Living in Thermal, California

Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Thermal · Census data 2020–2024

Thermal has 1,800 residents with a median age of 34.3. The median home value is $187,000, the median rent is $986/month.

Thermal at a glance

Population
1,800
Median age
34.3State: 37.9
Median home value
$187,000State: $734,700
Median rent
$986/moState: $2,036
Homeowners
56.6%
Bachelor's degree or higher
8.7%
Average commute
22 min

Is Thermal a good place to live?

Pros: Home values 75% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 4.3%.

Cons: A poverty rate of 19.3%.

The weather is best in January to March and November.

Cost of living in Thermal

Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Thermal the median home value is $187,000, 44% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $986 per month, which is 32.6% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay — a month in housing costs.

Median home value

Thermal$187,000
California$734,700
United States$332,700

Median monthly rent

Thermal$986
California$2,036
United States$1,413

Housing in Thermal: homes for sale and rent

Housing units
886
Owner-occupied
56.6%
Renter-occupied
43.4%
Vacant
17%Includes seasonal homes
Median year built
1977
Average household size
2.43

Thermal demographics

Population
1,800
Median age
34.3
Under 18
22.6%
65 and older
19.6%
Households
735
Foreign-born
55.7%
Veterans
0.9%Adults 18+

Race and ethnicity

White1.2%
Hispanic or Latino96.4%
Black1.8%
Asian0.3%

Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Thermal ›

Education in Thermal

8.7% of adults 25 and older in Thermal have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 3% have a graduate or professional degree.

Bachelor's degree or higher

Thermal8.7%
California37.1%
United States35.7%

Jobs and commute in Thermal

Unemployment rate
4.3%State: 6.6%
Average commute
22 minState: 29 min
Work from home
3%
Drive alone
65.2%
Public transit
0%
Walk to work
4.7%
Homes with broadband
84.2%

Thermal vs nearby towns

TownPopulationMedian incomeHome valueRent
Thermal1,800—$187,000$986
Coachella43,307$68,596$367,600$1,144
Vista Santa Rosa2,333$70,474$427,700$1,356
Mecca7,184$48,312$224,300$916
Oasis4,051$38,769$34,800$862
La Quinta38,707$99,250$661,600$1,785
Indio91,950$77,167$458,400$1,437
Bermuda Dunes7,971$90,818$596,300$1,693
Indian Wells4,871$162,990$1,078,200$1,088

More for people moving to Thermal

Thermal ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›

Living in Thermal: FAQ

What is the average home price in Thermal?

The median home value in Thermal is $187,000, compared with $734,700 in California.

How much is rent in Thermal?

The median gross rent in Thermal is $986 per month, about 32.6% of household income.

Is Thermal, CA a good place to live?

Pluses: home values 75% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 4.3%. Minuses: a poverty rate of 19.3%.

What is the median age in Thermal?

The median age in Thermal is 34.3 years (California: 37.9).

How long is the commute in Thermal?

The average commute to work in Thermal is 22 minutes; 3% of workers work from home.

What is the unemployment rate in Thermal?

The unemployment rate in Thermal is 4.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

How educated is Thermal?

8.7% of adults in Thermal have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.

Last updated: