Palm Desert, CA Census Data
Key demographic and economic indicators for Palm Desert, California from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-03-23 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
51,551
47.3% male · 52.7% female
Median Age
56.7
18.0 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$79,508
970.0 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
39.9%
4.9 above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 92.7%
Poverty Rate
11.3%
1.1 below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.9%
Broadband Access
96.6%
6.9 above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$491,600
Median rent: $1,717 · 64% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Labor force participation: 46.3%
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Palm Desert, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Palm Desert, CA?
The population of Palm Desert, CA is 51,551 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 56.7 years.
What is the median household income in Palm Desert?
The median household income in Palm Desert, CA is $79,508, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $46,060.
What is the poverty rate in Palm Desert?
The poverty rate in Palm Desert, CA is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Palm Desert residents have a college degree?
39.9% of adults (25+) in Palm Desert hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 92.7% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Palm Desert?
The median home value in Palm Desert, CA is $491,600. Median rent is $1,717 per month, with 64% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Palm Desert?
Palm Desert's population is 68.3% White, 2.2% Black, 26.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).