Key Facts

• From 2000-2020, Cathedral City’s population increased from 42,647 to 54,791 – a gain of 11,864 people (28%) in twenty years.
• Cathedral City’s median household income is $56,671 and average household income is $60,569 according to the most recent American Community Survey (2021). Per capita income is $25,744.
• Population of 170,087 within 10-mile radius of Cathedral City center
• During the past 20 years, Cathedral City’s permanent population has grown by 28% and is significantly greater – at 51,200 – than that of Palm Springs (48,37) and Rancho Mirage (18,336). Additionally, there is room for population growth in Cathedral City as there is substantial developable land available within the city for more housing and commercial space, especially on land that has been annexed and/or added to the city’s sphere of influence in recent years.
• 17,000 residents live in the area for three to six months a year, an 18.5% growth rate over the past 10 years. These “snowbirds” pump significant dollars into the local economy.
• With over 50,000 residents Cathedral City has a significantly higher permanent population than its neighboring cities, Palm Springs (44,500) and Rancho Mirage (17,500), making it the largest City in the Western Valley.

Quality of Life

• Cathedral City was named one of “America’s Top 10 Bargain Retirement Spots” by US News and World Report.
• Sun, majestic mountains, desert flora, hiking trails, and backyard swimming pools enrich our daily lives.
• Cathedral City's Downtown Arts and Entertainment District offers fine and casual dining, blockbuster films, LIVE plays, gaming, concerts and numerous festivals for residents and visitors alike.
• Cathedral City is the Coachella Valley’s home for distinctive activities. From “big league” style baseball and soccer fields, a skateboard park, and numerous golf courses,  Cathedral City’s athletic facilities draw participants from around the nation.

School System

• The Palm Springs Unified School District serves Cathedral City’s K-12 grade students.  The district shines for significant improvements in academic excellence over the years.
• College of the Desert is a fully accredited community college bestowing various associate art degrees. The college works with local businesses providing contract education and a comprehensive array of training and management programs.
• CSU-San Bernardino - Palm Desert Campus currently serves as an off-campus center for the California State University San Bernardino main campus and helps to reinforce the University’s
  mission and its educational processes.

Market Facts

• In 2009, the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey found that the total income of Cathedral City’s residents was $1.1 billion or 10.3% of the $10.7 Billion in the Coachella Valley. Total income for Western Region market area residents: $4.4 Billion.
• Total payroll released by Cathedral City’s firms and agencies rose from $215 million in 2000 to $286 billion by 2010 – an increase from 2000-2010 of $70.3 million or 32.7%.
• Per capita taxable sales in Cathedral City were $10,859 during 2010, ranking in the top half of Riverside County cities.
• Deposits in Cathedral City’s financial institutions stood at $148.6 million in 2010.
• $3.5 Billion: The assessed valuation of property in Cathedral City. This represents a stunning 68% growth rate over the past 10 years.
• $482,281,000: Cathedral City’s total retail sales in 2010 were over 40 percent higher than neighboring Rancho Mirage ($279,730,000).
• 5,000 acres Amount of recently annexed land with favorable commercial zoning that is available as part of the new “North City” plan.

Public Safety

Cathedral City has one of the lowest crime rates in the Coachella Valley. From 1993-2010, the number of incidents per 1,000 people fell from 65.8 to 34.3, a drop of -47.9%. This occurred as 567 fewer crimes were reported (-24.3%) despite the fact that the population increased by 16,002 people (45.2%).

Neighborhoods

Cathedral City is made up of a diverse tapestry of close-knit neighborhoods. Each has its own unique style and history, but share a strong sense of character and identity.

Contact Information

• Building Department 760-770-0340
• Inspection Requests 760-770-0341
• Planning Department 760-770-0370
• Engineering Department 760-770-0349
• Business License 760-770-0353
• Code Compliance 760-770-0309
• Conservation/Recycling 760-770-0369
• Fire Department (Admin) 760-770-8200
• Police Department 760-770-0362
• Public Relations 760-770-0396