Desert Shores CDP, California Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Desert Shores CDP is a small community located in California. The total population is 457. It ranks as the 1239th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.

Age Demographics

The median age in Desert Shores CDP is 52.7 years. This is 40% higher than the state median of 37.6 years. Only 12.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 21.7% 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 Shores CDP is $37,083. This is 62% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 53% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%. This is 21% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.1%. This is 67% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $169,400. Housing costs are 76% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x. 100.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 79% higher than the state average of 55.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Desert Shores CDP is Hispanic or Latino, making up 76.8% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 23.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (76.8% vs 39.8%).

Education

0.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 99% lower 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 53.1%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Desert Shores 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.