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 52,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $588,000 and average rents near $2,200. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (81% 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 52,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 55 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 3% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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, with a cost of living index of 135.4. Median home values are around $588,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 195 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 45. 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
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?

Palm Desert experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 108°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 81% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
71°F

Summer

Min
74°F
Max
108°F

Spring

Min
54°F
Max
87°F

Fall

Min
59°F
Max
91°F
Average Rainfall Inches
5.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
81%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.3%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Palm Desert High School and Ronald Reagan Elementary 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
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

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 2.3 per 1,000 people and 90.6% 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
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
90.6%
Health Care Index
77.2

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $588,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 63%. The market has seen a 5.0% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.4%. Palm Desert offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Palm Desert handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Palm Desert. 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
74-740 Technology Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211
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 52,900, median home value $588,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,200, commute time 22.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 81%.

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