Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Ratings
AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Located in the state of California, Palm Desert is a moderately-sized city with a population of 54,248 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Palm Desert is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. In Palm Desert, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 55, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Palm Desert will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Palm Desert, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Palm Desert, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, employment, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Palm Desert has received a livability score of 51 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 13th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, this city has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Palm Desert ranks well for education (A-), employment (B+) and housing (B) Unfortunately for Palm Desert, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (D-) and cost of living (F).
The Palm Desert unemployment rate of 2.3% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Palm Desert can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Palm Desert meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Palm Desert. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Palm Desert are simply unattainable. The median home price for Palm Desert homes is $657,068, which is 10.2% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Palm Desert, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.9, which is 10.4% lower than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Palm Desert | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 69.2% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.5% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.8% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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