Borrego Springs is an unincorporated community in San Diego County, California, United States. The Borrego Springs census-designated place (CDP) had a population of 2,535 at the 2000 census. Because of frequent summer daytime temperatures over 100°F, many residents are seasonal.
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park visitor's center is located west of town. A local landmark is the traffic roundabout between the airport and downtown, known as Christmas Circle. The town includes a branch of the San Diego County Library.
Geography and ecology
According to the United States Geological Survey Borrego Springs is located at  33°15′24″N 116°22′30″W? / ?33.25667°N 116.375°W? / 33.25667; -116.375 (33.2558717, -116.375012). This points at "Christmas Circle Drive", at the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Borrego Springs Road, which is where most maps place the community. According to the United States Census Bureau Borrego Springs is located at 33°14′50″N 116°22′19″W? / ?33.24722°N 116.37194°W? / 33.24722; -116.37194 (33.247113, -116.371969). Located between "Frying Pan Road" and "Double O Road", this is 3,530 feet south-southeast of the USGS location. According to the United States Census Bureau, the Borrego Springs census-designated place (CDP) has a total area of 110.1 km² (42.5 mi²), all land.
The village is located on the floor of the Borrego Valley, which is widely acknowledged as the westernmost extent of the great southwestern geographical region known as the Sonoran Desert. Borrego Springs is situated on the valley floor within a diverse variety of desert flora and fauna. One of the iconic species found within the Borrego Springs area is the California Fan Palm, Washingtonia filifera, which is an endangered species and the only palm native to the western USA.
Downtown as seen from Christmas Circle
Climate
Average January temperatures are a maximum of 69.2°F and a minuimum of 44.0°F. Average July temperatures are a maximum of 107.3°F and a minimum of 75.7°F. There are an average of 172.6 days with highs of 90°F (32°C) or higher and an average of only 2.6 days with lows of 32°F (0°C) or lower. The record high temperature was 122°F on June 25, 1990. The record low temperature was 20°F on January 5, 1971. Average annual precipitation is 5.81 inches and there are an average of 24 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1983 with 18.73 inches and the dryest year was 1953 with 1.35 inch. The most rainfall in one month was 8.78 inches in January 1993. The most rainfall in 24 hours was 2.46 inches on March 2, 1983. Although snow rarely falls in the lowlands, 6.5 inches fell in December 1967.
Night Sky
Considering its location in one of the highest population densities on the planet, Borrego Springs enjoys one of the most remarkable starry night skies in Southern California. In July 2009, it was designated as California's first International Dark-Sky Community by the International Dark-Sky Association. It is a center for public astronomy activities throughout the year.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,535 people, 1,153 households, and 727 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 23.0/km² (59.6/mi²). There were 2,280 housing units at an average density of 20.7/km² (53.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 82.84% White, 0.99% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 13.14% from other races, and 2.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 32.43% of the population.
There were 1,153 households out of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.69.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 18.4% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 21.2% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 29.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females there were 105.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.7 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $37,045, and the median income for a family was $40,262. Males had a median income of $27,604 versus $26,023 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,761. About 8.0% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.
Air transportation
Main article: Borrego Valley Airport
Politics
In the state legislature Borrego Springs is located in the 36th Senate District, represented by Republican Dennis Hollingsworth, and in the 77th Assembly District, represented by Republican Joel Anderson. Federally, Borrego Springs is located in California's 52nd congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +9 and is represented by Republican Duncan Hunter. |
