Descanso, CA
Population 1,670 · California
About Descanso, CA
Descanso is a small town located in California with a population of 1,670 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $125,714 per year, which is 67% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.8 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 Descanso features a median home value of $606,100, which is 147% above the national median of $244,900. This places Descanso in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,318, 185% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 678 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (394 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (218 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Descanso shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Descanso have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.5% of Descanso residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 12.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 9.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Descanso Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Descanso, CA
Compared to national averages, Descanso has a median household income of $125,714 (67% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $606,100, which is 147% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,318 is 185% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Descanso's income is 29% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 7% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Descanso, CA?
Descanso offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $125,714, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%, and a low poverty rate of 2.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $606,100. However, Descanso’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Descanso has a population of 1,670 with a median age of 54.8 years. Compare Descanso with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Descanso
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McClellan Park | 1,665 | $24,866 | $0 | Compare |
| Elizabeth Lake | 1,677 | $102,333 | $381,500 | Compare |
| Middletown | 1,659 | $170,605 | $481,900 | Compare |
| Sunnyside-Tahoe City | 1,658 | $121,154 | $1,032,700 | Compare |
| Terra Bella | 1,658 | $62,073 | $225,000 | Compare |
| Santa Nella | 1,686 | $87,375 | $467,300 | Compare |
| Seeley | 1,654 | $56,917 | $186,200 | Compare |
| Pine Valley | 1,646 | $124,722 | $582,900 | 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 Descanso With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Descanso
What is the population of Descanso, CA?
The population of Descanso, CA is 1,670 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Descanso?
The median household income in Descanso, CA is $125,714 per year, which is 67% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Descanso?
The median home value in Descanso, CA is $606,100, which is 147% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Descanso?
The median monthly rent in Descanso, CA is $3,318, which is 185% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Descanso?
The unemployment rate in Descanso, CA is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Descanso, CA a good place to live?
Descanso offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,670 and a median age of 54.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Descanso, CA?
20.5% of residents in Descanso 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 Descanso?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Descanso, CA: median home value is $606,100 (147% above national), median rent is $3,318/month, and median household income is $125,714. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Descanso?
The poverty rate in Descanso, CA is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Descanso, CA?
Descanso's population is 12.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 9.8% of residents are foreign-born.