Native American tribes such as the Serrano, Chemehuevi, and Cahuilla lived in the area. Colonel Henry Washington made the first recorded exploration of Twentynine Palms. He found Native Americans from the Chemehuevi tribe who lived in the surrounding hills and near the spring they called "Mar-rah".[6]
Twentynine Palms was named for the palm trees found there in 1852 by Col. Henry Washington while surveying the San Bernardino base line.[7] A post office was established in 1927.[8]
A road named Utah Trail honors the late 1800s pioneers on a trail originating in Utah (reportedly Saint George) that went to Twentynine Palms. Nearby is a small Indian reservation belonging to the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.
Its population as of July 1, 2013, was estimated at 25,768.[11]
2010 census
At the 2010 census,[12] there were 25,048 people in 8,095 households, including 5,847 families, in the city. The population density was 423.5 inhabitants per square mile (163.5/km2). There were 9,431 housing units at an average density of 159.5 per square mile, of the occupied units 2,742 (33.9%) were owner-occupied and 5,353 (66.1%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 9.2%. 6,876 people (27.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 14,825 people (59.2%) lived in rental housing units. The racial makeup of the city was 71.6% White (60.8% non-Hispanic),[11] 8.2% African American, 1.3% Native American, 3.9% Asian, 1.4% Pacific Islander, 6.7% from other races, and 6.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 20.8% of the population.
The census reported that 21,701 people (86.6% of the population) lived in households, and 3,347 (13.4%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters.
Of the 8,095 households 43.3% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 54.5% were opposite-sex married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present. There were 5% unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 1.6% same-sex married couples or partnerships. 21.1% of households were one person and 5.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.1.
The age distribution was 25.6% under the age of 18, 30% aged 18 to 24, 25.5% aged 25 to 44, 13.1% aged 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 or older. The median age was 23.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 129 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 139.9 males.
The median household income was $42,572. About 14.4% of the population were living below the poverty line.[11]
2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 14,764 people in 5,653 households, including 3,855 families, in the city. The population density was 269.3 inhabitants per square mile (104.0 inhabitants/km2). There were 6,952 housing units at an average density of 126.8 units per square mile (49.0 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 71% White, 9.4% African American, 1.5% Native American, 3.8% Asian, 10.2% Pacific Islander, 6.2% from other races, and 6.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 14.9%.[13]
Of the 5,653 households 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 25.1% of households were one person and 7.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.6 and the average family size was 3.1.
The age distribution was 31.2% under the age of 18, 15.2% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 16.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% 65 or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.7 males.
The median household income was $31,178 and the median family income was $32,251. Males had a median income of $25,081 versus $25,141 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,613. About 13.6% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.3% of those under age 18 and 10% of those age 65 or over.
Due in large part to its elevation of more than 1,900 ft (580 m) above sea level, Twentynine Palms has a slightly cooler climate, especially during winter, than Palm Springs, but with essentially the same subtropical desert characteristics. On average, temperatures reach 100 °F (38 °C) on 89 days, 90 °F (32 °C) on 154 days, and the freezing mark on 17 nights annually. Extremes range from 10 °F (−12 °C) on December 23, 1990, to 118 °F (48 °C) on July 11, 1961. Winters are moderately cool, with highs in the 60s °F and lows in the 40s °F. Summers are hot, with high temperatures above 100 °F (38 °C). The wettest month is August, with 0.65 in (17 mm) inches of rain, mostly from monsoon thunderstorms.
Climate data for Twentynine Palms, California, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1935–present
The city has a series of 26 outdoor murals painted on local buildings featuring various aspects of desert life and history.[17][18]
The 29 Palms Historical Society, housed in the original schoolhouse of the city, maintains a museum devoted to local history.[19] The Historical Society also hosts an annual "Weed Show" each November devoted to art work composed of weeds.[20][21] The Twentynine Palms Artists' Guild maintains exhibits devoted to local artists.[22]
Economy
The Oasis of Mara,[23] the original source of water and the historic source of all economic activity in the area, is divided into two parts. To the east, a long strip of palm trees terminates at the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor's Center, which is visited by approximately 140,000 people every year, and is maintained by the United States National Park Service. To the west, the remainder of the oasis is owned by the 29 Palms Inn, a historic hotel, and ends in a large shaded pond.[24]
The current economy depends largely on the nearby Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, as well as tourism associated with Joshua Tree National Park. In February 2015, the city set in place rules governing vacation rentals, and has granted approximately one hundred permits,[25] compared to over one thousand in the nearby community of Joshua Tree.
Mayfield College[30] offers a training program to prepare active duty service members for careers in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry.
Media
Aerial view of Twentynine Palms from the south, with Mojave Desert behind
The Desert Trail newspaper in Yucca Valley is published weekly.[31]The Sun Runner Magazine of California Desert Life and Culture is published bi-monthly.[32]
KEXV and KPLM are low power TV stations for the town and Yucca Valley.
KVMD is licensed in Twentynine Palms and serves all of Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.
There is one AM station: KNWH a transmitter of KNWQ-1140 "KNews" Radio – Twentynine Palms (Inland Empire, California and Coachella Valley radio markets) CA US news/talk. There are seven commercial and two public FM stations:
Actor Jared Leto launched a skin care line called "Twentynine Palms," inspired by the town.[46]
Radio
On April 22, 1945, The Jack Benny Program was broadcast from Twentynine Palms Auxiliary Naval Air Station. There were jokes about the base's dry, hot weather, along with a comedic sketch of the town's history.[47]
