Desert Hot Springs, CA
Population 32,786 · California
About Desert Hot Springs, CA
Desert Hot Springs is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 32,786 residents. The median household income is $50,349 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Desert Hot Springs is 34.4 years.
Housing in Desert Hot Springs has a median home value of $309,300 and median monthly rent of $1,339. Of the 12,786 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 5,706 owner-occupied and 5,726 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Desert Hot Springs is 6.8% and the poverty rate is 19.2%. 15.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 28.7 minutes.
Cost of Living in Desert Hot Springs, CA
Compared to national averages, Desert Hot Springs has a median household income of $50,349 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $309,300, which is 26% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,339 is 15% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Desert Hot Springs's income is 49% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 53% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,349) that falls below the national average. However, Desert Hot Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Desert Hot Springs has a population of 32,786 with a median age of 34.4 years. Compare Desert Hot Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Desert Hot Springs
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menlo Park | 32,775 | $206,588 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Los Gatos | 32,773 | $207,891 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Bell | 32,830 | $60,641 | $561,400 | Compare |
| Lathrop | 32,696 | $118,605 | $605,000 | Compare |
| Goleta | 32,693 | $118,039 | $1,002,500 | Compare |
| Dana Point | 32,883 | $127,246 | $1,200,900 | Compare |
| Foster City | 32,964 | $193,633 | $1,774,500 | Compare |
| Fallbrook | 32,467 | $87,293 | $713,000 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Hot Springs
What is the population of Desert Hot Springs, CA?
The population of Desert Hot Springs, CA is 32,786 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Desert Hot Springs?
The median household income in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $50,349 per year.
What is the median home value in Desert Hot Springs?
The median home value in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $309,300.
What is the average rent in Desert Hot Springs?
The median monthly rent in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $1,339.
What is the unemployment rate in Desert Hot Springs?
The unemployment rate in Desert Hot Springs, CA is 6.8%.