Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palm Desert, CA
Thinking of moving to Palm Desert, CA? With a friendly population of around 53,000 and a median home price of $588,000, Palm Desert offers sunny weather for 81% of the year and a relaxed desert lifestyle. The city features excellent access to healthcare, top-rated local schools, and a short 23-minute average commute. While the cost of living is higher than average and property crime rates are moderate, residents enjoy beautiful weather, abundant outdoor recreation, and strong educational opportunities. Explore the cost of living, housing, schools, and more below to plan your move with confidence.
Demographics - Palm Desert, CA
Demographics - Palm Desert, CA
Palm Desert is home to about 52,900 residents, with a notably mature median age of 54.5, reflecting a popular choice for retirees and those seeking a relaxed pace. The community is predominantly White, with a growing mix of other backgrounds and over 17% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its population density and gender balance create a friendly, close-knit atmosphere ideal for both families and individuals.
Population:
52,900
Density:
1,950 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.5
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.0%
Black:
2.6%
Asian:
4.0%
Others:
19.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palm Desert, CA?
The cost of living in Palm Desert is higher than the national average, driven by a median home value of $588,000 and average rents around $2,200. Housing and utilities are notable expenses, but residents benefit from California’s varied state tax rates and moderate health care costs. While daily expenses like groceries and transportation can add up, the region’s amenities and quality of life offer strong value.
Median House Value:
$588,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$185
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
135.4
Grocery:
114.8
Housing:
160.2
Utilities:
120.7
Transportation:
138.5
Health Care:
108.2
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Palm Desert, CA a safe place to live?
Palm Desert maintains a relatively low violent crime rate, with about 195 incidents per 100,000 residents, but experiences a higher rate of property crime. The chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 45, so newcomers should consider safety measures for homes and vehicles. Overall, the city offers a safe environment, especially compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
195
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,395
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 513
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Palm Desert, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a warm desert climate with mild winters averaging highs in the low 70s and hot summers that can reach 108°F. With 81% sunny days annually and just over 5 inches of rainfall, Palm Desert is ideal for those who love year-round sunshine and outdoor activities. Seasonal temperature swings are moderate in spring and fall, making the city attractive for those escaping harsher climates.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
71°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
87°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
108°F
Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
91°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
5.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
81%
Neighbors
Palm Desert’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $63,500 and a poverty rate of 11.3%, offering a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging just over 22 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the city’s car-friendly design.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$63,500
Family Income:
$82,200
Per Capita Income:
$47,700
Income Male:
$54,300
Income Female:
$41,900
Poverty Rate:
11.3%
Non English Speakers:
17.2%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
22.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
38.8%
Education
How are the schools in Palm Desert, CA?
Palm Desert boasts a strong educational community, with public schools like Palm Desert High School and Ronald Reagan Elementary serving local families. The city is also home to higher education institutions such as College of the Desert and a California State University campus, supporting over 11,000 students combined. Private school options and a high percentage of college-educated neighbors make the city ideal for lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Palm Desert High School
Street:
74910 Aztec Rd
Phone:
760-862-4300
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
Ronald Reagan Elementary
Street:
39850 Liberty Dr
Phone:
760-772-0456
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
43775 Deep Canyon Rd
Phone:
760-346-3513
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
College of the Desert
City:
Palm Desert
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,100
Name:
California State University, San Bernardino - Palm Desert Campus
City:
Palm Desert
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Palm Desert is well-supported, with major hospitals like Eisenhower Health nearby and 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 90% of the population has health insurance, ensuring good access to medical services. The area’s healthcare index signals efficient, quality care for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Eisenhower Health
Address:
39000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Phone:
(760) 340-3911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
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
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palm Desert, CA?
Palm Desert’s housing market features a median home price of $588,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 63.3%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,200 and a moderate vacancy rate, allowing flexibility for buyers and renters. Home values have appreciated by 5% over the past year, highlighting steady investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$588,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.0%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
The local Department of Motor Vehicles is conveniently located on Technology Drive in Palm Desert, offering full California DMV services. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services either in person or online. For assistance, the DMV can be reached at 1-800-777-0133 or via their website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
74-740 Technology Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211
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.