
$56,000
Per Capita Income
$26,500
Income Male
$35,000
Income Female
$28,500
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Non English Speakers
22.0%
Rent
$900
Unemployment Rate
9.2%
Public Transport Usage
1.0%
Commute Time
22.0 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
79.0%
Bachelors or More
12.5%

Education

How are the schools in Desert Center, CA?

Desert Center offers quality education options, with public schools like Desert Center Unified School and Phoenix Rising High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including College of the Desert - Palm Desert Campus and Palo Verde College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Desert Center Unified School
Street
14350 Main St
Phone
760-393-4321
Students
70
Student Teacher Ratio
8.5
Name
Phoenix Rising High School
Street
14350 Main St
Phone
760-393-4321
Students
35
Student Teacher Ratio
7.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Joan of Arc School
Street
755 E 3rd St
Phone
760-922-3234
Students
180

Colleges

Name
College of the Desert - Palm Desert Campus
City
Palm Desert
State
CA
Distance
63 miles
Students
9,000
Name
Palo Verde College
City
Blythe
State
CA
Distance
30 miles
Students
3,500

Healthcare

Desert Center residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Palo Verde Hospital and Eisenhower Health nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.2 per 1,000 people and 82.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Palo Verde Hospital
Address
250 N First St, Blythe, CA 92225
Phone
(760) 921-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Eisenhower Health
Address
39000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Phone
(760) 340-3911
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage
82.5%
Health Care Index
58.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Desert Center, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $165,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 3.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 9.0%. Desert Center offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$900
Owner Occupied Rate
62.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
9.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.1%
New Construction Rate
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Desert Center handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 First Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Desert Center, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Desert Center, review the core fields on this page: population 200, median home value $165,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $900, commute time 22.0 minutes, and sunny days percentage 86%.

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