History of Palm Desert 

The City of Palm Desert, California, incorporated November 26, 1973, is centered in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Palm Desert is known as the cultural and retail center of the desert communities.

In 1997, voters approved changing Palm Desert's designation from general law to a Charter City in order to preserve the historical principles of self-governance and derive the resulting social, economic, and fiscal benefits from local control. The City of Palm Desert, California employs the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of five citizens elected to staggered four-year terms, with the position of Mayor rotating annually among the Council members. It is their job to legislate and determine policy.

The City Council appoints several key officials to advise them directly, of which the most critical is the City Manager, who appoints staff and supervises the daily administration of municipal affairs. Citizen-commissions and committees also aid the Council. All final decisions are made publicly and after open discussion at formal City Council meetings.

The City of Palm Desert, California is rated one of the safest cities in Southern California. The Police Department is contracted through the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The fire and paramedic service is similarly contracted with Riverside County Fire.

To learn more about the incorporation of Palm Desert, please click here for a detailed history. 

Palm Desert Official Flora and Fauna

• Official Bird:  Mourning Dove 
• Official Tree: Desert Willow
• Official Flower: Verbena 

Mission Statement

The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities, and programs for the benefit of the community.

Envision Palm Desert Community Vision Statement

Palm Desert is the heart of California's Coachella Valley. Palm Desert's outstanding quality of life offers residents and visitors of all ages a wide array of recreational, educational, shopping, housing, and entertainment opportunities as well as arts and cultural activities and world-class events in a uniquely beautiful desert environment. This premier resort destination is a thriving, safe, and sustainable community that attracts innovative employers by virtue of its diverse, highly qualified workforce and synergistic business, civic, and educational partnerships. 

Core Values

• Integrity
• Stewardship
• Service
• Community
• Innovation
• Teamwork

• City Map
• City Charter
• Request For Public Record
• Official City Holidays

Demographic Information

For more statistical and demographic data see the United States Census Bureau website. This data was last updated on March 21, 2022.

Land Data

• Area: 26.96 square miles (69.44 km2)
• Elevation: 220 feet (67 m) above sea level
• Coordinates: 33°43′20″N 116°22′28″W

Population Data

• Permanent Residents: 53,087
• Seasonal Residents: 32,000
• Median Resident Age: 55.1

Economic Data

• Taxable Sales: $1.66 billion
• Employment within City boundary: 40,156 jobs
• Unemployment Rate: 4%
• Employment Rate: 46.9%

Household Data

• Median Home Price: $532,500
• Median Household Income: $64,295
• Housing Units: 35,755     
• Median Gross Rent: $1,353
• Home Ownership: 64.6%

Education Data

• Bachelors Degree or Higher: 38%
• School Enrolled Population: 56.9%

Palm Desert Weather

Ringed by three magnificent mountain ranges, Palm Desert is sheltered from coastal air pollution and inclement weather. With 350 days of sunshine a year, there is seldom reason to postpone outdoor fun. View our upcoming forecast.

• Mean Temperature: 73.1 Fahrenheit
• Average Sunshine: 350 days per year
• Average Rainfall: 3.38 inches
• Average Winds: 4 mph