Home Value
$9,999
96% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.3%
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.6%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Furnace Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population102
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density3/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans2.9%
Economy
Per Capita$22,009
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,555M
Housing
Home Value$9,999
Ownership24.3%
Zillow$265,453
Housing Units133
Rent Burden9.0%
Health
Obesity30.6%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking14.2%
Depression22.8%
Climate
Avg Temp79°F (26°C)
AQI61 (Moderate)
Rain2.2 in/yr
Elevation-227 ft (-69 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.33
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 47%
Broadband35.1%
Libraries6
Is Furnace Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Furnace Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Furnace Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Furnace Creek is $9,999, 96% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Education
32.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Furnace Creek has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 79°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 104°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 2.2 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 61.
Furnace Creek has a population of 102 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 31.5 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.8% female and 40.2% male. The city is predominantly White (56.9%), with 22.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 3.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
102
Total Population
2023 Census
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Furnace Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Furnace Creek vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $22,009 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,174, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 863 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Furnace Creek vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $22,009 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,174 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,247 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 863 |
| County GDP | $1,555M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,831 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 48.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 5.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Furnace Creek is $9,999, 96% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,453, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 24.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 133 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $4,831 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $9,999 |
| 96% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $265,453 |
Rental Costs
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
| Homeownership | 24.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Housing Units | 133 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,831 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 48.31% |
In Furnace Creek, 30.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,459. The dentist ratio is 1:1,248. 86.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Furnace Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.6% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,459 |
| Dentists | 1:1,248 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,431/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Furnace Creek has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 79°F (26°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 104°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 2.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 61 / residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 25% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of -227 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
55°F Jan (13°C)
104°F Jul (40°C)
| Annual Average | 78.8°F |
| 46% above US avg |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 104°F (40°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | -227 ft (-69 m) |
| Area | 31.5 sq mi (81.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 3/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4277°N, 116.8747°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Inyo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Harry Reid International (LAS)
99 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
2.2"
94% below US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
0.52"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 61.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 24.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 30 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0413 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.26 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.11 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6,674 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M7.1 |
98 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M6.4 |
98 km |
| May 17, 1993 |
46km E of Big Pine, California |
M6.1 |
115 km |
| Jun 24, 2020 |
18km SSE of Lone Pine, CA |
M5.8 |
99 km |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
47 km ESE of Beatty, Nevada |
M5.8 |
60 km |
| Sep 20, 1995 |
16km NNE of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.8 |
101 km |
| Aug 1, 1999 |
37 km SSE of Goldfield, Nevada |
M5.7 |
109 km |
| Jun 4, 2020 |
17km S of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
103 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
15km ESE of Little Lake, CA |
M5.5 |
98 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
20km E of Little Lake, CA |
M5.4 |
93 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
16km W of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
97 km |
| Aug 17, 1995 |
17km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.4 |
101 km |
| Nov 27, 1996 |
27km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.3 |
80 km |
| Mar 6, 1998 |
28km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.2 |
79 km |
| Oct 3, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.2 |
88 km |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
7km ESE of Coso Junction, CA |
M5.2 |
101 km |
| Jan 7, 1996 |
16km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.2 |
102 km |
| Aug 2, 1999 |
39 km SSE of Goldfield, Nevada |
M5.1 |
107 km |
| Mar 7, 1998 |
30km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.0 |
77 km |
| Oct 1, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.0 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
3 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1987 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Ubehebe Craters (84 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Ubehebe Craters |
Maar(s) |
752 m (2,467 ft) |
-150 |
84 km |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
130 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLES FLAT (41,143 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
COLES FLAT |
41,143 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
CHERRYWOOD |
25,489 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
AIR FORCE |
20,456 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
BEATTY |
18,846 |
65 km |
| 1988 |
USAF 4 |
14,702 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
TIMBER PEAK |
10,651 |
72 km |
| 2005 |
CHINA LAKE |
10,165 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
JUNCTION RANCH |
9,337 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
CALICO |
9,274 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
9,044 |
83 km |
| 1988 |
DOE 1 |
6,884 |
70 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
6,559 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
HAPPY |
5,987 |
43 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
5,585 |
53 km |
| 2020 |
TIMBER MOUNTAIN |
4,608 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
BULLFROG |
3,614 |
54 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
3,490 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
TIMBER |
3,343 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
SAWTOOTH |
3,047 |
59 km |
| 2020 |
AREA-16 |
3,006 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
55°F (13°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
61°F (16°C) |
0.5 in |
Wettest |
| March |
70°F (21°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
78°F (26°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| May |
88°F (31°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| June |
98°F (36°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
104°F (40°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
102°F (39°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| September |
93°F (34°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
79°F (26°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| November |
64°F (18°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
Furnace Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 53°F in December to 104°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 2.2 inches, with February being the wettest month (0.5") and May the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Furnace Creek. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,563 |
| Toddler | $921 |
| Preschool | $762 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,078 |
| Toddler | $952 |
| Preschool | $884 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Creek
What is the population of Furnace Creek?
Furnace Creek has a population of 102 residents and is located in California. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 31.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.8% female and 40.2% male.
Is Furnace Creek expensive to live in?
Furnace Creek is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median home value is $9,999 (96% below the U.S. median).
What is the weather like in Furnace Creek?
Furnace Creek has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 79°F (26°C). Winter temperatures average 55°F in January, while summers reach an average of 104°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 2.2 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 61.
How is the job market in Furnace Creek?
Furnace Creek has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,174. There are 863 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Furnace Creek?
The median home value in Furnace Creek is $9,999. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,453. The homeownership rate is 24.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,831.
How are the schools in Furnace Creek?
Schools in Furnace Creek have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 32.3% of adults in Furnace Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Furnace Creek?
The obesity rate in Furnace Creek is 30.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 86.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,459.
What are the demographics of Furnace Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Furnace Creek is 56.9% White, 22.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 3.9% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.