California · Metropolitan Area
Palm Desert is a mid-size city in California with a population of 51,551. Residents earn $79,508 per year, which is 6% above the national average.
Based on current data, Palm Desert receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Palm Desert offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Palm Desert is $79,508, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
The median home value in Palm Desert is $491,600, making it a premium housing market at 74% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,717 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 6.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Violent crime in Palm Desert is below the national average at 275 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,273 per 100,000, 118% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Palm Desert has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F. Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 94°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 2.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 76.4% |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 23.6% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $79,508 |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $57,793 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,149 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,983 |
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 86,446 |
| County GDP | $134,757M |
| Restaurants | 4,533 |
| Healthcare | 5,585 |
| Retail | 5,636 |
| Manufacturing | 1,632 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,854 |
| 96% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.39% |
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 14.1% |
| Census Median | $491,600 |
| 74% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $549,226 |
| Median List Price | $650,000 |
| Median List Price | $650,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $334 |
| Homes Sold | 120 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.3% |
| Price Drops | 27.2% |
| Inventory | 764 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,717 |
| 48% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,602 |
| Rent Burden | 34.6% |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.4% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,854 |
| 96% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.39% |
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,817/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5,585 |
| Total Violent | 274.7/100K |
| 28% below US avg | |
| Murder | 2.0/100K |
| 69% below US avg | |
| Rape | 9.8/100K |
| Robbery | 78.5/100K |
| Assault | 184.4/100K |
| Total Property | 4,273.0/100K |
| 118% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,098.7/100K |
| Theft | 2,989.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 184.4/100K |
| Arson | 7.9/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 341 |
| FEMA Disasters | 910 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 76.0°F |
| 41% above US avg | |
| January Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| July Average | 94°F (35°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 2.9 inches |
| 92% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 180 ft (55 m) |
| Area | 26.8 sq mi (69.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,925/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.7376°N, 116.3641°W |
| County FIPS | 06065 |
Winner: Republican by 1.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 39.9% |
| 18% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.7% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 1,925/sq mi |
| Total Area | 26.8 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 90.6% |
| EV Charging Stations | 31 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 36 |
| Public Libraries | 60 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5,585 |
| Restaurants | 4,533 |
| Retail Stores | 5,636 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 341 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 910 |
| Avg Commute | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 14.1% |