Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Desert Shores, CA
Thinking about moving to Desert Shores, CA? This small lakeside community of around 1,100 people offers affordable living, with median home prices near $165,000 and rents averaging $900. You'll find a sunny, warm desert climate with 92% sunny days per year, modest commute times, and local schools serving the community. While crime rates are higher than average and incomes are modest, Desert Shores provides a unique, quiet lifestyle along the Salton Sea, ideal for those seeking an affordable, laid-back environment.
Demographics - Desert Shores, CA
Demographics - Desert Shores, CA
Desert Shores is home to approximately 1,128 residents, with a median age of 38.2 and a slightly higher male-to-female ratio. The community is diverse, with over half identifying as White and 46% from other backgrounds, and a significant 62.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. With a population density of 1,650 per square mile, the area offers a small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,128
Density:
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
62.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
50.3%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
46.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Desert Shores, CA?
Desert Shores features a cost of living index just below the national average, making it an affordable option in California. Median home values are around $165,000, with average rents at $900 and moderate utility costs. State taxes can vary significantly, but overall expenses for housing and necessities are comparatively low for the region.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.4
Grocery:
101.0
Housing:
80.2
Utilities:
106.5
Transportation:
105.1
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
96.1
Crime
Is Desert Shores, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Desert Shores are higher than average, with a property crime chance of 1 in 47 and violent crime chance of 1 in 263. The overall crime index reflects a need for caution, especially regarding property security. Residents should be mindful of safety measures, but the area retains a close-knit community feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,110
Crime Index:
2,490
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Desert Shores, CA year-round?
Desert Shores enjoys a classic desert climate, boasting 92% sunny days each year and minimal rainfall at just 3.5 inches annually. Summers are hot, with highs often exceeding 100°F, while winters remain mild and pleasant. This weather makes the area ideal for those who prefer warm, dry conditions year-round.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
90°F
Summer
Min:
78°F
Max:
108°F
Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
92°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
3.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
92%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of $38,200, with a relatively high poverty rate of 36.2%. Educational attainment is modest, with just over half holding a high school diploma and a small percentage with a college degree. Most residents commute by car, and public transportation usage is minimal.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$38,200
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$12,800
Income Male:
$30,500
Income Female:
$24,600
Poverty Rate:
36.2%
Non English Speakers:
62.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
11.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
54.8%
Bachelors or More:
7.1%
Education
How are the schools in Desert Shores, CA?
Desert Shores is served by local public schools such as West Shores High School and Sea View Elementary, both offering small class sizes. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are available at College of the Desert, located about 38 miles away. The schools provide foundational education for the community’s youth.
Public Schools
Name:
West Shores High School
Street:
2381 Shore Hawk Ave
Phone:
760-848-1360
Students:
325
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Sea View Elementary School
Street:
2465 Sea View Avenue
Phone:
760-848-1247
Students:
280
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.8
Colleges
Name:
College of the Desert
City:
Palm Desert
State:
CA
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
12,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Desert Shores includes proximity to major hospitals like Pioneers Memorial and JFK Memorial, both offering emergency services. The area has about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and 86.5% health insurance coverage. While healthcare resources are available, residents may need to travel to nearby towns for specialized care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District
Address:
207 W Legion Rd, Brawley, CA 92227
Phone:
(760) 351-3333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
JFK Memorial Hospital
Address:
47111 Monroe St, Indio, CA 92201
Phone:
(760) 347-6191
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Desert Shores, CA?
The housing market in Desert Shores is affordable, with a median home price of $165,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 74%. Average rent for a two-bedroom home is about $900, and the area sees moderate home appreciation. Rental vacancies are higher than average, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Desert Shores residents are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Palm Springs. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle services both in person and online. The DMV’s location and online resources offer convenient options for local drivers.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 S. El Cielo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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.