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

Total population
801
75.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$37,212/yr
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
276
14.5% year-over-year change

Desert Shores population

How many people live in Desert Shores

Desert Shores is home to 801 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 59.6% of Desert Shores locals are male, and 40.4% are female.

Total population
801
75.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
59.6%
477
Female
40.4%
324
Value Percent YoY change
Male 477 59.6% 85.6%
Female 324 40.4% 62.0%
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 Shores is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.7% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31% of the population, while another 30.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.7%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
31%
45 to 64
30.8%
Over 65
21.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 70 8.7% 32.1%
15 to 24 67 8.4% 235.0%
25 to 44 248 31% 145.5%
45 to 64 247 30.8% 61.4%
Over 65 169 21.1% 30.0%
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 Shores, 57.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 26% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 34.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
57.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
26%
Non-citizens
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 461 57.6% 65.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 208 26% 126.1%
Non-citizens 132 16.5% 51.7%
Racial breakdown
White
38.7%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
34.6%
Other
26.7%
Value Percent
White 310 38.7%
Two or more races 277 34.6%
Other 214 26.7%

Households in Desert Shores

A peek inside Desert Shores households

Desert Shores has 249 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.7% are families, while the remaining 31.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
249
39.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
78
Family households
171
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 78 31.3% -1.3%
Family households 171 68.7% 72.7%
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 Shores

The housing landscape of Desert Shores

Desert Shores's housing consists of 276 units, with 73.9% 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 26.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
276
14.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 204 73.9%
Mobile home 72 26.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Desert Shores

In Desert Shores, 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 17 6.2% -5.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 35 12.7% N/A
Built between 1970 and 1979 59 21.4% 11.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 81 29.4% -23.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 75 27.2% 31.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 9 3.3% 28.6%
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 Shores occupancy rates

Meanwhile, 9.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
249
39.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
0
Owner occupied
249
Value Percent YoY
change
Owner occupied 249 100% 39.9%
Unoccupied housing units
9.8%
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 Shores housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$440/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.

Education in Desert Shores

Desert Shores education at a glance

About 58.7% of the population in Desert Shores went to high school, while 10.1% pursued college studies. Another 2.2% earned an associate degree and 2.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 172 24% 14.7%
High school diploma 420 58.7% 101.9%
College diploma 72 10.1% 125.0%
Associate degree 16 2.2% 220.0%
Bachelor's degree 20 2.8% 900.0%
Graduate degree 16 2.2% 700.0%
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 Shores

How much people earn in Desert Shores

The average annual household income in Desert Shores was $69,274 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +13.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $37,212, reflecting a +0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Desert Shores
$69,274/year
13.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Desert Shores
$37,212/year
0.3% year-over-year change

Desert Shores income by age

Overall, 94.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $45,707 0.6%
Above poverty level
757
Below poverty level
44
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 757 94.5% 82.8%
Below poverty level 44 5.5% 2.3%

Employment in Desert Shores

Workforce and job types in Desert Shores

The job market in Desert Shores is powered by 391 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 46% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 54% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.1% run their own businesses, 79.5% are employed by private companies, and 16.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
391
70.7% year-over-year change
White collar
180
Blue collar
211
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 180 46% 157.1%
Blue collar 211 54% 32.7%
Employer type
Self employees
4.1%
Private companies
79.5%
Governmental workers
16.4%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 16 4.1% 700.0%
Private companies 311 79.5% 38.2%
Governmental workers 64 16.4% 3,100.0%
Unemployment rate
3.9%
220.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Desert Shores stands at 3.9%, 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 Shores

How people get around in Desert Shores

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 391 100% 70.7%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Desert Shores demographics 

What is the total population of Desert Shores?

Desert Shores has a total population of 801 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 +75.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Desert Shores?

The gender ratio in Desert Shores is as follows:
  • 59.6% males (477 residents)
  • 40.4% females (324 residents)

What is the median age in Desert Shores?

The median age in Desert Shores is 47.4.

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

The age distribution in Desert Shores is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.7% (70 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (67 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31% (248 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.8% (247 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.1% (169 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Desert Shores?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Desert Shores is as follows:
  • White: 38.7% (310 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 34.6% (277 residents)
  • Other: 26.7% (214 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 57.6% of the population in Desert Shores.

How many housing units are there in Desert Shores?

There are 276 housing units in Desert Shores, reflecting a +14.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Desert Shores has a total of 249 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Desert Shores?

Desert Shores has a median household income of $37,212, representing a +0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.1% in Desert Shores, with a workforce of 391 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 46% (180 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 54% (211 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.1% (16 residents)
  • Private companies: 79.5% (311 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.4% (64 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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