Palm Springs, CA
Population 44,998 · California
About Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 44,998 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,979 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.8 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 Springs features a median home value of $567,300, which is 132% above the national median of $244,900. This places Palm Springs in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,473, 27% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 36,959 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (15,795 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (8,502 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palm Springs shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Palm Springs have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.1% of Palm Springs residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 20.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 17.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Palm Springs, CA
Compared to national averages, Palm Springs has a median household income of $71,979 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $567,300, which is 132% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,473 is 27% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Palm Springs's income is 26% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 13% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Palm Springs, CA?
Palm Springs offers a well-educated community where 45.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,979) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $567,300. However, Palm Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Palm Springs has a population of 44,998 with a median age of 57.8 years. Compare Palm Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Palm Springs
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Hill | 45,152 | $159,758 | $1,127,600 | Compare |
| Rohnert Park | 44,461 | $96,635 | $634,900 | Compare |
| Oakley | 44,311 | $132,067 | $632,800 | Compare |
| El Centro | 44,186 | $56,093 | $291,100 | Compare |
| Lompoc | 43,819 | $70,038 | $433,800 | Compare |
| Danville | 43,426 | $223,206 | $1,583,300 | Compare |
| Los Banos | 46,776 | $70,893 | $419,600 | Compare |
| Rowland Heights | 46,787 | $85,202 | $812,900 | 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 Springs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Palm Springs
What is the population of Palm Springs, CA?
The population of Palm Springs, CA is 44,998 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 Springs?
The median household income in Palm Springs, CA is $71,979 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palm Springs?
The median home value in Palm Springs, CA is $567,300, which is 132% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Palm Springs?
The median monthly rent in Palm Springs, CA is $1,473, which is 27% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palm Springs?
The unemployment rate in Palm Springs, CA is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Palm Springs, CA a good place to live?
Palm Springs offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 44,998 and a median age of 57.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Palm Springs, CA?
45.1% of residents in Palm Springs 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 Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Palm Springs, CA: median home value is $567,300 (132% above national), median rent is $1,473/month, and median household income is $71,979. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Palm Springs?
The poverty rate in Palm Springs, CA is 13.7%, 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 Palm Springs, CA?
Palm Springs's population is 20.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 5.2% two or more races. 17.2% of residents are foreign-born.