Desert Hot Springs is home to 33,200 people in California. Since 2000 the city has more than doubled, up 16,618 people. 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, below the 36% national rate. That trails the California median by roughly 47%. 51% of homes are owner-occupied. The median age is 34.5, younger than the US median of 38.9.
At a glance
Lower income
median household income $52,761, below the US median
US median: $82,259
Younger
median age 34.5
US median: 38.9
Less educated
17% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 36%
Less affordable
home values up 150%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $376,019
Unique to this place
What stands out about Desert Hot Springs
What changed most since 1990
Hispanic share19.5% → 63.6%(+44.1 pts)US over the same years: +9.9 pts
White share73.0% → 21.3%(−51.7 pts)US over the same years: −17.8 pts
Population11,668 → 33,200(+185%)US over the same years: +35%
Shares are "alone or in combination": a person with both Medicare and Medicaid counts in each, so categories overlap and do not sum to 100%.
Section 09 · Service history
Veterans
Veterans by period of service, 2024
Gulf War (2001 or later)21.6%(222)
US avg: 26.4%
Gulf War (1990s)15.6%(160)
US avg: 24.3%
Vietnam era39.8%(409)
US avg: 33.1%
Korean War2.5%(26)
US avg: 4.5%
World War II2.6%(27)
US avg: 1%
Share of the 1,028 veterans here. A veteran who served across eras counts in each, so shares can total more than 100%. Peacetime-only service is included in the total but not shown as an era.
BAR + DOT: THIS PLACE · TICK: US AVERAGE
Over time
Desert Hot Springs, decade by decade
Desert Hot Springs population, inflation-adjusted income and home value, education, and diversity by year
Year
Population
Median household income
Median home value
Bachelor's degree+
Diversity score
1990
11,668
$49,650
$179,525
9.2%
53.4
2000
16,582
$47,339
$142,089
8.9%
74.6
2010
25,938
$52,258
$290,591
12.7%
74.4
2020
32,512
$45,837
$264,224
15.7%
69.6
2024
33,200
$52,761
$354,800
16.7%
67.5
Census years come from the decennial census and the latest year from the American Community Survey, so part of any change between those two rows can reflect the different surveys. Dollar figures are adjusted for inflation to 2024 dollars; a figure ending in "+" was at the Census Bureau's reporting cap that year. The diversity score runs from 0 to 100; see how it's calculated.
How many people live in Desert Hot Springs, California?
Desert Hot Springs, California has about 33,200 residents according to the 2024 American Community Survey.
What is the median household income in Desert Hot Springs, California?
The typical household in Desert Hot Springs, California earns about $52,761 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.
Is Desert Hot Springs, California expensive?
In Desert Hot Springs, California, the median home is worth about $354,800, and the typical rent is about $1,412 a month.
How educated are people in Desert Hot Springs, California?
About 16.7% of adults age 25 and over in Desert Hot Springs, California hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the poverty rate in Desert Hot Springs, California?
About 18.0% of people in Desert Hot Springs, California live below the federal poverty line.
Has Desert Hot Springs, California grown since 1990?
Yes, Desert Hot Springs, California has grown since 1990. The population has added about 21,532 residents, a change of about 185 percent over that period.
