Desert Edge, CA
Population 3,642 · California
About Desert Edge, CA
Desert Edge is a small town located in California with a population of 3,642 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,089 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63.7 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 Edge features a median home value of $56,900, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Desert Edge one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $821, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,439 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (1,723 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (247 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Desert Edge shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Desert Edge have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.6% of Desert Edge 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 25.7% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 29.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Desert Edge Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Desert Edge, CA
Compared to national averages, Desert Edge has a median household income of $40,089 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $56,900, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $821 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Desert Edge's income is 59% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 91% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Desert Edge, CA?
Desert Edge offers affordable housing with a median home value of $56,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $821/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,089) that falls below the national average. However, Desert Edge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Desert Edge has a population of 3,642 with a median age of 63.7 years. Compare Desert Edge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Desert Edge
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crockett | 3,642 | $102,400 | $713,000 | Compare |
| Lake Isabella | 3,654 | $26,763 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Rollingwood | 3,623 | $96,808 | $600,400 | Compare |
| Rexland Acres | 3,667 | $54,491 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Vine Hill | 3,617 | $124,528 | $628,700 | Compare |
| Marin City | 3,597 | $73,077 | $1,185,500 | Compare |
| Vandenberg AFB | 3,688 | $83,096 | $0 | Compare |
| Mono Vista | 3,696 | $70,353 | $401,800 | 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 Desert Edge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Edge
What is the population of Desert Edge, CA?
The population of Desert Edge, CA is 3,642 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 Desert Edge?
The median household income in Desert Edge, CA is $40,089 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Desert Edge?
The median home value in Desert Edge, CA is $56,900, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Desert Edge?
The median monthly rent in Desert Edge, CA is $821, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Desert Edge?
The unemployment rate in Desert Edge, CA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Desert Edge, CA a good place to live?
Desert Edge offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,642 and a median age of 63.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Desert Edge, CA?
18.6% of residents in Desert Edge 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 Edge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Desert Edge, CA: median home value is $56,900 (77% below national), median rent is $821/month, and median household income is $40,089. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Desert Edge?
The poverty rate in Desert Edge, CA is 17.3%, 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 Desert Edge, CA?
Desert Edge's population is 25.7% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 29.1% of residents are foreign-born.