Desert Hot Springs, California | |
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 Desert Hot Springs City Hall | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Location of Desert Hot Springs in Riverside County, California. | |
  Desert Hot Springs Location in the United States Show map of California Desert Hot Springs Desert Hot Springs (southern California) Show map of southern California Desert Hot Springs Desert Hot Springs (the United States) Show map of the United States | |
| Coordinates:33°57′40″N116°30′06″W / 33.96111°N 116.50167°W /33.96111; -116.50167 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Riverside |
| Incorporated | September 25, 1963[1] |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-Manager |
| • Mayor | Scott Matas[2] |
| • Mayor Pro Tem | Gary Gardner |
| • City Council | Daniel Pitts Jan Pye Dirk Voss |
| Area | |
• Total | 30.66 sq mi (79.41 km2) |
| • Land | 30.27 sq mi (78.40 km2) |
| • Water | 0.39 sq mi (1.01 km2) 1.27% |
| Elevation | 1,076 ft (328 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 32,512 |
| • Density | 1,074.0/sq mi (414.68/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes[5] | 92240–92241 |
| Area codes | 442/760 |
| FIPS code | 06-18996 |
| GNIS feature IDs | 1656484,2410328 |
| Website | www |
Desert Hot Springs is a city inRiverside County, California, United States. The city is located within theCoachella Valley geographic region. The population was 32,512 as of the2020 census, up from 25,938 at the2010 census. The city has experienced rapid growth since the 1970s when there were 2,700 residents. The city is commonly referred to by its initials,DHS.
It is named for its many naturalhot springs.[6][7] It is one of several places in the world with naturally occurring hot and cold mineral springs.[8]: 7 More than 20 natural mineral spring lodgings can be found in town.[9] Unlike hot springs with high sulfur content, the mineral springs in town are odorless.[10][9]
The only people residing in areas north ofPalm Springs before the 20th century were theCahuilla Indians in the village of Seven Palms.[8]: 27 Although Cahuilla people never settled permanently in today's Desert Hot Springs,[8]: 11 they often camped here during winter times due to the warm climate.[8]: 7
According to early homesteader and writer Cabot Yerxa in his newspaper columns published in TheDesert Sentinel newspaper, the firsthomesteader in the area of the city of Desert Hot Springs was Hilda Maude Gray, who staked her claim in 1908.[11][12]Cabot Yerxa arrived in 1913 and soon discovered the hot water aquifer on Miracle Hill. Due to the Mission Creek Branch of theSan Andreas Fault bisecting the area, one side is a cold water aquifer, the other has a hot water aquifer. His largePueblo Revival Style architecture structure,hand built over 20 years, is now one of the oldest adobe-style buildings in Riverside County and housesCabot's Pueblo Museum, designated a state historical site after his death in 1965. Cabot's Trading Post & Gallery opened there in February 2008.
The town was founded by L. W. Coffee on July 12, 1941. The original town site was centered at the intersection of Palm Drive and Pierson Boulevard and was only one square mile. Coffee chose the name Desert Hot Springs because of the area's naturalhot springs.[13]
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Desert Hot Springs became atourist destination in the 1950s because of its smallspa hotels andboutique hotels. The city is popular with "snowbirds."[8]: 8 Realtors arrived to speculate, and thousands of lots were laid out over a six-square mile area. Some homes were bought by retirees, and the area was incorporated as a city in 1963, with 1,000 residents.
Desert Hot Springs experienced periods of significant growth in the 1980s and 1990s when most of the vacant lots were filled with new houses and duplex apartments. The city's population doubled in the 1980s and increased by 5,000 in the 2000 census.
