Thousand Palms, CA

Thousand Palms is a city located in the Coachella Valley of Southern California. The population was 14,871 at the 2010 census. Thousand Palms is known for its desert climate and its luxury real estate market.

The city was founded in 1905 by Colonel William C. Breckenridge as a railroad stop on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. The name " Thousand Palms" is derived from the palm trees that grew along the railroad tracks. The first post office opened in 1906.

The city's economy has been based largely on real estate development since its inception, with notable examples including the construction of Palm Desert Country Club (1927), Desert Hills (1941), and The Ridges (1963). Today, Thousand Palms is home to many high-end golf courses and resorts as well as several shopping malls and luxury homesites.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Thousand Palms has a total area of , all land. It lies at an elevation of 4,749 feet (1,454 m).

As of the census of 2000, there were 12,723 people, 5,564 households, and 3,912 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,611.2 people per square mile (1,068.4/km²). There were 6,063 housing units at an average density of 1,048.5 per square mile (405.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94% White; 2% African American; 0% Native American; 1% Asian; 0% Pacific Islander; 2% from other races