Rancho Mirage incorporated August 3, 1973, and in 1998, celebrated its silver anniversary. For the citizens of Rancho Mirage, it was a magical 25 years. Rancho Mirage has moved closer to being paradise since that 25th anniversary and has grown without losing the quality of life that originally attracted residents to our area even before incorporation.
The successful beginning of Rancho Mirage was the establishment of the Magnesia Falls area, as well as Thunderbird and Tamarisk Country Clubs in the '40s and '50s. From the beginning, Rancho Mirage was primarily a residential community.
Succeeding decades brought new assets and resources. In the '60s commercial business expanded and "Restaurant Row" developed. The '70s saw the incorporation of the City, which allowed property owners control over land use and development issues; Eisenhower Medical Center came into being; and five of the City's country clubs were built.
Residential construction boomed throughout the '70s and '80s, and that period also saw the addition of the valley's world-class destination resorts--Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas, the Westin Mission Hills, and the Ritz-Carlton.
City FlagWhite background with blue border; centered seal with blue writing "City of Rancho Mirage" along top, a bighorn in center, with "California, Realm of the Desert Bighorn" written beneath. |
City MammalDesert Bighorn (Ovis Canadensis) |
City BirdCactus Wren (Camplorhynchus brunneicapillus) |
City FlowerDesert Sunflower (Geraea canescens) |
Type of CityCharter Effective December 25, 1997 |
Form of GovernmentCouncil-Manager |
Area in Square Miles24.77 |
Elevation252 feet above sea level |
Population17,180 year-round permanent residents |
Total Dwelling Units(including those only occupied on a seasonal basis) |
Median Age61 |
Median Family Income$89,000 |
Average Temperature88° daytime; 55° night |
Median Household Income$74,304 |
Average Rainfall3.38 inches per year |
Average Humidity27% |
Rancho Mirage offers an abundant amount of sunshine, great climate and related resort lifestyle. Famous political leaders, corporate executives and top entertainers all call Rancho Mirage home because of its renowned quality of life.