Desert Hot Springs was the first city in Southern California to legalize medical marijuana cultivation and has since been overwhelmed by marijuana developers and growers.[14] It was later featured in a CNBC special as California's first city to permit the commercial cultivation of marijuana in 2014.[15]
Before the development of the city began in the 1930s, Desert Hot Springs was a treeless place in California's Colorado Desert.[8]: 11
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 30.66 square miles (79.4 km2), of which 98.73% is land, and 1.27% is water. Desert Hot Springs is nestled between two mountain ranges:San Bernardino Mountains andSan Jacinto Mountains.[8]: 8 It is located just south ofBig Morongo Canyon Preserve andJoshua Tree National Park. It is located in theColorado Desert region of theSonoran Desert.[16]
Desert Hot Springs has adesert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh) similar to the rest of the Coachella Valley, with less than six inches ofprecipitation per year. Summers are very hot with days frequently exceeding 107 °F (41.7 °C) in July and August while night-time lows tend to stay between 78–90 °F (26–32 °C). The winters are mild with days typically seeing temperatures between 68–78 °F (20–26 °C) and corresponding night-time lows between 50–60 °F (10–16 °C). Heat waves during the summer months involving temperatures higher than 110 °F (43.3 °C) are not unusual.
Summer winds and the higher elevation keep Desert Hot Springs on average 5–7 degrees cooler than other communities in Coachella Valley.[8] However, the winter season can be warmer due to the surrounding mountains blocking north winds. Since it lies at a higher elevation than the cities further south, cold air drains into the lower elevation of theCoachella Valley, which results in warmer night-time lows, producing an example ofthermal inversion.[6]
| Climate data for Palm Springs Int'l Airport elev. 425 ft. 9 mi south of Desert Hot Springs CA | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 95 (35) | 99 (37) | 104 (40) | 112 (44) | 116 (47) | 121 (49) | 123 (51) | 123 (51) | 121 (49) | 116 (47) | 102 (39) | 93 (34) | 123 (51) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 70.8 (21.6) | 74.0 (23.3) | 80.4 (26.9) | 87.7 (30.9) | 95.7 (35.4) | 103.7 (39.8) | 108.1 (42.3) | 107.3 (41.8) | 101.9 (38.8) | 91.2 (32.9) | 78.5 (25.8) | 69.2 (20.7) | 89.1 (31.7) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 58.1 (14.5) | 61.0 (16.1) | 66.3 (19.1) | 72.6 (22.6) | 80.0 (26.7) | 87.2 (30.7) | 92.8 (33.8) | 92.4 (33.6) | 86.9 (30.5) | 76.7 (24.8) | 65.0 (18.3) | 56.6 (13.7) | 74.7 (23.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 45.4 (7.4) | 48.0 (8.9) | 52.2 (11.2) | 57.4 (14.1) | 64.3 (17.9) | 70.8 (21.6) | 77.5 (25.3) | 77.6 (25.3) | 71.9 (22.2) | 62.3 (16.8) | 51.6 (10.9) | 44.1 (6.7) | 60.3 (15.7) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 19 (−7) | 24 (−4) | 29 (−2) | 34 (1) | 36 (2) | 44 (7) | 54 (12) | 52 (11) | 46 (8) | 30 (−1) | 23 (−5) | 23 (−5) | 19 (−7) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 1.16 (29) | 1.16 (29) | 0.49 (12) | 0.05 (1.3) | 0.02 (0.51) | 0.02 (0.51) | 0.14 (3.6) | 0.29 (7.4) | 0.22 (5.6) | 0.20 (5.1) | 0.38 (9.7) | 0.70 (18) | 4.83 (123) |
| Average precipitation days | 3.8 | 3.5 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 2.6 | 18.2 |
| Source: NOAA[17] | |||||||||||||
The Mission Creek Fault,[18] a branch of theSan Andreas, separates twoaquifers. On one side, the Desert Hot Springs Sub-Basin contains an aquifer with hot water. This aquifer supports the area's spas and resorts. Mission Springs Sub-basin,[19] on the other side of the fault, the Miracle Creek sub-basin has cold water. This aquifer provides fresh water to the city and has received awards for exceptional taste.[20][21][8]: 16
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1,472 | — | |
| 1970 | 2,738 | 86.0% | |
| 1980 | 5,941 | 117.0% | |
| 1990 | 11,668 | 96.4% | |
| 2000 | 16,582 | 42.1% | |
| 2010 | 25,938 | 56.4% | |
| 2020 | 32,512 | 25.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[22] | |||
From having 20 residents in 1941, Desert Hot Springs had 32,000 residents in 2020.[8]: 25
The2020 United States census reported that Desert Hot Springs had a population of 32,512. The population density was 1,074.0 inhabitants per square mile (414.7/km2). The racial makeup of Desert Hot Springs was 34.2%White, 8.1%African American, 2.4%Native American, 2.4%Asian, 0.2%Pacific Islander, 35.7% fromother races, and 17.0% from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 61.2% of the population.[23]
The census reported that 99.4% of the population lived in households, 0.5% lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0.1% were institutionalized.[23]
