Living in Hesperia, CA
Hesperia is the 328th-largest city in the US, home to about 103,000 people in 2025. It has grown 2.8% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (106.4 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 102,605+2.8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $409,0005.7 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,590/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $72,160median, per year
- Price level
- 106.4US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 58° / 98°lows 33° / 64°
- Average commute
- 43 min9% work from home
- State income tax
- 13.3%top rate, graduated
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County: San Bernardino County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 3,186 ft
Metro area: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
Cost of living in Hesperia
The median home in Hesperia is worth $409,000 and the median household earns $72,160 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.7 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,590 a month, about 26% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro area at 106.4, with housing at 129.3 and goods at 101.4 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $79,800 here. California taxes wages at a top rate of 13.3%. The average combined state and local sales tax in California is 9.03%.
What would my salary be worth in Hesperia?
Hesperia weather
Average highs run from 58°F in January to 98°F in July, and January nights average 33°F. It gets 6 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 119 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are April to May and October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Hesperia
People and work
The median resident is 32.7 years old, and 12% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 67% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 43 minutes; 9% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 32.777th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 12%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 67%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,41272.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%1% walk, 0% bike
- Unemployment
- 9.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 16.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1988median year
Who moves to Hesperia, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), Anaheim (Orange County) and San Diego (San Diego County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), Anaheim (Orange County) and Las Vegas (Clark County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Very High
FEMA rating for San Bernardino County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: wildfire, inland flooding, earthquake, landslide.
Home prices
+0.8% in a year
Up 36% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
7% good days
136 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Hesperia
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of California-Riverside 31 miles
- Chaffey College 25 miles
- Riverside City College 32 miles
- San Bernardino Valley College 23 miles
- Pomona College 33 miles
- Claremont McKenna College 32 miles
- Harvey Mudd College 32 miles
- California Baptist University 35 miles
- Crafton Hills College 29 miles
- Victor Valley College 4 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Hesperia
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino International Airport SBD | 23 mi | 20,147 |
| Ontario International Airport ONT | 31 mi | 3,494,554 |
| John Wayne Airport SNA | 61 mi | 5,370,273 |
| Palm Springs International Airport PSP | 61 mi | 1,617,586 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Hesperia
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaffey College | 25 mi | 18,132 | $24,504 | 34% |
| California State University-San Bernardino | 17 mi | 15,023 | $3,946 | 53% |
| San Bernardino Valley College | 23 mi | 12,234 | $17,782 | 32% |
| Victor Valley College | 4 mi | 4,210 | $1,182 | n/a |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Hesperia
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 18, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 1 and the first frost comes around November 11.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Victorville, CA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Hesperia.
Wildfire smoke in Hesperia
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Hesperia on about 37 days a year, including about 9 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Hesperia
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 29,245 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Hesperia
Downtown Hesperia is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hesperia Unified School District | K to 12 | 23,209 | 25 | 23.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: San Bernardino City Unified School District (44,192 students), Apple Valley Unified School District (13,639 students), Victor Elementary School District (12,320 students), Victor Valley Union High School District (11,560 students), Snowline Joint Unified School District (8,085 students), Adelanto Elementary School District (7,669 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Hesperia's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Hesperia's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Modesto, CA77% matchCompare
- Stockton, CA76% matchCompare
- Merced, CA72% matchCompare
- Citrus Heights, CA71% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Hesperia
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Hesperia
- Rim Nordic Ski Area 20 miles
- Snow Valley Mountain Resort 21 miles
- Mount Baldy Ski Lifts 21 miles
- Mountain High 23 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Hesperia
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about Hesperia?
Cons
- Data California's top income tax rate is 13.3%, among the highest in the country.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.03% on average with local taxes.
- Data Summers are long and hot: about 119 days a year reach 90°F.
- Data Commutes are long: 43 minutes each way on average.
- Data High natural hazard risk in San Bernardino County (FEMA rates it very high), led by wildfire, inland flooding and earthquake.
- Data Air quality is a concern: 136 days in 2025 were unhealthy at least for sensitive groups (EPA).
Hesperia report card from locals
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Hesperia through locals' eyes
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Cities near Hesperia
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victorville, CA | 8 mi | 141,395 | $385,600 | 106.4 | Compare |
| Apple Valley, CA | 10 mi | 75,247 | $407,400 | 106.4 | Compare |
| Rialto, CA | 19 mi | 106,554 | $487,900 | 106.4 | Compare |
| San Bernardino, CA | 22 mi | 222,044 | $422,300 | 106.4 | Compare |
| Fontana, CA | 25 mi | 221,223 | $586,800 | 95.2 | Compare |
| Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 26 mi | 177,856 | $740,200 | 106.4 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Hesperia ranks 55th of 62 in our best suburbs of Riverside ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Hesperia with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Hesperia a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no standout advantages on cost or climate; the trade-offs are 119 days a year at 90°F or hotter, long commutes. Compare Hesperia side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Hesperia?
The Census Bureau estimates Hesperia had 102,605 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 99,798 in April 2020 (+2.8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Hesperia?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $79,800 in the Hesperia area. The median household here earns $72,160.
When is the best time to visit Hesperia?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and October are the most comfortable months. July averages 98°F and January 58°F for daytime highs.
What county is Hesperia in?
Hesperia is in San Bernardino County, California. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Hesperia in?
Hesperia is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Hesperia?
About 3,186 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes. California has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 13.3% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Hesperia. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Victorville, CA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.