Median Income
$68,523
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$239,200
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.5%
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.6%
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.5%
81% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.1%
91% lower than US avg
How Desert Hills Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,910
Median Age64.1 yrs
Density675/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans12.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,523
Per Capita$54,693
Unemployment6.5%
Poverty1.1%
County GDP$849M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$239,200
Ownership87.7%
Zillow$456,264
Housing Units1,999
Rent Burden19.4%
Health
Obesity29.6%
Uninsured0.3%
Smoking13.1%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI47 (Good)
Rain4.2 in/yr
Elevation561 ft (171 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.5%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score3.80
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Commute16 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Desert Hills a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Desert Hills receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Desert Hills offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Desert Hills is $68,523, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Desert Hills is $239,200, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
24.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Desert Hills has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 96°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 4.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 47.
Desert Hills has a population of 2,910 with a density of 675 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 64.1 years, 65% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 7.7% Hispanic, 2.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 12.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,910
Total Population
2023 Census
64.1yrs
Median Age
65% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Desert Hills vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Desert Hills vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Desert Hills is $68,523, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $54,693 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 402 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 37.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Desert Hills vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,523 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $54,693 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,052 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.5% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.1% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 402 |
| County GDP | $849M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 87 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,768 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 54.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 37.0% |
The median home value in Desert Hills is $239,200, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $456,264, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $500,000 with homes selling in an average of 127 days. Homes sell for 97.7% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,999 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1998. The average annual property tax is $3,768. 19.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $239,200 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $456,264 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $500,000 |
| Median List Price | $758,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $500,000 |
| Median List Price | $758,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $296 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Days on Market | 127 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.7% |
| Price Drops | 35.3% |
| Inventory | 34 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,053 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,999 |
| Median Year Built | 1998 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,768 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.58% |
In Desert Hills, 29.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.4% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 0.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,735. The dentist ratio is 1:1,651. 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Desert Hills vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.6% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Uninsured | 0.3% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,735 |
| Dentists | 1:1,651 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,114 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 23,645/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Desert Hills has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 96°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 4.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 47. 62% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 561 feet.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
96°F Jul (36°C)
| Annual Average | 74.2°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 96°F (36°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 561 ft (171 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 675/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.5465°N, 114.3780°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | La Paz County County |
| Nearest Airport | Laughlin/Bullhead International (IFP)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
4.2"
89% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
0.75"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 47.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 61.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 4 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0500 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 2.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
58 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 3, 2025.
| Aug 26, 2012 |
41 km E of Twentynine Palms, California |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Jun 9, 2015 |
29km WNW of Desert Center, CA |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| Oct 22, 1996 |
20 km SE of Boulder City, Nevada |
M3.7 |
150 km |
| May 18, 2010 |
20km NW of Desert Center, CA |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Apr 7, 1992 |
20 km ESE of Peach Springs, Arizona |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Nov 4, 1993 |
27km WNW of Desert Center, California |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
39km NW of Desert Center, CA |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| Jan 5, 2008 |
20km SE of Kingman, AZ |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Feb 21, 2000 |
20km W of Amboy, CA |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Jan 17, 2015 |
40 km N of Bagdad, Arizona |
M3.1 |
113 km |
| Mar 13, 1992 |
56km NE of Kingman, Arizona |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Aug 10, 2003 |
44 km SE of Valentine, Arizona |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Mar 4, 2015 |
26 km ENE of Bagdad, Arizona |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Apr 17, 2001 |
21km W of Amboy, CA |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Nov 12, 1990 |
23km SW of Amboy, CA |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Mar 21, 2024 |
26 km WNW of Desert Center, CA |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Jan 17, 2008 |
17 km E of Yucca, Arizona |
M2.9 |
53 km |
| Aug 4, 2014 |
24 km SSE of Valentine, Arizona |
M2.9 |
101 km |
| Mar 2, 2015 |
19 km E of Yucca, Arizona |
M2.9 |
56 km |
| Feb 14, 2001 |
14km SW of Amboy, CA |
M2.9 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