There were 10,608 households, out of which 41.2% included children under the age of 18, 39.3% were married-couple households, 10.1% werecohabiting couple households, 29.1% had a female householder with no partner present, and 21.5% had a male householder with no partner present. 22.6% of households were one person, and 9.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.05.[23] There were 7,392families (69.7% of all households).[24]
The age distribution was 28.2% under the age of 18, 9.7% aged 18 to 24, 27.4% aged 25 to 44, 22.6% aged 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males.[23]
There were 11,595 housing units at an average density of 383.0 units per square mile (147.9 units/km2), of which 10,608 (91.5%) were occupied. Of these, 49.4% were owner-occupied, and 50.6% were occupied by renters.[23]
In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that 23.8% of the population were foreign-born. Of all people aged 5 or older, 50.3% spoke only English at home, 46.8% spokeSpanish, 1.3% spoke otherIndo-European languages, and 1.5% spoke Asian or Pacific Islander languages. Of those aged 25 or older, 81.0% were high school graduates and 15.9% had a bachelor's degree.[25]
The median household income was $50,349, and theper capita income was $23,980. About 15.5% of families and 19.2% of the population were below the poverty line.[26]
The2010 United States census[note 1] reported that Desert Hot Springs had a population of 25,938. The population density was 1,097.1 inhabitants per square mile (423.6/km2). The racial makeup of Desert Hot Springs was 15,053 (58.0%)White (34.4% Non-Hispanic White),[27] 2,133 (8.2%)African American, 357 (1.4%)Native American, 675 (2.6%)Asian, 84 (0.3%)Pacific Islander, 6,343 (24.5%) fromother races, and 1,293 (5.0%) from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 13,646 persons (52.6%).
The Census reported that 25,820 people (99.5% of the population) lived in households, 118 (0.5%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 8,650 households, out of which 3,713 (42.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 3,468 (40.1%) wereopposite-sex married couples living together, 1,603 (18.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 711 (8.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 843 (9.7%)unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 206 (2.4%)same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,071 households (23.9%) were made up of individuals, and 691 (8.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98. There were 5,782families (66.8% of all households); the average family size was 3.59.
The ages of the resident population range from 8,064 people (31.1%) under the age of 18, 2,712 people (10.5%) aged 18 to 24, 6,893 people (26.6%) aged 25 to 44, 5,781 people (22.3%) aged 45 to 64, to 2,488 people (9.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.3 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 98.4 males.
There were 10,902 housing units at an average density of 461.1 per square mile (178.0/km2), of which 4,166 (48.2%) were owner-occupied, and 4,484 (51.8%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 8.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 16.6%. 11,533 people (44.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units, and 14,287 people (55.1%) lived in rental housing units.
According to the 2010 United States Census, Desert Hot Springs had a median household income of $32,883, with 28.6% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[27]
Desert Hot Springs has a diverse population. Several racial or ethnic groups live there, with the largest group being ofMexican andCentral American ancestry. There is aKorean American ethnic section of the city at 8th Street and Cholla Drive. Thousands ofAmerican Jews made the city their home. According to the Desert Chapter of theNational Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the city's population is over 10 percentAfrican-American or Black. The city has a high proportion ofNative Americans, most of whom are members of theCahuilla tribe in proximity to theAgua Caliente Cahuilla tribal board in Palm Springs. A large percentage of the city population is LGBTQ.[28]
In theCalifornia State Legislature, Desert Hot Springs is inthe 19th senatorial district, represented byRepublican Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, and inthe 47th Assembly district, represented byRepublican Greg Wallis.[29]
In theUnited States House of Representatives, Desert Hot Springs is inCalifornia's 25th congressional district, represented byDemocrat Raul Ruiz.[30] The 25th District covers most of the desert communities of Indio, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, and Cathedral City.
