Desert Shores, CA
Population 457 · California
About Desert Shores, CA
Desert Shores is a small community located in California with a population of 457 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,083 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.7 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 Shores features a median home value of $169,400, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Desert Shores in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 241 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (178 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Desert Shores shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Desert Shores have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
0.5% of Desert Shores 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 76.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 39.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Desert Shores, CA
Compared to national averages, Desert Shores has a median household income of $37,083 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $169,400, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Desert Shores's income is 62% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 74% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Desert Shores, CA?
Desert Shores offers affordable housing with a median home value of $169,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,083) that falls below the national average. However, Desert Shores’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Desert Shores has a population of 457 with a median age of 52.7 years. Compare Desert Shores with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Shores
What is the population of Desert Shores, CA?
The population of Desert Shores, CA is 457 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 Shores?
The median household income in Desert Shores, CA is $37,083 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Desert Shores?
The median home value in Desert Shores, CA is $169,400, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Desert Shores?
The median monthly rent in Desert Shores, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Desert Shores?
The unemployment rate in Desert Shores, CA is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Desert Shores, CA a good place to live?
Desert Shores offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 457 and a median age of 52.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Desert Shores, CA?
0.5% of residents in Desert Shores 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 Shores?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Desert Shores, CA: median home value is $169,400 (31% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $37,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Desert Shores?
The poverty rate in Desert Shores, CA is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Desert Shores, CA?
Desert Shores's population is 76.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 39.2% of residents are foreign-born.