Desert Center, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
144
-13.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,393/yr
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
199
-1.0% year-over-year change

Desert Center population

How many people live in Desert Center

Desert Center is home to 144 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 61.8% of Desert Center locals are male, and 38.2% are female.

Total population
144
-13.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
61.8%
89
Female
38.2%
55
Value Percent YoY change
Male 89 61.8% -8.2%
Female 55 38.2% -21.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Desert Center is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.4% are children under 15, then 4.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.7% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.4%
15 to 24
4.9%
25 to 44
34.7%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
25.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 15 10.4% 15.4%
15 to 24 7 4.9% 0.0%
25 to 44 50 34.7% -9.1%
45 to 64 35 24.3% -35.2%
Over 65 37 25.7% -2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Desert Center, 96.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56.2% of locals are Caucasian, 9% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 139 96.5% -9.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 1.4% -81.8%
Non-citizens 3 2.1% 50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
56.2%
Black or African American
9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.8%
Other
20.1%
Value Percent
White 81 56.2%
Black or African American 13 9%
Asian 4 2.8%
Two or more races 17 11.8%
Other 29 20.1%

Households in Desert Center

A peek inside Desert Center households

Desert Center has 57 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.6% are families, while the remaining 47.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
57
-10.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
27
Family households
30
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 27 47.4% 28.6%
Family households 30 52.6% -30.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Desert Center

The housing landscape of Desert Center

Desert Center's housing consists of 199 units, with 32.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 67.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
199
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 64 32.2%
Mobile home 135 67.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Desert Center

In Desert Center, the median construction year is 1983. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 23 11.6% 21.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 36 18.1% -18.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 31 15.6% 82.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 32 16.1% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 35 17.6% -18.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 19 9.6% -13.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 23 11.6% -8.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Desert Center occupancy rates

Out of the 57 occupied housing units in Desert Center, 54.4% are owner-occupied, while 45.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 71.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
57
-10.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
26
Owner occupied
31
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 26 45.6% 23.8%
Owner occupied 31 54.4% -27.9%
Unoccupied housing units
71.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Desert Center housing costs

Housing costs in Desert Center come to a median of $900 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,135.

Median housing costs per month
$900/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Desert Center
$1,135/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Desert Center

Desert Center education at a glance

About 58.3% of the population in Desert Center went to high school, while 17.3% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 16.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3 2.4% 50.0%
High school diploma 74 58.3% -20.4%
College diploma 22 17.3% -4.3%
Associate degree 5 3.9% -58.3%
Bachelor's degree 21 16.5% 50.0%
Graduate degree 2 1.6% -75.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Desert Center

How much people earn in Desert Center

The average annual household income in Desert Center was $67,275 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,393, reflecting a +0.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Desert Center
$67,275/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Desert Center
$73,393/year
0.7% year-over-year change

Desert Center income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,250 overall. Overall, 68.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $86,250 16.9%
Over 65 $38,654 5.1%
Above poverty level
98
Below poverty level
46
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 98 68.1% -16.2%
Below poverty level 46 31.9% -8.0%

Average renter income in Desert Center

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Desert Center, their median household income was $99,792 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 13.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$99,792
Rent-to-income ratio
13.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Desert Center

Workforce and job types in Desert Center

The job market in Desert Center is powered by 51 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 43.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 56.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
51
0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
22
Blue collar
29
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 22 43.1% -8.3%
Blue collar 29 56.9% 7.4%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
96.1%
Governmental workers
0%
Not for profit companies
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 49 96.1% -2.0%
Not for profit companies 2 3.9% 100.0%
Unemployment rate
13.6%
-11.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Desert Center stands at 13.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Desert Center

How people get around in Desert Center

Commuting methods vary: 66.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 25.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 34 66.7% 3.0%
Walk 13 25.5% -13.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Desert Center by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92239 144 57 $73,393 $67,275

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FAQs about Desert Center demographics 

What is the total population of Desert Center?

Desert Center has a total population of 144 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -13.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Desert Center?

The gender ratio in Desert Center is as follows:
  • 61.8% males (89 residents)
  • 38.2% females (55 residents)

What is the median age in Desert Center?

The median age in Desert Center is 45.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Desert Center?

The age distribution in Desert Center is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.4% (15 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.9% (7 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.7% (50 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (35 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.7% (37 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Desert Center?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Desert Center is as follows:
  • White: 56.2% (81 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9% (13 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.8% (17 residents)
  • Other: 20.1% (29 residents)

What percentage of the population in Desert Center are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.5% of the population in Desert Center.

How many housing units are there in Desert Center?

There are 199 housing units in Desert Center, reflecting a -1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Desert Center and what is the average household size?

Desert Center has a total of 57 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Desert Center?

Desert Center has a median household income of $73,393, representing a +0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Desert Center?

The employment rate is 86.4% in Desert Center, with a workforce of 51 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 43.1% (22 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 56.9% (29 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 96.1% (49 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 0% (0 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.9% (2 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025