Palm Springs Real Estate Market Intelligence
Palm Springs, California, is a well-known destination in the Coachella Valley, with a housing market characterized by a median home value of $528,076. The average home size in the city is approximately 1,117 square feet. Homeownership is a significant feature of the local landscape, with a homeownership rate of 64.9%, while the renter-occupied rate stands at 35.1%. The median gross rent for those not owning is $1,423 per month, and the median household income is $63,826.
The mortgage market in Palm Springs shows substantial activity, with total HMDA loan originations reaching 65,783. Conventional loans dominate this financing, accounting for 58,765 of these originations. Government-backed loans also play a role, with FHA originations at 5,093 and VA loan originations at 1,879. The city's primary ZIP codes include 92264, 92262, 92234, and 92292, which help define its residential areas.
Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 120 neighborhoods in Palm Springs.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $528,076 |
| Median Gross Rent | $1,423/mo |
| Median Household Income | $63,826 |
| Population | 44,800 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 42 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $385 |
| Average Home Size | 1,117 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 64.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.1% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 31.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 4.5% |
| Year-over-Year Change | +3.2% |
| Inventory Level | Low |
| Market Type | Seller's Market |
History
Palm Springs was originally named 'Palme d'acqua' (palm of water) by Spanish explorers, due to the natural springs and abundant California fan palms. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have inhabited the area for millennia.
During the Golden Age of Hollywood, Palm Springs became a playground for stars like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley, who built luxurious desert retreats, establishing its reputation as a celebrity getaway.
The city is a global epicenter for mid-century modern architecture, boasting one of the largest concentrations of well-preserved examples. Annual events like Modernism Week celebrate this architectural heritage, drawing enthusiasts from around the world.
Life in Palm Springs
Palm Springs embodies a chic, laid-back desert lifestyle, celebrated through its vibrant arts scene, mid-century modern design ethos, and numerous annual events. The city pulses with a social energy, particularly evident during festival season and throughout the winter months, when outdoor dining, pool parties, and art gallery strolls are commonplace. The community is welcoming and embraces a sense of individuality.
Buyer Profile
The Palm Springs buyer profile is incredibly diverse, ranging from affluent retirees seeking a luxurious, active lifestyle to remote tech workers and creative professionals drawn by the inspiring environment and accessible home prices relative to coastal California. It's a popular destination for seasonal residents from colder climates and a vacation home haven for Angelenos. The city also attracts a significant number of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, contributing to its famously inclusive and progressive community.
Market Trends
Palm Springs has experienced consistent appreciation in recent years, driven by its enduring appeal as a vacation destination and growing interest from full-time residents. While inventory remains competitive, particularly for well-preserved mid-century modern homes, the market offers a broader range of price points than coastal California. New developments, primarily boutique hotels and luxury homes, are emerging, but the city's focus remains on preserving its historical architectural integrity. Entry-level homes tend to start in the mid-$500s, with luxury properties easily ranging into the multi-millions. The demand for homes with private pools and mountain views remains consistently high.
Local Insider Tip
The 'Village Fest' street fair, held every Thursday evening downtown on Palm Canyon Drive. It's an authentic local experience, offering everything from artisan crafts and gourmet food trucks to live entertainment, providing a fantastic opportunity to mingle with residents and discover unique local treasures.
Why People Move to Palm Springs
More Affordable Housing: Compared to coastal California cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, Palm Springs and the broader Inland Empire region offer significantly more attainable homeownership opportunities, attracting buyers seeking greater value without sacrificing lifestyle.
Thriving Hospitality and Tourism Industry: The city's robust tourism sector provides diverse employment opportunities in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Major employers include the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs and various luxury hospitality brands.
Outdoor Recreation: With immediate access to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and Joshua Tree National Park within a short drive, residents enjoy world-class hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and golfing on championship courses like those at PGA West.
Growing Logistics and Distribution: While Palm Springs itself is tourism-focused, the larger Inland Empire region, accessible via I-10, is a global hub for logistics and distribution, with major companies like Amazon, UPS, and Walmart establishing large fulfillment centers, offering diverse job opportunities for residents willing to commute.
Selected Real Estate Professionals (8)
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 8 agents serving Palm Springs who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 8 Agents
- Alvin Fuchs (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Alex C Dethier (4.9 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Amanda Nicole Dixon (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Atlantis Cassandra Babineaux (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Gregory Stephane Albert (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Anel Mary Gomez (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Gregory Mark Coltrin (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Geoffrey Moore (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
Contact
Phone: (760) 849-1303
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thedesertexpert.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ClaudineAndAlvin
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement and leadership roles. He combines this with a perfect 5-star rating from 64 reviews and over 20 years of multilingual expertise serving a diverse clientele.
