Desert Palms CDP, California Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Desert Palms CDP is a small city located in California. The total population is 6,522. It ranks as the 596th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.

Age Demographics

The median age in Desert Palms CDP is 76.2 years. This is 103% higher than the state median of 37.6 years. Only 0.5% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 54.4% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Desert Palms CDP is $81,954. This is 15% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 4% higher. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%. This is 21% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 8.8%. This is 38% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $526,500. Housing costs are 24% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.4x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 83.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 50% higher than the state average of 55.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Desert Palms CDP has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (89.5% vs 34.6%). The Black or African American population (2.5%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.5%) is well below the state average of 39.8%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.

Education

48.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 34% higher than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.5%. Notably, 19.0% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Desert Palms CDP, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.