Relocation guide
What it costs, what the weather is like, schools, outdoors and the honest pros and cons, from public data.
Population
165,487
Median age 33.2
Median household income
$81,151
Median rent
$1,736/mo
Median home value
$435,300
Schools
41
6 districts
Summer high / winter low
98° / 32°
Pros and cons come from comparisons with US medians and the city’s 30-year weather normals; they leave out things numbers can’t capture.
Palmdale spans 3 zip codes. Median home values range from $378,700 to $548,800 by zip.
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A DRIVE AROUND TOWN
This recorded regional drive starts in Palmdale and continues toward La Cañada Flintridge. The mountain-road journey is not limited to Palmdale, and access can change with weather and closures.
Watch on YouTube ↗
LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT
A food Short shared by HOAG1.
Watch on YouTube ↗It depends on what you need. Mild weather in April, May, November, with highs between 65°F and 85°F. 38 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach. On the other hand: Sales tax is 11.75%, among the higher rates in the country. Hot summers: August highs average 98°F.
The median household earns $81,151. Rent at the median ($1,736/month) is about 26% of that; a common rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of income, which means earning about $69,440 a year.
41 public and private schools across 6 districts. See the schools page for each school’s grades and contact details.
Highs average 98°F in August and lows 32°F in December. The most comfortable months are April, May, November.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; NOAA climate normals; NCES schools; OpenStreetMap parks; Recreation.gov.