Palmdale is a city located in northern Los Angeles County in the Antelope Valley region of California. As of the 2020 census, Palmdale has a population of 155,750 people, making it the 33rd most populous city in California.
Population and Demographics
The population of Palmdale has seen rapid growth since the city was incorporated in 1962. In 1970, shortly after incorporation, the population was just 12,227. By 1980 it had grown to 68,842 residents and in 1990 it exceeded 100,000 people for the first time. This growth continued into the 2000s, with the population reaching 152,750 in 2010. As of 2019, the population was estimated at 157,161.
Palmdale has a diverse population. As of the 2010 census, the racial and ethnic makeup of the city was as follows:
- White – 56.5%
- Black or African American – 14.8%
- Hispanic or Latino (of any race) – 38.6%
- Asian – 4.8%
- Two or more races – 4.6%
- Native American – 1.2%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander – 0.7%
Palmdale has a relatively young population compared to national averages. According to 2019 Census Bureau estimates, the median age in Palmdale is 32.3 years. By comparison, the median age in the United States overall is 38.5 years.
For more information about the demographics of Palmdale, check out the Palmdale Demographics section on Wikipedia.
Economy and Major Employers
Aerospace and defense are major drivers of Palmdale’s economy. Many residents work at aerospace companies and institutions in Palmdale and the surrounding Antelope Valley region, including:
- Lockheed Martin – designs, develops, and manufactures advanced technology systems
- Northrop Grumman – global security company that provides innovative systems for applications in aerospace
- NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center – NASA center focused on aeronautics research
- Air Force Plant 42 – Air Force Materiel Command facility
In addition to aerospace and defense, other major employers in Palmdale include:
- Antelope Valley Mall
- Walmart
- Albertsons
- Antelope Valley Union High School District
- Palmdale School District
- California Institute for Women
- AT&T
For more on the economy and employers in Palmdale, check out the city’s economic development profile.
Points of Interest
Some of the top attractions and points of interest in Palmdale include:
- Blackbird Airpark – park with retired Lockheed A-12 and SR-71 spy planes on display
- Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area – large rock formation and natural preserve good for hiking
- Palmdale Amphitheater – outdoor 20,000 seat amphitheater that hosts concerts and events
- Palmdale Transportation Center – transit hub for rail and bus services in the region
- Palmdale City Library – large public library with programs for all ages
The city also has many parks for outdoor recreation, including Marie Kerr Park, Pelona Vista Park, and Yellen Park.
For more ideas on things to do and places to visit, check out the City of Palmdale Facebook page or the city’s visitor guide.
Local Sports
Palmdale is home to a minor league baseball team, the High Desert Mavericks, who play at Stater Bros. Stadium. The Mavericks are a Class A Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
For youth sports, the Palmdale Parks and Recreation Department offers recreational leagues and teams including baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball.
Palmdale is also home to sports complexes including the Palmdale Soccer Complex and Palmdale Regional Park which host youth and adult recreational sports leagues and tournaments.