Coachella sits at the east end of the Coachella Valley — adjacent to The Thermal Club, where motorsport fans can watch their favorite drivers compete in a world-class and picturesque desert setting. Agriculture plays a significant role in the city’s story, as it has since the Southern Pacific Railroad began ferrying East Coast passengers and produce on the Sunset Route more than a century ago. Coachella’s name recognition spiked with the rise of the famous nearby music festivals, and its population doubled from 2000 to 2010.
The city continues to be one of the fastest growing in California as it focuses on Coachella Prospera, its sustainability plan that provides opportunities for residents to live healthier, more resilient lives. The name says it all: prosperity for the community. Through neighborhood planning, the city and its partners have set out to create a more equitable and climate-resilient community. The components of the initiative adapt to the changing climate, promote the healthy development of children, ensure the ability of older adults to age in place, and foster connectedness among members of the community.
MAYOR: Steven Hernandez
MAYORPRO TEM: Denise Delgado
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Stephanie Virgen, Frank Figueroa, Ed.D., Yadira Perez
YEAR INCORPORATED: 1946
The city’s Economic Development Department spearheaded a community-driven transformation plan that netted a $22 million grant from the California Strategic Growth Council. It was one of the state’s largest community-driven climate grants through the Transformative Climate Communities Program, a core part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative using cap-and-trade funds to advance public health, promote development, and reduce emissions, especially in underserved communities. Coachella Prospera aims to ease access to recreational and wellness facilities, zero-emission public transportation, affordable housing, urban forests, and free solar programs that make homes more energy efficient. The plan also creates and improves parks and open spaces, infrastructure such as sidewalks and bicycle trails that promote activity and mobility, and economic opportunities that increase wealth and prosperity. Funds are directed toward low-income households, ensuring the most vulnerable residents benefit first and foremost. “Coachella Prospera is more than a plan — it’s our promise to build a healthier, more resilient future for our residents,” says Mayor Steven Hernandez. “With deep roots in culture and community, Coachella is now leading the way in climate adaptation and neighborhood transformation. This investment is a testament to what’s possible when local voices shape local solutions.” Education and workforce readiness also rank high among the city’s priorities. Councilmember Frank Figueroa, Ed.D., a financial administrative officer with University of California, Riverside, coordinated with his employer to offer residents six-week business readiness classes and a micro-MBA program at the Coachella Library. “The program is designed to focus on experienced business owners or would-be entrepreneurs who have the goal of turning micro skills into brick-and-mortar successes,” Figueroa says. Participants learn business creation and retention strategies and help the city better understand which services its residents need to better support the economy, tourism, and basic family needs. The Small Business Development Center is also on hand to introduce participants to loan programs for startups and single-proprietor businesses.
City Stats Population 44,165 Median Age 30 Population Growth Rate (2025-2030) .84% Bachelor’s & Graduate/Professional Degree 6.5% $79,823 Average Household Income The average HHI for the entire Coachella Valley is $128,536. The average HHI for Riverside County is $112,611. Median Net Worth $111,480 Average disposable Income $61,597 Total Housing Units 10,995 Average Home Value $404,344 Number of Public Schools 9 Diversity Index 62.1 Indicates the likelihood that two random people in a given area belong to different race or ethnic groups. Hispanic Population 96.53% Number of Public Parks 8 Source: Esri/David Robinson GIS
Residents participate in Coachella Prospera.
To seed the workforce pipeline, the city works with the Center for Employment Training, Southern California Mountains Foundation (Urban Youth Conservation Corps), and GRID Alternatives Inland Empire to provide residents with training and development opportunities.
Maintaining a broad mix of housing is critical for any community. Coachella has welcomed some of the industry’s best purveyors to create vibrant neighborhoods for owners and renters. Pulte Homes’ Pyramid Ranch is one of the newest developments, offering 192 one- and two-story, open-concept single-family homes as well as a picnic and park space with a children’s play area.
Covalda, a new community of 108 budget-friendly apartment homes, has begun welcoming families that earn between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area’s median income to the well-appointed one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Ten units have been set aside for disabled tenants, and the location is within walking distance of the transit hub, grocery stores, and other essential places.
The city and SunLine Transit Agency continue to advance a grant-funded transit hub, and the Coachella Rail Station Feasibility Study promises to expand regional connectivity by siting a new station that would provide daily passenger service to and from Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside.
Because of the city’s youthful demographic, recreation accounts for a large part of the Coachella lifestyle. Bagdouma Park is a magnet for family and community outings as well as sports and special events. The city recently upgraded the park, adding and renovating concession stands, restrooms, and LED lighting. Soccer leagues received additional support, and a lush new stand of trees was planted in honor of Arbor Day.
UCR Palm Desert offers residents free business management courses.
Ribbon cutting at Covalda apartments.
Rancho Las Flores Park will expand with an amphitheater, great lawn, micro bike hub, tennis and fitness facilities, and playground with a zipline and splash pad.
The plan to expand Rancho Las Flores Park includes a new amphitheater, micro bike hub, great lawn, tennis courts, outdoor fitness center, café, playground with zipline and splash pad, wildlife observation center, and art.
Coachella is in the fast lane toward prosperity with plenty of public investment and community engagement. Along with the benefits of Coachella Prospera, the city’s combination of available land, access to interstate transportation, financial incentives, and young, flexible labor pool make it an ideal place to invest.