Desert Hot Springs is in the Riverside County Supervisor 4th District.[31]
Desert Hot Springs is served by a five-member City Council: Mayor Scott Matas and Council Members Jan Pye, Russell Betts, Roger Nunez and Gary Gardner. Council members and the Mayor serve four-year terms. It operates as city manager form or government.[32]
Desert Hot Springs's outlying areas include non-county areas of Desert Hot Springs and nearby communities of Desert Edge, Sky Valley and North Palm Springs. On the western perimeter of the city (within city limits) are the newer master-planned communities of Mountain View Country Estates and Skyborne. Adjacent to Mountain View Country Estates is the older master-planned community of Mission Lakes Country Club in unincorporated Riverside County.
The city of Desert Hot Springs contracts for fire and paramedic services with the Riverside County Fire Department through a cooperative agreement withCAL FIRE.[33]
Desert Hot Springs has their own municipal police department. In two separate municipal ballot measures, Desert Hot Springs residents approved a utility users tax and a public safety tax by majorities of over 75 percent. Both measures provide added funding to the police department and other public safety services.
The city is home to windmill farms in the west and also by theSan Gorgonio Pass. The growing use of solar power accompanied by many windmills make Desert Hot Springs a leading city in renewable energy.[8]: 23
The main economy is based on spas, which are mostly owner-operated. The mild climate and hot springs make it a popular tourist destination.[8]: 8
In 2001 the town filed for a Chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy.[34] The bankruptcy was resolved in 2004[35] by selling municipal bonds when it faced a legal judgment[note 2][36] of almost $6 million.[37]
Desert Hot Springs is home to a number of hotmineral waterspas. During the 1950s and 1960s, the town had over 80 spa hotels.[38] From the late 1990s to the present a number of theseboutique hotels have been renovated and revived. With theirmid-century modern architecture, they appeal to those wanting a unique hotel/spa experience.
Some of the better-known spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs include:
At one time, there were 43 small spas (6 to 10 guest rooms) in the city. Some were located atop the hot water aquifer onMiracle Hill, where Cabot Yerxa, one of the early settlers, lived. His home is now Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Across the street is Miracle Manor Retreat, built in 1949, one of the first spas in town. It was built by the Martin Family, who eventually sold it in 1981 to a local legend, Lois Blackhill. Upon her death in 1996, her family sold it in 1997 to two longtime regulars and close friends of Blackhill's, trans-media designerApril Greiman and architect-educatorMichael Rotondi, who restored it to its original state. The Desert Hot Springs Motel, designed by architectJohn Lautner is located just outside the city limits. The motel was purchased and restored in 2000 by Steven Lowe.[47][48]
In 2006 the architectural firm ofMarmol Radziner + Associates designed asustainable,modernistprefab home featured in the November 2006 issue ofDwell magazine.[49] The home served as aprototype for the firm's efforts to develop a series of prefab homes.
Two newspapers are published in the city. TheDesert Star Weekly (publishing on Wednesdays and Fridays) andThe Public Record (publishing on Tuesdays).[50]
The vast majority of Desert Hot Springs is in thePalm Springs Unified School District. The city territory extends into theBanning Unified School District.[51]
Desert Hot Springs High School, of the Palm Springs district, opened in 1999.
Although never a resident,Marilyn Monroe occasionally visited the spas in Desert Hot Springs. She spent a week in the town shortly before her death.[8]: 8 [failed verification]
Desert Hot Springs lies just south of large nature preserves such asBig Morongo Canyon Preserve andJoshua Tree National Park.[16] Surrounding areas are home to a number of species adapted for the desert climate and temperature extremes. Species includepronghorns,desert bighorn sheep,desert tortoise,kit fox,desert iguana,horned lizard,chuckwalla,roadrunners,mountain lions,raptors andGila monsters.
Althoughblack bears are not common here, a bear was sighted on Palm Drive and Dillon Road in October 2010.[52]
Informational notes
Citations
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