Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Phelan, CA
Thinking about moving to Phelan, CA? This quiet High Desert community of about 15,500 offers affordable housing with a median home price around $370,000 and average rents near $1,480. Enjoy plenty of sunshine (76% sunny days) and wide-open spaces, but expect a longer average commute of 42 minutes. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and local schools like Serrano High serve a close-knit population. Consider Phelan if you’re seeking rural charm, a lower cost of living, and beautiful desert views.
Demographics - Phelan, CA
Demographics - Phelan, CA
Phelan is a small High Desert community with a population of about 15,500, featuring a median age of 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area is moderately diverse, with over half identifying as White and nearly 22% speaking a language other than English at home. Residents enjoy a blend of rural charm and cultural variety.
Population:
15,500
Density:
170 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
21.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
54.0%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
41.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Phelan, CA?
Living in Phelan is relatively affordable compared to other California communities, with a median home value of $370,000 and average monthly rent of $1,480. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average, but utilities and housing remain accessible for most families. State taxes range from 1% to 13.3%, which is typical for California.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$185
Auto Insurance:
$1,580
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$580
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.0
Grocery:
104.5
Housing:
110.2
Utilities:
115.8
Transportation:
108.9
Health Care:
106.7
Miscellaneous:
102.3
Crime
Is Phelan, CA a safe place to live?
Phelan experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 65 and violent crime at 1 in 370 residents. While generally considered safe, it’s wise for newcomers to remain mindful of their surroundings. The overall crime index reflects the area’s blend of small-town peace and regional security challenges.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
270
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
1,810
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 370
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Phelan, CA year-round?
Phelan enjoys a sunny, arid climate with about 76% sunny days each year and low annual rainfall of just 6.5 inches. Summers can reach highs in the 90s, while winters are mild with lows around 30°F. The weather is ideal for those who appreciate clear skies and wide-open desert landscapes.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
54°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
6.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Residents of Phelan have a median household income of $65,200 and a poverty rate of 14.7%. Most households own their homes, and the community values education, with over 83% having at least a high school diploma. Commutes tend to be longer, averaging 42 minutes, reflecting the rural nature of the area.
Median Income:
$35,600
Household Income:
$65,200
Family Income:
$72,100
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$39,700
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
14.7%
Non English Speakers:
21.7%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
42.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.6%
Education
How are the schools in Phelan, CA?
Phelan offers educational options through public schools like Serrano High and Pinon Mesa Middle, both serving local families with a student-teacher ratio around 25:1. Private education is available at Phelan Christian Academy, and higher education is accessible at Victor Valley College, located just 18 miles away. The area supports a close-knit learning environment with a focus on student achievement.

Public Schools
Name:
Serrano High School
Street:
9292 Sheep Creek Rd
Phone:
760-868-3222
Students:
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
25.5
Name:
Pinon Mesa Middle School
Street:
9298 Sheep Creek Rd
Phone:
760-868-3222
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.1

Private Schools
Name:
Phelan Christian Academy
Street:
9530 Sierra Vista Rd
Phone:
760-868-3805
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Victor Valley College
City:
Victorville
State:
CA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Phelan residents have access to several major hospitals nearby, including Desert Valley Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center, both offering emergency services. About 88.6% of locals have health insurance, and there are around 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people. The healthcare index reflects solid access to essential medical care for the region.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Desert Valley Hospital
Address:
16850 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville, CA 92395
Phone:
(760) 241-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Mary Medical Center
Address:
18300 CA-18, Apple Valley, CA 92307
Phone:
(760) 242-2311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.6%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Phelan, CA?
The housing market in Phelan is stable, with a median home price of $370,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 75%. Average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,480, and vacancy rates remain low. Modest home appreciation and minimal new construction point to a steady, established community.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services are conveniently available at the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Victorville. Residents can access standard licensing and registration services, with information available online or by phone. This location ensures essential transportation needs are met for Phelan residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
14855 Corta Dr, Victorville, CA 92395
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.