California / County

Moving to Palm Desert, CA

Thinking of making a move to Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, CA

Considering a move to Palm Desert, CA? This welcoming community of 50,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $560,000 and average rents near $1,950. 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 (85% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Palm Desert's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Palm Desert, CA

Palm Desert has a population of 50,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 54 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 67% White, 4% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 28% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
50,500
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
54.2
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
28.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
67.0%
Black
3.5%
Asian
5.2%
Others
24.3%

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, with a cost of living index of 136.8. Median home values are around $560,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$560,000
Gross Rent
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges
$185
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$820
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
136.8
Grocery
114.5
Housing
162.4
Utilities
118.6
Transportation
128.9
Health Care
108.7
Miscellaneous
112.1

Crime

Is Palm Desert, CA a safe place to live?

Palm Desert is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 240 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 55. 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
240
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,820
Crime Index
2,060
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 55

Weather

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

Palm Desert experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 104°F and cold winters dipping to 42°F. The area receives about 5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 85% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
42°F
Max
68°F

Summer

Min
74°F
Max
104°F

Spring

Min
55°F
Max
82°F

Fall

Min
58°F
Max
88°F
Average Rainfall Inches
5.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
85%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $80,500 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$53,000
Household Income
$80,500
Family Income
$95,000
Per Capita Income
$39,800
Income Male
$46,500
Income Female
$39,000
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
40.0%
Rent
$1,950
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
Public Transport Usage
2.9%
Commute Time
22.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.8%
Bachelors or More
28.6%

Education

How are the schools in Palm Desert, CA?

Palm Desert offers quality education options, with public schools like Palm Desert High School and Palm Desert Charter Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including College of the Desert and California State University San Bernardino - Palm Desert Campus. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Palm Desert High School
Street
78100 Magnesia Falls Dr
Phone
760-862-4300
Students
2,150
Student Teacher Ratio
24.1
Name
Palm Desert Charter Middle School
Street
44000 Cook St
Phone
760-862-4300
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
22.8

Private Schools

Name
Sacred Heart School
Street
43775 Deep Canyon Rd
Phone
760-346-4262
Students
260

Colleges

Name
College of the Desert
City
Palm Desert
State
CA
Distance
2 miles
Students
9,500
Name
California State University San Bernardino - Palm Desert Campus
City
Palm Desert
State
CA
Distance
3 miles
Students
1,000

Healthcare

Palm Desert residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Eisenhower Health and Desert Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 91.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
72.3

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $560,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 64%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Palm Desert offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$560,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate
63.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Palm Desert 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 1st 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 Palm Desert, CA

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

Before moving to Palm Desert, review the core fields on this page: population 50,500, median home value $560,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,950, commute time 22.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 85%.

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