Median Income
$50,349
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$309,300
10% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
598/100K
57% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.9%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,339
15% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.5%
25% higher than US avg
How Desert Hot Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population32,786
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density1,088/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 36%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,349
Per Capita$23,980
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty15.5%
County GDP$134,757M
Commute29 min
Housing
B
Home Value$309,300
Rent$1,339
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$376,908
Crime
F
Violent598/100K
Property4,130/100K
Murder24.9/100K
Assault352/100K
Burglary1,720/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F
AQI48 (Good)
Rain5.1 in/yr
Elevation1,138 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.9%
High School+81.0%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 48%
Commute29 min
EV Stations8
Libraries60
Is Desert Hot Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Desert Hot Springs receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Desert Hot Springs has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Desert Hot Springs is $50,349, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Desert Hot Springs is $309,300, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,339 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 6.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 598 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,130 per 100,000, 111% above the national average.
Education
15.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Desert Hot Springs has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 93°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 5.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Desert Hot Springs has a population of 32,786 with a density of 1,088 people per square mile. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (35.6%), with 4.7% Hispanic, 9.3% Black.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Desert Hot Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 52.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Spanish | 47.7% |
| 256% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Desert Hot Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Desert Hot Springs is $50,349, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Income: Desert Hot Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,349 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,980 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,149 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,983 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 86,446 |
| County GDP | $134,757M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4,533 |
| Healthcare | 5,585 |
| Retail | 5,636 |
| Manufacturing | 1,632 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,854 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.7 min |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Desert Hot Springs is $309,300, 10% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,339 (15% above US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $376,908.
Home Values
| Census Median | $309,300 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $376,908 |
| Median List Price | $419,995 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $419,995 |
| $/Sq Ft | $233 |
| Homes Sold | 35 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 21.2% |
| Inventory | 170 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,339 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,003 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,854 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Desert Hot Springs, 41.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.5% report depression. 32.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Desert Hot Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 14.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.8% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 70.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,817/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5,585 |
Desert Hot Springs has a violent crime rate of 598 per 100,000 residents, 57% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,130 per 100,000 (111% above US avg). The murder rate is 24.9 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Desert Hot Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 598.2/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
| Murder | 24.9/100K |
| 296% above US avg |
| Rape | 39.2/100K |
| Robbery | 181.6/100K |
| Assault | 352.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,130.2/100K |
| 111% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,719.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,506.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 904.4/100K |
| Arson | 10.7/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 341 |
| FEMA Disasters | 910 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Desert Hot Springs has an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 93°F in July. Annual precipitation is 5.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Temperature
59°F Jan (15°C)
93°F Jul (34°C)
| Annual Average | 75.2°F |
| 39% above US avg |
| January Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| July Average | 93°F (34°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 5.1 inches |
| 87% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,138 ft (347 m) |
| Area | 30.1 sq mi (78.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,088/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.9576°N, 116.5423°W |
| County FIPS | 06065 |