Desert Hot Springs, CA
Population 32,786 · California
About Desert Hot Springs, CA
Desert Hot Springs is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 32,786 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,349 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Desert Hot Springs features a median home value of $309,300, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Desert Hot Springs in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,339, 15% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,786 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (5,706 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (5,726 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Desert Hot Springs shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Desert Hot Springs have an average one-way commute time of 28.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.9% of Desert Hot Springs 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 51.3% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 10.9% Asian residents, with 23.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Desert Hot Springs With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Desert Hot Springs?
The median household income in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $50,349 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Desert Hot Springs?
The median home value in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $309,300, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Desert Hot Springs?
The median monthly rent in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $1,339, which is 15% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Desert Hot Springs?
The unemployment rate in Desert Hot Springs, CA is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Desert Hot Springs, CA a good place to live?
Desert Hot Springs offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,786 and a median age of 34.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Desert Hot Springs, CA?
15.9% of residents in Desert Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Desert Hot Springs, CA: median home value is $309,300 (26% above national), median rent is $1,339/month, and median household income is $50,349. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Desert Hot Springs?
The poverty rate in Desert Hot Springs, CA is 19.2%, 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 Hot Springs, CA?
Desert Hot Springs's population is 51.3% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 10.9% Asian, and 8.2% two or more races. 23.8% of residents are foreign-born.