Palmdale City, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
164,634
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,770/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
48,467
-0.1% year-over-year change

Palmdale population

How many people live in Palmdale

Palmdale is home to 164,634 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Palmdale locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
164,634
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
81,285
Female
50.6%
83,349
Value Percent YoY change
Male 81,285 49.4% -0.1%
Female 83,349 50.6% -0.9%
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 Palmdale is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.2% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.2%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 39,924 24.2% -0.5%
15 to 24 23,652 14.4% 0.0%
25 to 44 44,811 27.2% 0.4%
45 to 64 37,903 23% -3.7%
Over 65 18,344 11.1% 3.6%
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 Palmdale, 73.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 23.4% of locals are Caucasian, 13.1% are African American and 4.8% have Asian roots. Another 1.6% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 35.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 21.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
73.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.4%
Non-citizens
11%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 121,063 73.5% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 25,378 15.4% 2.7%
Non-citizens 18,193 11% -1.1%
Racial breakdown
White
23.4%
Black or African American
13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
4.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
21.6%
Other
35.4%
Value Percent
White 38,492 23.4%
Black or African American 21,565 13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,655 1.6%
Asian 7,837 4.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 145 0.1%
Two or more races 35,644 21.6%
Other 58,296 35.4%

Households in Palmdale

A peek inside Palmdale households

Palmdale has 46,373 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 80.6% are families, while the remaining 19.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
46,373
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
9,020
Family households
37,353
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,020 19.4% 1.6%
Family households 37,353 80.6% -0.7%
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 Palmdale

The housing landscape of Palmdale

Palmdale's housing consists of 48,467 units, with 78.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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 4.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
48,467
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 38,055 78.5%
1 unit, attached 804 1.7%
2 units 355 0.7%
3 or 4 units 1,040 2.2%
5 to 9 units 1,088 2.2%
10 to 19 units 1,199 2.5%
20 to 49 units 1,255 2.6%
50 or more units 2,454 5.1%
Mobile home 2,164 4.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 53 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
248
129.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palmdale

In Palmdale, the median construction year is 1989. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 489 1% 6.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 687 1.4% 11.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,512 5.2% -3.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,880 3.9% -3.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,874 8% -0.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15,978 33% -0.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10,798 22.3% -6.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 10,034 20.7% 4.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,967 4.1% 18.1%
Built in 2020 or later 248 0.5% 129.6%
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.

Palmdale occupancy rates

Out of the 46,373 occupied housing units in Palmdale, 66.2% are owner-occupied, while 33.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
46,373
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,672
Owner occupied
30,701
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,672 33.8% -0.3%
Owner occupied 30,701 66.2% -0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
4.3%
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.

Palmdale housing costs

Housing costs in Palmdale come to a median of $1,911 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,802.

Median housing costs per month
$1,911/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 Palmdale
$1,802/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 Palmdale

Palmdale education at a glance

About 42.6% of the population in Palmdale went to high school, while 24% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 10.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11,565 10% -2.4%
High school diploma 49,423 42.6% -0.8%
College diploma 27,827 24% -3.3%
Associate degree 8,975 7.7% 1.6%
Bachelor's degree 12,661 10.9% -0.4%
Graduate degree 5,543 4.8% 3.5%
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 Palmdale

How much people earn in Palmdale

The average annual household income in Palmdale was $102,237 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,770, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palmdale
$102,237/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palmdale
$81,770/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Palmdale income by age

In Palmdale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,464. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,842 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $70,735, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,176 in earnings. Overall, 84.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $70,735 10.6%
25 - 44 $83,464 3.2%
45 - 64 $89,842 -3.4%
Over 65 $63,176 2.6%
Above poverty level
136,454
Below poverty level
25,321
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 136,454 84.4% -1.9%
Below poverty level 25,321 15.6% 8.1%

Average renter income in Palmdale

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Palmdale, their median household income was $48,868 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,868
Rent-to-income ratio
44.2%
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 Palmdale

Workforce and job types in Palmdale

The job market in Palmdale is powered by 68,267 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.1% run their own businesses, 64.8% are employed by private companies, and 17.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
68,267
-2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
49,308
Blue collar
18,959
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 49,308 72.2% -0.4%
Blue collar 18,959 27.8% -6.0%
Employer type
Self employees
11.1%
Private companies
64.8%
Governmental workers
17.6%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,550 11.1% -4.6%
Private companies 44,234 64.8% -2.7%
Governmental workers 11,993 17.6% -3.0%
Not for profit companies 4,490 6.6% 14.5%
Unemployment rate
8.3%
11.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Palmdale stands at 8.3%, 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 Palmdale

How people get around in Palmdale

In Palmdale, the average commute time is 40 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
40 min
-4.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 57,535 86.6% -2.7%
Taxicab 144 0.2% 19.0%
Bus or trolleybus 347 0.5% -39.5%
Subway or elevated 61 0.1% N/A
Railroad 140 0.2% -27.8%
Ferryboat 37 0.1% 23.3%
Motorcycle 75 0.1% -28.6%
Bicycle 57 0.1% 185.0%
Walk 480 0.7% -14.9%
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 Palmdale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93550 80,645 22,788 $62,078 $77,517
93551 54,360 16,782 $119,801 $140,426
93552 42,639 10,959 $85,954 $103,936
93591 7,051 1,878 $63,389 $79,454

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FAQs about Palmdale demographics 

What is the total population of Palmdale?

Palmdale has a total population of 164,634 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palmdale?

The gender ratio in Palmdale is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (81,285 residents)
  • 50.6% females (83,349 residents)

What is the median age in Palmdale?

The median age in Palmdale is 33.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palmdale?

The age distribution in Palmdale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.2% (39,924 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (23,652 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (44,811 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (37,903 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.1% (18,344 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palmdale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmdale is as follows:
  • White: 23.4% (38,492 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.1% (21,565 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (2,655 residents)
  • Asian: 4.8% (7,837 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (145 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.6% (35,644 residents)
  • Other: 35.4% (58,296 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 73.5% of the population in Palmdale.

How many housing units are there in Palmdale?

There are 48,467 housing units in Palmdale, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Palmdale has a total of 46,373 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palmdale?

Palmdale has a median household income of $81,770, representing a +0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Palmdale?

The employment rate is 91.7% in Palmdale, with a workforce of 68,267 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.2% (49,308 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.8% (18,959 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.1% (7,550 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.8% (44,234 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.6% (11,993 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (4,490 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