Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Desert Hot Springs, CA
Planning a move to Desert Hot Springs, CA? With a population of about 32,700, this desert city offers affordable living with median home prices around $341,000 and average rents near $1,350. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine (86% sunny days a year) and short commute times of about 26 minutes. While property crime rates are above average, the city boasts proximity to healthcare, desert scenery, and access to public schools, making it an appealing option for those seeking value in Southern California.
Demographics - Desert Hot Springs, CA
Demographics - Desert Hot Springs, CA
Desert Hot Springs is a diverse and growing city of nearly 32,700 residents, with a median age of 35 and a balanced gender ratio. About 49% of the population identifies as White, 6% as Black, and over 42% as other ethnicities, reflecting a multicultural community where one-third speak a language other than English at home. The moderate population density fosters a friendly, small-city atmosphere while offering cultural variety.
Population:
32,693
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
34.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
48.9%
Black:
6.1%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
42.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
The cost of living in Desert Hot Springs is slightly above the national average, with an index of 112.7. Housing remains relatively affordable for Southern California, with a median home value around $341,000 and average rents at $1,350 per month. Utilities and transportation costs are a bit higher, but residents benefit from competitive grocery and healthcare expenses compared to nearby cities.
Median House Value:
$341,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,670
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,870
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.7
Grocery:
108.3
Housing:
116.2
Utilities:
119.7
Transportation:
110.4
Health Care:
106.5
Miscellaneous:
104.2
Crime
Is Desert Hot Springs, CA a safe place to live?
Desert Hot Springs experiences higher property crime rates than average, with a 1 in 47 chance of being affected, and a violent crime rate of 496 per 100,000 residents. While safety varies by neighborhood, being aware of local crime trends and taking standard precautions can help ensure a secure living environment. The community continues to address these issues through local initiatives and public safety programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
496
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,112
Crime Index:
2,608
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 202
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Desert Hot Springs, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a warm, arid climate with mild winters and hot summers, with seasonal temperatures ranging from 43°F in winter to highs of 107°F in summer. The city boasts abundant sunshine, averaging 86% sunny days each year, and receives just 5.5 inches of annual rainfall. These conditions make Desert Hot Springs ideal for those who appreciate outdoor living and year-round sun.

Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
70°F

Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
87°F

Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
107°F

Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
90°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
5.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
86%
Neighbors
Households in Desert Hot Springs earn a median income of $46,000, with a family income slightly higher at $50,200. About 24% of residents live below the poverty line, and educational attainment is moderate, with nearly 78% holding a high school diploma or higher. The community is characterized by its working-class roots, diverse backgrounds, and a typical commute time of about 26 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$46,000
Family Income:
$50,200
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$28,200
Poverty Rate:
23.9%
Non English Speakers:
34.0%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
6.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.4%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
77.8%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
Families in Desert Hot Springs benefit from several public and private school options, including Desert Hot Springs High School and Julius Corsini Elementary. The city is also within a short drive of College of the Desert, a large community college serving over 11,000 students. Education resources cater to both young learners and adults seeking higher education opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Desert Hot Springs High School
Street:
65850 Pierson Blvd
Phone:
760-288-7000
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.8
Name:
Julius Corsini Elementary School
Street:
68750 Hacienda Ave
Phone:
760-251-7260
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5

Private Schools
Name:
Desert Adventist Academy
Street:
74200 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert
Phone:
760-779-1799
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
College of the Desert
City:
Palm Desert
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
11,200
Healthcare
Desert Hot Springs residents have access to comprehensive healthcare nearby, including major hospitals such as Desert Regional Medical Center and Eisenhower Health, both offering emergency services. The city has a physician rate of 1.9 per 1,000 people and a solid health insurance coverage rate of 86.5%. Healthcare services are readily available for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
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
Name:
Eisenhower Health
Address:
39000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Phone:
(760) 340-3911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $341,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment of $1,350, making it an accessible option for first-time buyers and renters. Just over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 7.1% in the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, providing a variety of choices for new residents.
Median Home Price:
$341,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Desert Hot Springs residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Riverside. The DMV offers standard vehicle registration, licensing, and driver testing services both in-person and online. For convenience, the department can be reached by phone or through its official website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6221 Valley Springs Parkway, Riverside, CA 92507
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.