Palm Desert, CA Census Data
The 182nd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Palm Desert is the 182nd largest city in California by population and ranks 142nd of 188 for median household income. With 51,551 residents, its poverty rate of 11.3% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · 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 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%
Per Capita Income
$46,060
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.4%
Disability rate: 16.6%
How Palm Desert Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 182nd of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 142nd of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 112th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 67th of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 149th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
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).
How does Palm Desert rank among California cities?
Palm Desert is the 182nd largest city in California by population, the 142nd highest for median household income, the 112th lowest for poverty rate, the 67th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Palm Desert?
The unemployment rate in Palm Desert, CA is 6.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 46.3%. Per capita income is $46,060.
Cities Similar to Palm Desert
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.