Desert Center, CA
Population 167 · California
About Desert Center, CA
Desert Center is a small community located in California with a population of 167 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,857 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.2 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 Center features a median home value of $221,200, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Desert Center in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,192, 2% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 201 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (43 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (21 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Desert Center shows an unemployment rate of 15.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Desert Center have an average one-way commute time of 12.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.0% of Desert Center 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 31.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Desert Center, CA
Compared to national averages, Desert Center has a median household income of $72,857 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $221,200, which is 10% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,192 is 2% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Desert Center's income is 26% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 66% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Desert Center, CA?
Desert Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $221,200, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 12.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,857) that falls below the national average. However, Desert Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Desert Center has a population of 167 with a median age of 49.2 years. Compare Desert Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Center
What is the population of Desert Center, CA?
The population of Desert Center, CA is 167 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Desert Center?
The median household income in Desert Center, CA is $72,857 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Desert Center?
The median home value in Desert Center, CA is $221,200, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Desert Center?
The median monthly rent in Desert Center, CA is $1,192, which is 2% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Desert Center?
The unemployment rate in Desert Center, CA is 15.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Desert Center, CA a good place to live?
Desert Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 167 and a median age of 49.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Desert Center, CA?
15.0% of residents in Desert Center 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 Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Desert Center, CA: median home value is $221,200 (10% below national), median rent is $1,192/month, and median household income is $72,857. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Desert Center?
The poverty rate in Desert Center, CA is 29.9%, 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 Desert Center, CA?
Desert Center's population is 31.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 7.2% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.