Notable Achievements
Two Decades of Experience
5-Star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
international clients, multilingual service, market analysis[4]
Cities Served
Palm Springs, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (760) 808-3300
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.pshomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/alexdethier
12+ years experience
580+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $90K to $4.8M[4]
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 4.9-star rating across 55 reviews and over 11 years of experience. He stands out as a market expert and content publisher, founding PSCondos.com and creating valuable public resources like the Interactive Neighborhood Maps Project.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Founder and Publisher at PSCondos.com[6]
Founder and Content Creator at Palm Springs Homes by Alex[6]
Developer and Publisher at Interactive Neighborhood Maps Project[6]
Market Commentator and Content Publisher at Real Estate Education Community[6]
Notable Achievements
Valley's Top 10 Realtors
Top Realtor in the Coachella Valley
Palm Springs Life Top 10 Realtor
High Transaction Volume
High Client Satisfaction Rating
Top New Agent
Top Producing Agent
Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE)
Real Estate Professional Since 2013
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Appraisal, Luxury Homes, vacation properties, primary residences, buyer representation, seller representation, condos, mobile homes, land sales, income properties, midcentury homes, Spanish homes, vacation rentals, condominiums, single-family homes, luxury properties, investment properties, neighborhood expertise, market analysis, digital marketing[4]
Cities Served
Palm Springs, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (760) 861-1459
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.emmapalmsprings.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/shawnandemma
19+ years experience
160+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $150K to $559K[4]
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership, including roles with the Palm Springs Regional and California State REALTORS® associations. This is combined with 18 years of experience, a perfect 5-star rating, and 53 client reviews.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Strategic Planning Committee Member at Palm Springs Regional Association of REALTORS®[6]
Communications Committee Member at Palm Springs Regional Association of REALTORS®[6]
Federal Committee Member at California Association of REALTORS®[6]
Legislative Committee Member at California Association of REALTORS®[6]
Common Interest Developments Committee Member at California Association of REALTORS®[6]
Notable Achievements
California Real Estate License #01722647
18 Years Real Estate Experience
5-Star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Property Management, Investment Properties, Rentals, New Construction, luxury homes, buyer representation, corporate relocation, team leadership, residential sales, client service, transaction management, Business Management, Negotiation, Desert Communities, Personal attention to detail, Comprehensive market analysis, Residential transactions, Client relations, Market analysis[4]
Cities Served
Palm Springs, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (760) 459-4130
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.redfin.com/real-estate-agents/joseph-babineaux
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/joseph%20babineaux
13+ years experience
110+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $158K to $2.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her community leadership through mentorship and knowledge sharing, combined with a perfect 5-star rating across 39 reviews and over a decade of market expertise.
Notable Achievements
12+ Years Real Estate Experience
Perfect 5-Star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
Property Management, residential sales, strategic marketing, client service[4]
Cities Served
Palm Springs, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (760) 831-5561
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://seageralbertgroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Gregory%20Albert
19+ years experience
350+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $57K to $1.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement and leadership roles, combined with 19 years of experience, 365 career transactions, and a perfect 5-star rating from 28 reviews.
Notable Achievements
365 Career Transactions Completed
Perfect 5-Star Client Rating
Featured on French National TV
19 Years Experience
Broad Price Range Expertise
Verified Specialties
General real estate, Luxury properties, Mid-market transactions, International clients, French-speaking clients[4]
Cities Served
Palm Springs, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (760) 835-4368
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/MaryGomezDesertHomes
17+ years experience
40+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $210K to $545K[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement as a Navy Veteran and Riverside County public servant. She demonstrates exceptional performance with a 5-star rating across 26 reviews and ranking #4 for teams in her office.
Notable Achievements
#4 Team Ranking
Million Dollar Club
Verified Specialties
Investment Properties, home buying, home selling, negotiation, desert properties, veteran services, desert market, client advocacy[4]
Cities Served
Palm Springs, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (760) 537-8420
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ColtrinRealty
23+ years experience
260+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $375K to $959K[4]
Why selected: Selected for their significant community leadership as Owner/Broker and strong quantifiable performance, including a perfect 5.0-star rating from 100+ reviews.
Cities Served
Palm Springs, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (760) 641-5689
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.geoffreymoore.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Geoffrey%20Moore
12+ years experience
220+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $260K to $2.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community engagement and leadership roles, which are paramount in our ranking. This is supported by a perfect 5-star rating across 10+ verified reviews in the last 24 months and 231 transactions over 12 years of consistent market expertise.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Board Member at Gateways Hospital & Mental Health Center[6]
Notable Achievements
12 Years Industry Experience
231 Total Transactions
Perfect Client Rating
High-Value Transaction Range
Verified Specialties
Relocation[4]
Cities Served
Palm Springs, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).