Median Income
$43,977
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
632/100K
66% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.4%
15% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Mountain Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population50
Median Age72.8 yrs
Density27/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans50.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$43,977
Per Capita$41,504
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$134,757M
Housing
Ownership65.1%
Zillow$574,351
Housing Units52
Rent Burden34.0%
Crime
F
Violent632/100K
Property5,833/100K
Health
Obesity27.4%
Uninsured4.6%
Smoking8.8%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain24.5 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation4,600 ft (1,402 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+13.6%
School Score4.58
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 48%
Broadband43.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries60
Is Mountain Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mountain Center receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Mountain Center has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mountain Center is $43,977, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
With 632 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,833 per 100,000, 198% above the national average.
Education
12.0% 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 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Mountain Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches, including 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Mountain Center has a population of 50 with a density of 27 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 72.8 years, 87% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42% female and 58% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 50.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 56.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
72.8yrs
Median Age
87% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mountain Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mountain Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mountain Center is $43,977, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,504. The average weekly wage is $1,149, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 86,446 business establishments, including 4,533 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 28.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mountain Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,977 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,504 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,149 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,983 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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 |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 71.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $574,351. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $6,854 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 65.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.9% |
| Housing Units | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,854 |
| 96% above US avg |
In Mountain Center, 27.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 25.4% have high blood pressure. 8.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 13.2% report binge drinking. 15.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.4% report depression. 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 4.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,164. The dentist ratio is 1:1,734. 89.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mountain Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.4% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.4% |
| Asthma | 8.4% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 8.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.7% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 28.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 4.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,164 |
| Dentists | 1:1,734 |
| Mental Health | 1:353 |
| Checkup Rate | 59.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,817/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5,585 |
Mountain Center has a violent crime rate of 632 per 100,000 residents, 66% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,833 per 100,000, 198% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 341 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 910 federally declared disasters. Overall, Mountain Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mountain Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 632.2/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,833.1/100K |
| 198% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 341 |
| Traffic Accidents | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 910 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mountain Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 328 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 4,600 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,600 ft (1,402 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 27/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.7107°N, 116.7233°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Riverside County County |
| Nearest Airport | Palm Springs International (PSP) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.5"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0519 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 14.2 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.24 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.26 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very High |
| Risk Score | 99.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very High |
| Wildfire |
Very High |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14,249 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 28, 2025.
| Jun 28, 1992 |
The 1992 Landers, California Earthquake |
M7.3 |
61 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
The 1999 Hector Mine, California Earthquake |
M7.1 |
108 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
The 1992 Big Bear, California Earthquake |
M6.3 |
56 km |
| Apr 23, 1992 |
The 1992 Joshua Tree, California Earthquake |
M6.1 |
47 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
The 1991 Sierra Madre, California Earthquake |
M5.8 |
133 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
3km NE of Yucca Valley, California |
M5.8 |
55 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
13km WSW of Ludlow, CA |
M5.8 |
115 km |
| Jun 15, 2010 |
8km ESE of Ocotillo, CA |
M5.7 |
135 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
2km SSW of Joshua Tree, California |
M5.7 |
59 km |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
3km ESE of Yucca Valley, California |
M5.7 |
53 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
7km ENE of Running Springs, CA |
M5.6 |
66 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
11km SSE of Big Bear Lake, California |
M5.5 |
52 km |
| Feb 28, 1990 |
The 1990 Upland, California Earthquake |
M5.5 |
102 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
0km E of Yucca Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
53 km |
| Jul 5, 1992 |
21km SW of Ludlow, California |
M5.4 |
104 km |
| Jul 7, 2010 |
20km NNW of Borrego Springs, CA |
M5.4 |
40 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
4km NNW of Brawley, CA |
M5.4 |
134 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
26km NNW of Yucca Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
73 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
32km SSW of Ludlow, California |
M5.4 |
92 km |
| Jul 1, 1992 |
24km N of Yucca Valley, California |
M5.3 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
60 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 17 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 9, 1978 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1982 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2015 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2008 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 2005 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 29, 1998 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1982 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1978 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 1974 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1974 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 1961 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1958 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 2022 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 2018 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 2015 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2015 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.2 m (4 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1862 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
1.2 m |
— |
121 km |
| 1855 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
134 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Salton Buttes (118 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Salton Buttes |
Lava dome(s) |
-40 m (-131 ft) |
210 |
118 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CEDAR (268,362 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
CEDAR |
268,362 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
WITCH |
167,551 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
OLD |
90,180 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
MILLARD |
86,585 |
46 km |
| 2002 |
PINES |
65,407 |
64 km |
| 1999 |
WILLOW |
63,525 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
PARADISE |
55,995 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
GRAND PRIX |
50,799 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
POOMACHA |
47,496 |
49 km |
| 2006 |
ESPERANZA |
40,566 |
22 km |
| 2016 |
BLUE CUT |
36,856 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
YELLOW |
33,232 |
77 km |
| 2020 |
APPLE |
32,374 |
38 km |
| 2015 |
LAKE |
30,421 |
49 km |
| 2008 |
FREEWAY COMPLEX |
29,350 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
FAIRVIEW |
28,680 |
14 km |
| 2013 |
MOUNTAIN |
28,202 |
9 km |
| 2007 |
SANTIAGO |
27,605 |
87 km |
| 1998 |
EDNA |
27,561 |
33 km |
| 2020 |
INDIA |
24,193 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Mountain Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 28°F / from 43°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 23.1 inches, with January being the wettest month (3.9") and June the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Mountain Center. 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 | $1,752 |
| Toddler | $1,031 |
| Preschool | $817 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,001 |
| Toddler | $933 |
| Preschool | $883 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Center
What is the population of Mountain Center?
Mountain Center has a population of 50 residents and is located in California. The population density is 27 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 72.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42% female and 58% male.
Is Mountain Center expensive to live in?
Mountain Center is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,977, 41% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Mountain Center safe?
Public safety is a concern in Mountain Center, with a violent crime rate of 632 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,833 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mountain Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mountain Center?
Mountain Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.5 inches, with 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Mountain Center?
The job market in Mountain Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,149. There are 86,446 business establishments in the area, including 4,533 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Mountain Center?
Schools in Mountain Center have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.0% of adults in Mountain Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 13.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mountain Center?
The obesity rate in Mountain Center is 27.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.8% of adults are smokers. 15.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 4.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,164.
What are the demographics of Mountain Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mountain Center is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 50.0% of the population are military veterans. 56.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.