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Twentynine Palms
cityTwentynine Palms, California, is a city located in the Mojave Desert, serving as a gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. As of 2020, the population was 28,065. The city is known for its desert landscapes, connection to nature, and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), the world's largest Marine Corps training base. Twentynine Palms' economy is significantly influenced by the Marine Corps base and tourism related to Joshua Tree National Park. Key sectors include military, hospitality, and services supporting the local population and visitors. The city also has a growing artistic community. What makes Twentynine Palms distinctive is its location adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, offering unparalleled access to the unique desert environment. The city's history is intertwined with the Oasis of Mara, a vital water source for early inhabitants and travelers. The presence of the Marine Corps base adds a unique dimension to the city's character.
Twentynine Palms, California
Overview
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 06-80994
- Country
- United States
- County
- San Bernardino
Geography
- Region
- Mojave Desert
- Elevation
- 1,988 ft
- Total Area
- 58.75 sq mi
- Land Area
- 58.75 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.1356
- Longitude
- -116.0542
- Climate
- Twentynine Palms has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from an average low of 38°F in winter to an average high of 102°F in summer. Rainfall is scarce, averaging around 6 inches per year.
- Notable Features
- Joshua Tree National Park · Oasis of Mara · Pinto Mountain Fault
- Neighboring Areas
- Joshua Tree · Yucca Valley
Demographics
- Population (2020)
- 28,065
- Est. Population (2026)
- 25,814
- Median Age
- 24.8
- Median Income
- $62,554
- Poverty Rate
- 14.48%
- Family Households
- 66%
- Owner-Occupied
- 38.2%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Twentynine Palms includes 52.1% White, 9.44% Black or African American, 4.12% Asian, and smaller percentages for other race, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
Governance
- Government Type
- Council–manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Morongo Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Parks & Recreation · Community Services
U.S. Congress
Padilla, AlexD
U.S. SenatorSchiff, Adam B.D
U.S. RepresentativeHuffman, JaredD
U.S. Representative - District 2Kiley, KevinI
U.S. Representative - District 3Thompson, MikeD
U.S. Representative - District 4McClintock, TomR
U.S. Representative - District 5Bera, AmiD
U.S. Representative - District 6Matsui, Doris O.D
U.S. Representative - District 7Garamendi, JohnD
U.S. Representative - District 8Harder, JoshD
U.S. Representative - District 9DeSaulnier, MarkD
U.S. Representative - District 10Pelosi, NancyD
U.S. Representative - District 11Simon, LateefahD
U.S. Representative - District 12Mullin, KevinD
U.S. Representative - District 15Khanna, RoD
U.S. Representative - District 17Lofgren, ZoeD
U.S. Representative - District 18Panetta, JimmyD
U.S. Representative - District 19Fong, VinceR
U.S. Representative - District 20Costa, JimD
U.S. Representative - District 21Valadao, David G.R
U.S. Representative - District 22Obernolte, JayR
U.S. Representative - District 23Carbajal, Salud O.D
U.S. Representative - District 24Ruiz, RaulD
U.S. Representative - District 25Brownley, JuliaD
U.S. Representative - District 26Whitesides, GeorgeD
U.S. Representative - District 27Chu, JudyD
U.S. Representative - District 28Rivas, Luz M.D
U.S. Representative - District 29Friedman, LauraD
U.S. Representative - District 30Cisneros, Gilbert RayD
U.S. Representative - District 31Sherman, BradD
U.S. Representative - District 32Aguilar, PeteD
U.S. Representative - District 33Gomez, JimmyD
U.S. Representative - District 34Torres, Norma J.D
U.S. Representative - District 35Lieu, TedD
U.S. Representative - District 36Kamlager-Dove, SydneyD
U.S. Representative - District 37Sánchez, Linda T.D
U.S. Representative - District 38Takano, MarkD
U.S. Representative - District 39Kim, YoungR
U.S. Representative - District 40Calvert, KenR
U.S. Representative - District 41Garcia, RobertD
U.S. Representative - District 42Waters, MaxineD
U.S. Representative - District 43Barragán, Nanette DiazD
U.S. Representative - District 44Tran, DerekD
U.S. Representative - District 45Correa, J. LuisD
U.S. Representative - District 46Min, DaveD
U.S. Representative - District 47Issa, DarrellR
U.S. Representative - District 48Levin, MikeD
U.S. Representative - District 49Peters, Scott H.D
U.S. Representative - District 50Jacobs, SaraD
U.S. Representative - District 51Vargas, JuanD
U.S. Representative - District 52Economy
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.4%
- Economic Profile
- Military · Tourism · Residential
- Employment Sectors
- Military · Tourism · Retail · Healthcare
- Major Employers
- Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center · Joshua Tree National Park · Spotlight 29 Casino
Education
- Schools
- 9
- School Districts
- Morongo Unified School District
Infrastructure
- Transportation
- Highway 62 · Utah Trail
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Power
- Major Facilities
- Hi-Desert Medical Center · Twentynine Palms Airport · Twentynine Palms Community Center
Recreation
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Joshua Tree National Park · Oasis of Mara · Knott's Sky Park · Luckie Park
- Parks & Trails
- Joshua Tree National Park trails · City Parks · Knott's Sky Park
History
- Founded
- 1870s
- Incorporated
- 1987
- Named After
- The city was named for the 29 palms (Washingtonia filifera) that the Serrano people had planted surrounding the Oasis of Mara.
- Historical Significance
- Twentynine Palms has served as a vital oasis and settlement in the Mojave Desert, a gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, and a major military training center.
- Key Events
- First explored by Colonel Henry Washington in 1855. · Establishment of a post office in 1927. · Designation of Joshua Tree National Park as a national monument in 1936. · Establishment of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in 1952. · Incorporation as a city in 1987.