Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palm Springs, CA
Thinking of moving to Palm Springs, CA? With its population of 44,575, Palm Springs is known for abundant sunshine (over 85% sunny days!), warm winters, and a relaxed lifestyle. The median home price is $630,000 and average rent for a 2-bedroom is $1,650, making housing more affordable than many coastal California cities. Commute times are short at around 19 minutes, and while property crime rates are higher than average, residents enjoy strong healthcare options and a vibrant, diverse community. Explore all the details below to see if Palm Springs fits your lifestyle and budget.
Demographics - Palm Springs, CA
Demographics - Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs is home to about 44,575 residents, with a notably mature population and a median age of 56.5 years. The city boasts a diverse community, where roughly 21.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home and nearly 70% of the population identifies as White. Its moderate population density and balanced gender ratio make it a welcoming place for newcomers seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
Population:
44,575
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.5
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
21.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.1%
Black:
4.9%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
22.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palm Springs, CA?
The cost of living in Palm Springs is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 147.8 and a median home value of $630,000. Monthly rent for a typical apartment is around $1,650, while utilities and other essentials also reflect above-average pricing. While state taxes vary, the overall affordability is more attractive than many coastal California cities.
Median House Value:
$630,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$200
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
147.8
Grocery:
115.6
Housing:
188.5
Utilities:
112.4
Transportation:
109.8
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
101.5
Crime
Is Palm Springs, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Palm Springs are elevated compared to national averages, with residents facing a 1 in 204 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 32 chance of property crime. While property crimes are more prevalent, it's important for newcomers to be mindful of personal and home security. The city continues to work on community safety initiatives to enhance resident well-being.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
489
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,157
Crime Index:
3,646
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 204
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Palm Springs, CA year-round?
Palm Springs offers an appealing desert climate with mild winters, warm springs, and very hot summers, where temperatures can soar above 100°F. The city enjoys over 85% sunny days annually and receives minimal rainfall, around 4.6 inches per year. This consistent sunshine supports outdoor activities year-round and defines the city's laid-back atmosphere.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
71°F
Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
86°F
Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
108°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
91°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
Residents of Palm Springs have a median household income of $60,500 and a relatively high educational attainment, with over 91% holding a high school diploma or higher. Commutes are short, averaging under 20 minutes, and about 18% of the population lives below the poverty line. The community features a mix of long-time locals and newcomers seeking a vibrant, resort-like environment.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$60,500
Family Income:
$77,000
Per Capita Income:
$49,100
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
27.8%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
19.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
37.5%
Education
How are the schools in Palm Springs, CA?
Palm Springs offers a variety of public and private schooling options, including Palm Springs High School and Cahuilla Elementary, with reasonable student-teacher ratios. The city is also near College of the Desert, a two-year college just 13 miles away, supporting higher education for local students. With educational attainment above the national average, families can expect quality learning opportunities for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Palm Springs High School
Street:
2401 E Baristo Rd
Phone:
760-778-0400
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Cahuilla Elementary School
Street:
833 E Mesquite Ave
Phone:
760-416-8250
Students:
490
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Private Schools
Name:
Desert Chapel Christian School
Street:
630 S Sunrise Way
Phone:
760-327-2772
Students:
160
Colleges
Name:
College of the Desert
City:
Palm Desert
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
12,500
Healthcare
Palm Springs offers convenient access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like Desert Regional Medical Center and Eisenhower Health. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of the population insured, medical services are both accessible and comprehensive. The area is well-equipped to support residents' health and wellness needs.
Major Hospitals
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
Name:
Eisenhower Health
Address:
39000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Phone:
(760) 340-3911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palm Springs, CA?
The Palm Springs housing market is robust, with a median home price of $630,000 and an average rent of $1,650 for a two-bedroom unit. Homeownership is common, with over 62% of residences owner-occupied and a vacancy rate of just over 7%. Recent years have seen healthy home appreciation, making it appealing for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$630,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services in Palm Springs are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at a convenient local office on N Farrell Dr. Residents can access a full range of motor vehicle services, from licensing and registration to online renewals, through the DMV's user-friendly website or by phone. The location ensures easy access for all transportation needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
950 N Farrell Dr, 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.