15 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1983 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1979 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1972 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1972 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2020 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 2018 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2016 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2010 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1997 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1972 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Salton Buttes (189 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Salton Buttes |
Lava dome(s) |
-40 m (-131 ft) |
210 |
189 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TWIN MILLS (12,244 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
TWIN MILLS |
12,244 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK MOUNTAIN COMPLEX |
8,974 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
FORT PIUTE |
6,350 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
WILLOW |
6,084 |
36 km |
| 2013 |
DEAN PEAK |
5,846 |
81 km |
| 1995 |
STOVE |
5,770 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
LOST LAKE |
5,455 |
59 km |
| 1994 |
WARM |
5,100 |
46 km |
| 1995 |
ICEHOUSE |
4,570 |
37 km |
| 2006 |
SECRET |
4,537 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
DELUGE |
3,972 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
SAMSPRING2 |
3,941 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
VOCK CYN |
3,668 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
BOSQUE |
3,381 |
97 km |
| 1993 |
JUNCTION |
3,297 |
92 km |
| 1998 |
SOUTH DIKE |
3,148 |
31 km |
| 1999 |
MOSS BASIN |
3,133 |
71 km |
| 2020 |
RIDGE |
3,036 |
70 km |
| 1994 |
JURASSIC |
2,907 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
LOST LAKE |
2,846 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
0.8 in |
Wettest |
| February |
58°F (15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
65°F (18°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
72°F (22°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
81°F (27°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| June |
90°F (32°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| July |
96°F (36°C) |
0.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
95°F (35°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| September |
88°F (31°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| November |
62°F (17°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Desert Hills has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 53°F in December to 96°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 4.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (0.8") and June the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Desert Hills. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$252 ($151-$403) |
| Specialist Visit |
$352 ($201-$554) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$201 ($101-$352) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,215 ($806-$5,035) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76-$201) |
| Dental Filling |
$252 ($151-$403) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($50-$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$302 ($151-$504) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$604 ($403-$1,007) |
| Battery Replacement |
$201 ($101-$352) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($60-$151) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($50-$141) |
| HVAC Repair |
$403 ($151-$806) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,049 ($4,028-$12,084) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,007 ($403-$2,014) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,063 ($5,539-$15,105) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,511 ($504-$3,525) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,105 ($5,035-$30,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,035 ($2,014-$10,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,511 ($806-$3,021) |
| Will Preparation |
$504 ($201-$1,007) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,518 ($1,007-$5,035) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$151 ($76-$252) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($50-$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.13 ($3.02-$5.54) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.52 ($2.52-$5.04) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.83 ($2.52-$5.54) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.53 ($3.02-$6.55) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.54 ($4.03-$7.55) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.60-$1.81) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$141 ($81-$252) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$151) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($50-$151) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$201 ($76-$504) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,014 ($1,208-$3,525) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.06-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30-$252) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,208 ($604-$2,518) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,007 ($504-$2,014) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$403 ($201-$705) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,007 ($403-$2,518) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,588 ($5,035-$30,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($50-$201) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$302 ($151-$504) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$201 ($101-$403) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $812 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $671 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Desert Hills
What is the population of Desert Hills?
Desert Hills has a population of 2,910 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 675 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Desert Hills expensive to live in?
Desert Hills has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100.7 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,523, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $239,200 (15% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Desert Hills?
Desert Hills has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 96°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 4.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 47.
How is the job market in Desert Hills?
The unemployment rate in Desert Hills is 6.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 402 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 37.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Desert Hills?
The median home value in Desert Hills is $239,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $456,264. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $500,000, with homes typically selling within 127 days. The homeownership rate is 87.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,768.
How are the schools in Desert Hills?
Schools in Desert Hills have an average test score of 3.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 24.5% of adults in Desert Hills hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Desert Hills?
The obesity rate in Desert Hills is 29.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 0.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,735.
What is transportation like in Desert Hills?
The average commute in Desert Hills is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 54.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 37.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Desert Hills?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Desert Hills is 92.7% White, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Asian. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 12.6% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.