Palm Desert, California
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| Palm Desert, California | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Palm Desert |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label | Palm Desert |
| Coordinates | 33, 43, 31, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | California |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Riverside |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | November 26, 1973 |
| Government type | Council–Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Karina Quintanilla |
| Leader title1 | City Manager |
| Leader name1 | Lauri Aylaian |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total sq mi | 26.84 |
| Area land sq mi | 26.83 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.01 |
| Elevation ft | 223 |
| Population total | 51063 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | PST |
| Utc offset | -8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | -7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 92210, 92211, 92255, 92260, 92261 |
| Area code | 442/760 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 06-55184 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature IDs |
| Blank1 info | 1652770, 2411357 |
| Website | www.cityofpalmdesert.org |
Palm Desert, California, is a city in the Coachella Valley of Riverside County. Situated approximately 14 miles east of Palm Springs, it is a major hub for commerce, culture, and recreation within the Inland Empire. The city is renowned for its upscale resorts, world-class golf courses, and vibrant arts scene, anchored by institutions like the McCallum Theatre and the University of California, Riverside's Palm Desert campus.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Cahuilla people. Modern development began in the 1920s with the formation of the Palm Desert Land Company and the pioneering efforts of Clifford Henderson, founder of the nearby Palm Springs Air Museum. The community, initially called "Palma Desert," grew significantly post-World War II, boosted by the arrival of the United States Army's Camp Young and the expansion of State Route 111 and Interstate 10. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1973, with early civic leadership from figures like Earl T. Carter.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.8 square miles, nearly all of it land. It lies within the Sonoran Desert, flanked by the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south and the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north. The landscape is characterized by arid alluvial fans and is part of the San Andreas Fault zone. Notable natural features include the Coachella Valley Preserve and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which conserves local desert habitats.
Demographics
At the 2020 United States Census, Palm Desert had a population of 51,063. The racial makeup was diverse, with a significant percentage identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The city has a notably older median age compared to the national average, reflecting its popularity as a retirement destination. Educational attainment levels are high, with many residents holding degrees from institutions like College of the Desert and California State University, San Bernardino.
Economy
The economy is driven by tourism, retail, and healthcare. The city is a premier destination for golf, hosting major events at courses like the PGA West and Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Major retail centers include El Paseo, known as the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert," and the Westfield Palm Desert mall. Key employers include the Eisenhower Health system, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, and the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.
Arts and culture
Palm Desert is a cultural center for the Coachella Valley. The McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The city is home to the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden at the Palm Desert Art Museum and the annual Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival. Its music scene is historically linked to the Palm Desert Scene, a genre of stoner rock and desert rock pioneered by bands like Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age.
Government
Palm Desert operates under a council–manager government system. The city council consists of a mayor and four council members, with current leadership including Mayor Karina Quintanilla and City Manager Lauri Aylaian. The city provides police services through a contract with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and fire protection via the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department. It is part of California's 25th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Raul Ruiz.
Category:Cities in Riverside County, California Category:Populated places in the Colorado Desert Category:1973 establishments in California