Palm Desert, CA
Population 51,551 · California
About Palm Desert, CA
Palm Desert is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 51,551 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,508 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.7 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 Palm Desert features a median home value of $491,600, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. This places Palm Desert in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,717, 48% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 36,584 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (15,546 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (8,599 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palm Desert 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 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Palm Desert have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.9% of Palm Desert residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 20.9% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 17.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Palm Desert, CA
Compared to national averages, Palm Desert has a median household income of $79,508 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $491,600, which is 101% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,717 is 48% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Palm Desert's income is 19% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 25% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Palm Desert, CA?
Palm Desert offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,508, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 39.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $491,600. However, as a mid-sized city, Palm Desert provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Palm Desert has a population of 51,551 with a median age of 56.7 years. Compare Palm Desert with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Palm Desert
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | 51,629 | $108,108 | $628,500 | Compare |
| Glendora | 51,350 | $111,915 | $820,800 | Compare |
| Aliso Viejo | 51,320 | $137,970 | $863,800 | Compare |
| Watsonville | 51,968 | $74,785 | $657,700 | Compare |
| Cathedral City | 52,047 | $67,031 | $420,700 | Compare |
| Delano | 50,835 | $61,817 | $270,300 | Compare |
| Placentia | 52,384 | $110,575 | $871,000 | Compare |
| Paramount | 52,546 | $70,912 | $500,400 | 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 Palm Desert With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Palm Desert
What is the population of Palm Desert, CA?
The population of Palm Desert, CA is 51,551 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 Palm Desert?
The median household income in Palm Desert, CA is $79,508 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palm Desert?
The median home value in Palm Desert, CA is $491,600, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Palm Desert?
The median monthly rent in Palm Desert, CA is $1,717, which is 48% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palm Desert?
The unemployment rate in Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, CA a good place to live?
Palm Desert offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 51,551 and a median age of 56.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Palm Desert, CA?
39.9% of residents in Palm Desert aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Palm Desert?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Palm Desert, CA: median home value is $491,600 (101% above national), median rent is $1,717/month, and median household income is $79,508. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Palm Desert?
The poverty rate in Palm Desert, CA is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Palm Desert, CA?
Palm Desert's population is 20.9% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 17.4% of residents are foreign-born.