Cathedral City, CA
Population 52,047 · California
About Cathedral City, CA
Cathedral City is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 52,047 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,031 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cathedral City features a median home value of $420,700, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. This places Cathedral City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,554, 34% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 23,114 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (12,501 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (6,656 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cathedral City shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cathedral City have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.8% of Cathedral City 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 50.6% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 7.4% Asian residents, with 28.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cathedral City, CA
Compared to national averages, Cathedral City has a median household income of $67,031 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $420,700, which is 72% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,554 is 34% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Cathedral City's income is 31% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 36% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Cathedral City, CA?
Cathedral City offers short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,031) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $420,700. However, as a mid-sized city, Cathedral City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Cathedral City has a population of 52,047 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare Cathedral City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Cathedral City
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watsonville | 51,968 | $74,785 | $657,700 | Compare |
| Placentia | 52,384 | $110,575 | $871,000 | Compare |
| Lincoln | 51,629 | $108,108 | $628,500 | Compare |
| Palm Desert | 51,551 | $79,508 | $491,600 | Compare |
| Paramount | 52,546 | $70,912 | $500,400 | Compare |
| Novato | 52,689 | $112,193 | $1,007,100 | Compare |
| Glendora | 51,350 | $111,915 | $820,800 | Compare |
| Aliso Viejo | 51,320 | $137,970 | $863,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cathedral City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cathedral City
What is the population of Cathedral City, CA?
The population of Cathedral City, CA is 52,047 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Cathedral City?
The median household income in Cathedral City, CA is $67,031 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cathedral City?
The median home value in Cathedral City, CA is $420,700, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cathedral City?
The median monthly rent in Cathedral City, CA is $1,554, which is 34% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cathedral City?
The unemployment rate in Cathedral City, CA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cathedral City, CA a good place to live?
Cathedral City offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 52,047 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cathedral City, CA?
25.8% of residents in Cathedral City 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 Cathedral City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cathedral City, CA: median home value is $420,700 (72% above national), median rent is $1,554/month, and median household income is $67,031. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Cathedral City?
The poverty rate in Cathedral City, CA is 15.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Cathedral City, CA?
Cathedral City's population is 50.6% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 7.4% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 28.1% of residents are foreign-born.