Palm Springs, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
45,070
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,119/yr
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
36,813
-0.4% year-over-year change

Palm Springs population

How many people live in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is home to 45,070 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 61.4% of Palm Springs locals are male, and 38.6% are female.

Total population
45,070
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
61.4%
27,685
Female
38.6%
17,385
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,685 61.4% 1.8%
Female 17,385 38.6% -2.3%
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 Palm Springs is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.5% are children under 15, then 6.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.1% of the population, while another 34.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 35.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
58.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.5%
15 to 24
6.4%
25 to 44
17.1%
45 to 64
34.7%
Over 65
35.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,936 6.5% -7.0%
15 to 24 2,892 6.4% -5.9%
25 to 44 7,689 17.1% 3.4%
45 to 64 15,636 34.7% -3.1%
Over 65 15,917 35.3% 4.7%
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 Palm Springs, 79.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66% of locals are Caucasian, 4.5% are African American and 5.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
79.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.4%
Non-citizens
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 35,827 79.5% -2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,128 11.4% 0.9%
Non-citizens 4,115 9.1% 23.1%
Racial breakdown
White
66%
Black or African American
4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
5.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
15.7%
Other
7.5%
Value Percent
White 29,768 66%
Black or African American 2,035 4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 317 0.7%
Asian 2,406 5.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 114 0.2%
Two or more races 7,067 15.7%
Other 3,363 7.5%

Households in Palm Springs

A peek inside Palm Springs households

Palm Springs has 24,567 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 42.2% are families, while the remaining 57.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
24,567
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
14,187
Family households
10,380
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 14,187 57.8% 0.3%
Family households 10,380 42.2% 2.3%
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 Palm Springs

The housing landscape of Palm Springs

Palm Springs's housing consists of 36,813 units, with 38.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 16.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
36,813
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,275 38.8%
1 unit, attached 5,975 16.2%
2 units 829 2.2%
3 or 4 units 2,749 7.5%
5 to 9 units 3,512 9.5%
10 to 19 units 3,148 8.6%
20 to 49 units 1,702 4.6%
50 or more units 2,298 6.2%
Mobile home 2,289 6.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 36 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
404
40.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palm Springs

In Palm Springs, the median construction year is 1977. About 2.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 922 2.5% -3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 842 2.3% -1.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,950 10.7% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,136 14% 0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,142 27.6% 2.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,537 23.2% -5.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,965 5.3% 13.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,252 8.8% -8.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,663 4.5% 7.0%
Built in 2020 or later 404 1.1% 40.3%
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.

Palm Springs occupancy rates

Out of the 24,567 occupied housing units in Palm Springs, 65.9% are owner-occupied, while 34.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 33.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
24,567
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,383
Owner occupied
16,184
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,383 34.1% -1.4%
Owner occupied 16,184 65.9% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
33.3%
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.

Palm Springs housing costs

Housing costs in Palm Springs come to a median of $1,598 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,562.

Median housing costs per month
$1,598/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 Palm Springs
$1,562/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 Palm Springs

Palm Springs education at a glance

About 23.2% of the population in Palm Springs went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 24% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,317 3.2% 6.0%
High school diploma 9,635 23.2% 5.5%
College diploma 9,883 23.8% -3.0%
Associate degree 3,095 7.4% 3.4%
Bachelor's degree 9,958 24% -1.3%
Graduate degree 7,644 18.4% 1.4%
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 Palm Springs

How much people earn in Palm Springs

The average annual household income in Palm Springs was $123,072 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,119, reflecting a +1.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palm Springs
$123,072/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palm Springs
$73,119/year
1.6% year-over-year change

Palm Springs income by age

In Palm Springs, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,658. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $88,114 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,256, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,437 in earnings. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,256 -1.6%
25 - 44 $85,658 11.2%
45 - 64 $88,114 2.5%
Over 65 $60,437 -4.4%
Above poverty level
39,275
Below poverty level
5,186
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 39,275 88.3% 2.2%
Below poverty level 5,186 11.7% -14.0%

Average renter income in Palm Springs

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Palm Springs, their median household income was $47,436 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,436
Rent-to-income ratio
39.5%
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 Palm Springs

Workforce and job types in Palm Springs

The job market in Palm Springs is powered by 19,707 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.2% run their own businesses, 61.1% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
19,707
1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
16,520
Blue collar
3,187
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 16,520 83.8% -0.2%
Blue collar 3,187 16.2% 10.7%
Employer type
Self employees
18.2%
Private companies
61.1%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,577 18.2% 2.4%
Private companies 12,033 61.1% 0.7%
Governmental workers 2,200 11.2% -0.7%
Not for profit companies 1,897 9.6% 7.4%
Unemployment rate
7.7%
-4.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Palm Springs stands at 7.7%, 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 Palm Springs

How people get around in Palm Springs

Commuting methods vary: 68.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% 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 13,171 68.2% -0.2%
Taxicab 15 0.1% 150.0%
Bus or trolleybus 211 1.1% 7.1%
Subway or elevated 44 0.2% N/A
Ferryboat 3 0% 50.0%
Motorcycle 61 0.3% 1.7%
Bicycle 95 0.5% 0.0%
Walk 445 2.3% -8.8%
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 Palm Springs by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92262 26,887 13,590 $71,672 $115,869
92264 19,899 11,448 $77,688 $132,448

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FAQs about Palm Springs demographics 

What is the total population of Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a total population of 45,070 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palm Springs?

The gender ratio in Palm Springs is as follows:
  • 61.4% males (27,685 residents)
  • 38.6% females (17,385 residents)

What is the median age in Palm Springs?

The median age in Palm Springs is 58.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palm Springs?

The age distribution in Palm Springs is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.5% (2,936 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.4% (2,892 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.1% (7,689 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.7% (15,636 residents)
  • Over 65: 35.3% (15,917 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palm Springs?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palm Springs is as follows:
  • White: 66% (29,768 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.5% (2,035 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (317 residents)
  • Asian: 5.3% (2,406 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (114 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.7% (7,067 residents)
  • Other: 7.5% (3,363 residents)

What percentage of the population in Palm Springs are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 79.5% of the population in Palm Springs.

How many housing units are there in Palm Springs?

There are 36,813 housing units in Palm Springs, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Palm Springs and what is the average household size?

Palm Springs has a total of 24,567 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a median household income of $73,119, representing a +1.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Palm Springs?

The employment rate is 92.3% in Palm Springs, with a workforce of 19,707 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.8% (16,520 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.2% (3,187 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.2% (3,577 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.1% (12,033 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (2,200 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (1,897 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