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Is Palm Desert a Good Place to Live? Palm Desert, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Palm Desert ranks #928 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #387 of 524 smaller cities and #121 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (138 per 100,000, #87 of 442) and short commutes (21 min, #119 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (6.1%, #438 of 476).
Palm Desert by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Palm Desert's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,778/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $538,918, 29% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Palm Desert | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 106.4#993 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $538,918#878 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,677/mo#958 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $542,000#1017 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,778/mo#945 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7x#1148 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 27.5%#1168 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Palm Desert housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Palm Desert is in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Palm Desert safe?
Palm Desert recorded 138 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 63% below the US rate of 373 and 69% below California's 440. That ranks #210 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #87 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palm Desert Police Department. Property crime runs 2,095 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Palm Desert | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 138#210 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,095#735 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Palm Desert?
The median household in Palm Desert earns $77,513, 1% above the US figure of $76,827 and 16% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.2%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Palm Desert | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $77,513#663 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 6.1%#985 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11%#571 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Palm Desert?
The median resident of Palm Desert is 57.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #450 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Palm Desert | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 57.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 40.7%#450 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 65% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Palm Desert's schools and health?
Palm Desert's 6 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 25.6 students per teacher and $17,070 spent per pupil. 33.5% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Palm Desert | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 25.6#1175 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,070#407 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.5%#655 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.9%#358 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,112 students are enrolled in Palm Desert's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Palm Desert?
The average commute in Palm Desert is 21 minutes (California 25.2); 0.7% of workers take transit and 14.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Palm Desert scores 11.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #574 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 92.4°F and winters 59.3°F, with 2.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Palm Desert | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21 min#422 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.3%#614 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 14.9% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.1#574 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 70.3 | 46.8 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 73.3 | 51 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 79.9 | 57.2 | 0.3 |
| Apr | 85.8 | 63.1 | 0.1 |
| May | 93.1 | 69.3 | 0 |
| Jun | 101.7 | 76.6 | 0 |
| Jul | 105.8 | 82.5 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 105.2 | 82.5 | 0.3 |
| Sep | 100.8 | 76.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 90.5 | 65.8 | 0.2 |
| Nov | 78 | 53 | 0.2 |
| Dec | 68.8 | 45.3 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Indio Fire Stn.
| Measure | Palm Desert | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 76°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 92.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 59.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 2.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Indio Fire Stn.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Palm Desert?
Riverside County's air had a median air quality index of 80, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 109 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Riverside County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Palm Desert | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 80#1123 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 109#1108 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.49%#1283 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Riverside County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Riverside County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.078% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.24% | 98% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Palm Desert compare with similar-size cities?
Palm Desert is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #387 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 51,990.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Desert, CAPop. 51,990 | #928 | 51.3 | $77,513 | $1,778/mo | 138 | 21 min |
| Westchester, FLPop. 52,032 | #1063 | 48.6 | $72,262 | $1,819/mo | no data | 29.6 min |
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #498 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 | 34.5 min |
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #13 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data | 33.5 min |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #426 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 | 19.4 min |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #556 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 | 25.8 min |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #132 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 | 24.9 min |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #836 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 | 31.2 min |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #1076 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 | 24.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Palm Desert compare with the rest of California?
Palm Desert ranks #121 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 16% below the California median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Glendale, CAPop. 190,748 | … #117 | 51.7 | $88,393 | $2,182/mo | 234 |
| Downey, CAPop. 110,939 | #118 | 51.7 | $90,699 | $1,937/mo | 300 |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #119 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 |
| La Mesa, CAPop. 60,797 | #120 | 51.3 | $95,028 | $2,049/mo | 397 |
| Palm Desert, CAPop. 51,990 | #121 | 51.3 | $77,513 | $1,778/mo | 138 |
| Whittier, CAPop. 86,165 | #122 | 51.2 | $97,201 | $1,906/mo | 395 |
| Fairfield, CAPop. 120,785 | #123 | 51.1 | $101,895 | $2,266/mo | 522 |
| Cathedral City, CAPop. 52,267 | #124 | 50.9 | $73,572 | $1,601/mo | 334 |
| Hanford, CAPop. 59,754 | #125 | 50.8 | $76,461 | $1,309/mo | 345 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Palm Desert among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Palm Desert's score calculated?
Palm Desert scores 51.3 out of 100, #928 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Palm Desert. Similar-size median 55.5.
41.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Palm Desert's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
82.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Palm Desert. Similar-size median 58.9.
56.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Palm Desert's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
47.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Palm Desert's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
49.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Palm Desert. Similar-size median 56.1.
53.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Palm Desert. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Palm Desert. Similar-size median 50.0.
53.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Palm Desert's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
53.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
1.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Palm Desert's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Palm Desert has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Palm Desert
Is Palm Desert, CA a good place to live?
Palm Desert ranks #928 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #387 of 524 smaller cities and #121 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (138 per 100,000, #87 of 442) and short commutes (21 min, #119 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (6.1%, #438 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,778/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $538,918, 29% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert recorded 138 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 63% below the US rate of 373 and 69% below California's 440. That ranks #210 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #87 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palm Desert Police Department. Property crime runs 2,095 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Palm Desert?
The median household in Palm Desert earns $77,513, 1% above the US figure of $76,827 and 16% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.2%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Palm Desert?
Median rent in Palm Desert is $1,778/mo (Census), #945 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,677/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Palm Desert?
Zillow's typical home value in Palm Desert is $538,918, down 1.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $542,000.
How are the public schools in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert's 6 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 25.6 students per teacher and $17,070 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Palm Desert?
The average commute is 21 minutes, #422 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 5.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert averages 76°F over the year, 92.4°F in summer and 59.3°F in winter, with 2.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Palm Desert walkable?
Palm Desert scores 11.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #574 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Palm Desert at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Riverside County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Palm Desert?
Riverside County's air had a median air quality index of 80, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 109 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert has 51,990 residents. The median resident of Palm Desert is 57.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #450 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Palm Desert compare with the rest of California?
Palm Desert ranks #121 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 16% below the California median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Palm Desert?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Palm Desert's population of 51,990 are Westchester, FL (#1063 overall), West New York, NJ (#498 overall), Levittown, NY (#13 overall), Columbus, IN (#426 overall), and Florissant, MO (#556 overall). Palm Desert is #928.