Descanso
Census-designated place in San Diego County, California
Descanso is an unincorporated community (census-designated place) in San Diego County, California, with 1,499 residents (2020 Census). It sits at 3,573 ft (1,089 m) above sea level. The nearest town is Pine Valley, 7.1 miles E.
- 1,499residents (2020 Census)
- 3,573 ftelevation · 1,089 m
- 19.2 sq miland area · 49.6 km²
- 78 / sq mipopulation density
- 91916ZIP code
About Descanso
Descanso (Spanish for "Rest") is a small unincorporated community in the Cuyamaca Mountains, within the Mountain Empire area of southeastern San Diego County, California. The community's name is a Spanish word meaning "rest from labor".
The population was 1,499 at the 2020 census, up from 1,423 at the 2010 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau categorizes Descanso as a census-designated place. It is in California's 48th congressional district.
Descanso is located east of Alpine and west of Pine Valley. At a 3,450 feet (1,050 m) elevation, it is located at the south entrance to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and also borders Cleveland National Forest to the west and east.
The area was heavily threatened by the 2003 Cedar Fire. The community consists of many small ranches and newer homes of San Diego commuters. Horseback riding and hiking are frequent pastimes due to the proximity to San Diego's back-country recreation areas. It is approximately a 50-minute commute from downtown San Diego. The majority of residents generally commute to San Diego as the local job market is limited. Community radio station KNSJ operates out of Descanso.
The Descanso Fire Station of the United States Forest Service is home to the Laguna Hotshots. Descanso is home to many firefighters, and many local teenagers join either the Forest Service or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (which also provides direct fire and EMS protection to the community).
The ZIP Code is 91916, and the community is inside area code 619.
Text: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Descanso weather: 7-day forecast
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Source: National Weather Service (NOAA).
Live webcams in Descanso
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Living in Descanso
- Median household income
- $110,132
- Median home value
- $662,600
- Median rent
- $3,250/mo
- Median age
- 53.6
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Map of Descanso
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Open in Google Maps ›Descanso, CA population
Descanso had 1,499 residents in the 2020 Census.
| 2020 Census | 1,499 |
|---|---|
| Density | 78 per sq mi (30 per km²) |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census.
Descanso at a glance
| State | California (CA) |
|---|---|
| County | San Diego County |
| Type | Census-designated place |
| Population | 1,499 (2020) |
| Land area | 19.16 sq mi (49.6 km²) |
| Elevation | 3,573 ft (1,089 m) |
| Coordinates | 32.8696° N, 116.6279° W |
| ZIP code | 91916 |
| Census code (GEOID) | 0618940 |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Gazetteer, ZCTA), USGS GNIS, Wikidata.
Towns near Descanso
- Pine Valley7.1 mi E
- Alpine7.6 mi W
- Mount Laguna11.8 mi E
- Harbison Canyon12.5 mi W
- San Diego Country Estates13.4 mi NW
- Julian14.3 mi N
- Crest14.7 mi W
- Lakeside16.1 mi W
- Granite Hills16.8 mi W
- Winter Gardens17.5 mi W
- Jamul17.6 mi SW
- Potrero17.8 mi S
Straight-line distance between town centers.
Frequently asked questions about Descanso
What county is Descanso in?
Descanso is in San Diego County, California.
What is the population of Descanso, CA?
1,499 people lived in Descanso at the 2020 Census.
What is the ZIP code of Descanso, CA?
The ZIP code of Descanso is 91916.
What is the elevation of Descanso?
3,573 feet (1,089 m) above sea level.
What towns are near Descanso?
Pine Valley (7.1 mi), Alpine (7.6 mi), Mount Laguna (11.8 mi), Harbison Canyon (12.5 mi), San Diego Country Estates (13.4 mi).
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