Palm Desert, California

California community balancing growth and livability

Pacific Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Metro

WhereAtHome Score

66

D

out of 100

Overview

Palm Desert is a California city with a population of approximately 51,951, part of the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $544,379. Median household income is $75,691.

Key Highlights

  • Population of approximately 51,951 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $544,379 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $75,691 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 22.4 minutes
  • Part of the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro area

Key Metrics

Population 2023

51,951

Source: Census ACS

$544,379

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$75,691

Source: Census ACS

22.4 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2026

28

Source: Walk Score

136 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: AreaVibes / BLS

2024 Presidential Election

Riverside County (county-level results)

48%
49%
Democrat 451,782
Republican 463,677
Leans R+1.3

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 37.7/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 38.3/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 65.6/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 50/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 28/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 41.4/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 66

Location

Palm Desert, CA (33.7611, -116.3249)
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Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.