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CITY · 2000 CENSUS

Palm Desert

California · 41,155 residents · 26.777 sq mi
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The short version

Palm Desert is wealthier than most US places, with a median household income of $48,316. The city has grown rapidly, with population up 77% since 1990. Median home value is $176,400. With a median age of 48.0, the population is older than the US median of 35.2.

At a glance
Wealthier
above the US median
US median: $42,589
Older
median age 48.0
US median: 35.2
More educated
31% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 24%
More affordable
home values down 22%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $120,530
Section 01

Population & growth

41,155
+77%since 1990
from 23,252 in 1990
1990 – 2025
1,537 / sq mi
+77%since 1990
from 868 / sq mi in 1990
US average: 242
48.0
+13%since 1990
from 42.4 in 1990
US average: 35.2
Population, 19902024
20K29K38K47K56K1990201020202024Palm Desert
202452K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

$48,316
−2%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $37,315 in 1990
US average: $42,589
1990 – 2024
$33,463
+29%since 1990
from $25,926 in 1990
US average: $21,522
9.2%
+2.1 ptssince 1990
from 7.1% in 1990
US average: 12.4%
Section 03

Housing

$176,400
−22%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $172,300 in 1990
US average: $120,530
1990 – 2024
$744
−19%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $696 in 1990
US average: $602
66.9%
+3.0 ptssince 1990
from 63.9% in 1990
33.1% rent
3.7
−21%since 1990
from 4.6 in 1990
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Palm Desert on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

1990
White, non-Hispanic91.2%(21,211)
Black1%(225)
Hispanic / Latino13.4%(3,121)
Asian1.6%(369)
Diversity Score42%(9,762)
2000
White, non-Hispanic77.6%(31,919)
Black1.1%(446)
Hispanic / Latino17.1%(7,031)
Asian2.5%(1,036)
Diversity Score43.2%(17,787)
43
+3%since 1990
from 42 in 1990
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

31.4%
+7.8 ptssince 1990
from 23.6% in 1990
US average: 24.4%
High school or higher
88.9%
+2.7 ptssince 1990
from 86.2% in 1990
US average: 80.3%
11.3%
+3.4 ptssince 1990
from 7.9% in 1990
US average: 8.8%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

13.1 min
−19%since 1990
from 16.3 min in 1990
US average: 17.6
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

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Frequently asked

How many people live in Palm Desert, California?

Palm Desert, California has about 41,155 residents according to the 2000 Census.

What is the median household income in Palm Desert, California?

The typical household in Palm Desert, California earns about $48,316 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Palm Desert, California expensive?

In Palm Desert, California, the median home is worth about $176,400, and the typical rent is about $744 a month.

How educated are people in Palm Desert, California?

About 31.4% of adults age 25 and over in Palm Desert, California hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Palm Desert, California?

About 9.2% of people in Palm Desert, California live below the federal poverty line.

Has Palm Desert, California grown since 1990?

Yes, Palm Desert, California has grown since 1990. The population has added about 17,903 residents, a change of about 77 percent over that period.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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