Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Joshua Tree, CA
Thinking of moving to Joshua Tree, CA? With a small-town population of about 7,400 and median home values around $350,000, Joshua Tree offers affordable housing, a laid-back desert lifestyle, and 85% sunny days each year. Commute times are short (22 minutes on average), and while crime rates are a bit above the national average, the area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. Local schools are solid, and you’ll enjoy mild winters, hot summers, and a strong sense of community in this unique California town.
Demographics - Joshua Tree, CA
Demographics - Joshua Tree, CA
Joshua Tree is a small desert community of roughly 7,400 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with about 17% representing other backgrounds, and just under 17% speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
7,414
Density:
125 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.2%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
17.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Joshua Tree, CA?
The cost of living in Joshua Tree is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $350,000 and average rents around $1,150 for a two-bedroom. Utilities and daily expenses are moderate, while California’s state taxes can vary widely depending on income.
Median House Value:
$350,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,680
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.4
Grocery:
108.0
Housing:
110.5
Utilities:
105.7
Transportation:
107.2
Health Care:
104.3
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Joshua Tree, CA a safe place to live?
Joshua Tree experiences slightly higher than average crime rates, with a 1 in 411 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 70 chance of property crime. While safety is generally good, residents should remain aware and take common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
243
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,438
Crime Index:
1,681
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 411
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Joshua Tree, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a classic desert climate with mild winters averaging lows around 37°F, hot summers reaching 99°F, and over 85% sunny days annually. The area receives only about 4.5 inches of rain per year, making outdoor activities possible most of the year.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
99°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
The neighborhood features a median household income of about $47,600, with a poverty rate near 20%. Most residents have at least a high school education, commutes are short at just over 22 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$47,600
Family Income:
$55,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
20.1%
Non English Speakers:
16.7%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
7.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.1%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Joshua Tree, CA?
Education options include local public schools like Joshua Tree Elementary and nearby La Contenta Middle School, as well as Copper Mountain College just two miles from town. Student-teacher ratios are typical for the region, and the area maintains a supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Joshua Tree Elementary School
Street:
4950 Sunburst Ave
Phone:
760-366-8459
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
La Contenta Middle School
Street:
7050 La Contenta Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Phone:
760-228-1802
Students:
698
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Colleges
Name:
Copper Mountain College
City:
Joshua Tree
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Joshua Tree is served by the Hi-Desert Medical Center, offering general and emergency care, and there are about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 81% of residents have health insurance coverage, supporting access to essential medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hi-Desert Medical Center
Address:
6601 White Feather Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Phone:
(760) 366-3711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.2%
Health Care Index:
66.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Joshua Tree, CA?
The housing market features a median home price of $350,000, with a majority (59%) of homes owner-occupied and an average rent of $1,150 for a two-bedroom. Home values have appreciated by nearly 7% in the past year, reflecting steady local demand.
Median Home Price:
$350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the California DMV office in Joshua Tree, located conveniently on 29 Palms Hwy. Appointments and information are available on the state DMV website or by phone.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
63665 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
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.