Desert Hills, AZ
Population 2,910 · Arizona
About Desert Hills, AZ
Desert Hills is a small town located in Arizona with a population of 2,910 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,523 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 64.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Desert Hills features a median home value of $239,200, which is 2% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Desert Hills in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,197 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (1,417 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (198 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Desert Hills shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Desert Hills have an average one-way commute time of 15.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.5% of Desert Hills residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 8.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Desert Hills, AZ
Compared to national averages, Desert Hills has a median household income of $68,523 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $239,200, which is 2% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Desert Hills's income is 10% above the state average of $62,086, and home values are 1% above the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Desert Hills, AZ?
Desert Hills offers affordable housing with a median home value of $239,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,523) that falls below the national average. However, Desert Hills’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Desert Hills has a population of 2,910 with a median age of 64.1 years. Compare Desert Hills with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Desert Hills
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pima | 2,910 | $97,238 | $261,700 | Compare |
| Swift Trail Junction | 2,889 | $58,105 | $184,000 | Compare |
| Whetstone | 2,840 | $51,050 | $200,600 | Compare |
| Sacaton | 2,999 | $0 | $102,700 | Compare |
| Bagdad | 2,757 | $98,641 | $0 | Compare |
| Central Heights-Midland City | 2,678 | $75,347 | $123,400 | Compare |
| White Mountain Lake | 2,678 | $47,661 | $163,700 | Compare |
| Oracle | 3,154 | $66,729 | $209,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arizona
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Desert Hills With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Hills
What is the population of Desert Hills, AZ?
The population of Desert Hills, AZ is 2,910 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arizona.
What is the median household income in Desert Hills?
The median household income in Desert Hills, AZ is $68,523 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Desert Hills?
The median home value in Desert Hills, AZ is $239,200, which is 2% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Desert Hills?
The median monthly rent in Desert Hills, AZ is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Desert Hills?
The unemployment rate in Desert Hills, AZ is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Desert Hills, AZ a good place to live?
Desert Hills offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,910 and a median age of 64.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Desert Hills, AZ?
24.5% of residents in Desert Hills aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Desert Hills?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Desert Hills, AZ: median home value is $239,200 (2% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $68,523. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Desert Hills?
The poverty rate in Desert Hills, AZ is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Desert Hills, AZ?
Desert Hills's population is 4.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.8% of residents are foreign-born.