Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Thermal, CA
Thinking of moving to Thermal, CA? With a small population of 2,865 and affordable median home prices around $255,000, Thermal offers desert sunshine with 86% sunny days per year and very low rainfall. While the cost of living is below the California average, renters will find reasonable rents at about $1,120. Commute times are short (23 minutes on average), and the community is predominantly Hispanic/Latino. Public schools serve local students, and nearby hospitals offer healthcare access. Consider the low cost, warm climate, and rural feel as you plan your move.
Demographics - Thermal, CA
Demographics - Thermal, CA
Thermal, CA is a small, close-knit community of 2,865 residents, characterized by a youthful median age of 27.6 and a predominantly Hispanic/Latino population. The majority of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's vibrant cultural diversity. With a slightly higher number of males and a moderate population density, newcomers can expect a lively and family-oriented atmosphere.
Population:
2,865
Density:
578 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.6
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
80.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
6.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
92.4% (majority Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Thermal, CA?
Thermal offers a relatively affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $255,000 and average rents around $1,120 per month. While the overall cost of living index is just slightly above the national average, housing remains more affordable than much of California. Utilities and transportation costs are modest, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$255,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,760
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,730
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.0
Grocery:
107.5
Housing:
91.0
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
108.8
Health Care:
101.4
Miscellaneous:
102.7
Crime
Is Thermal, CA a safe place to live?
Residents of Thermal experience moderate crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 49 and violent crime at 1 in 242. While these numbers are higher than the national average, they are not unusual for small rural communities in the region. Being mindful of personal safety and property security is recommended.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
412
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,462
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 242
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Thermal, CA year-round?
Thermal enjoys a classic desert climate, featuring warm winters with highs around 70°F and extremely hot summers reaching up to 108°F. The area receives minimal rainfall—just 3.5 inches annually—and boasts an impressive 86% of sunny days, ideal for those who love sunshine and dry conditions. Seasonal temperature swings are significant, so preparing for heat is essential.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F

Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
87°F

Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
108°F

Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
92°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
3.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
86%
Neighbors
Thermal's residents typically have modest incomes, with a median household income of $32,700 and a notable poverty rate of 35.5%. The community has a strong Hispanic/Latino presence, and the majority speak languages other than English at home. Most neighbors commute less than 25 minutes, and public transportation usage is low, reflecting the area's rural character.
Median Income:
$30,920
Household Income:
$32,700
Family Income:
$34,800
Per Capita Income:
$11,900
Income Male:
$22,300
Income Female:
$18,900
Poverty Rate:
35.5%
Non English Speakers:
80.0%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
8.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
41.3%
Bachelors or More:
5.1%
Education
How are the schools in Thermal, CA?
Thermal is served by public schools such as Desert Mirage High School and Sea View Elementary, known for their dedicated staff and moderate student-to-teacher ratios. For higher education, College of the Desert's Indio campus is just 14 miles away, making local college courses accessible. The area's schools reflect the community focus on education for young families.

Public Schools
Name:
Desert Mirage High School
Street:
86150 66th Ave
Phone:
760-397-2255
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Sea View Elementary School
Street:
86175 Avenue 66
Phone:
760-397-2420
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.3

Colleges
Name:
College of the Desert (Indio Campus)
City:
Indio
State:
CA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Thermal is supported by nearby hospitals such as John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital and Eisenhower Health, both offering emergency services within a short drive. There are approximately 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and about 74% of locals have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are readily available, though coverage rates trail the state average.

Major Hospitals
Name:
John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital
Address:
47111 Monroe St, Indio, CA 92201
Phone:
(760) 347-6191
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:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
74.2%
Health Care Index:
66.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Thermal, CA?
Thermal's housing market is accessible to first-time buyers, with a median home price of $255,000 and owner-occupancy at nearly 55%. Rental options are available with average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,120, and the area sees a low foreclosure rate of 0.7%. Recent home appreciation and new construction rates are steady, offering stable opportunities for homeownership.
Median Home Price:
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services for Thermal residents are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Indio. The office is conveniently located on Monroe Street and offers the full range of licensing and vehicle registration services. Residents can access more information and online services through the California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
44-199 Monroe St, Indio, CA 92201
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.