About Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs is defined by its relationship with the Anza-Borrego Desert. The 900 square mile Anza-Borrego Desert State Park completely encircles Borrego Springs and is the crown jewel of the region while the Borrego Springs community is the heart of the Park.
Like many aspects of the desert, there’s more to the Borrego Springs community than meets the eye. In the crevices of the valley’s rocky floor, wildflowers blossom in exuberant hope. In the shade of the Palo Verde trees, Coyote Creek babbles through the sandy slopes with perseverance. Although Borrego Springs can be seen as an oasis in the desert, Borregans must always be aware that they are – in fact – in the desert. The secret of life in the Anza Borrego desert is the availability and responsible stewardship of water. Creation Care is not simply an aspirational concept to St Barnabas and all Borregans; it is a way of life. In many ways Borrego Springs can evoke a sense of nostalgia and a sense of community from a simpler era. Almost like someone picked up Mayberry, dropped it in the middle of the desert, and stopped the calendar pages from turning. There are no stoplights, no streetlights (Borrego is one of only two certified International Dark Sky Park and Communities in the world), If you go less than a mile from the central Christmas Circle you will even find dinosaurs in the desert. Relax they are only metal sculptures placed by a local artist. There is a central town square (well circle anyways) where many community gatherings occur and around which can be found restaurants, the Borrego Natural Desert History Foundation and the Borrego Art Institute. There is a thriving arts community with the Borrego Art Institute, The Borrego Performing Arts Center, the Borrego Fil Festival, and others. The Population of Borrego Springs varies by season – with the winter season being the more populous while many seasonal residents go to cooler climes during the summer months. For over 50 years the beginning of the traditional season is celebrated by the annual “Borrego Days” festival held at the end of October. Borrego Days is emblematic of the importance of tourism and the long history of Borrego Springs as a resort community – including as a less glitzy (or crowded) getaway for the rich and famous during the Hollywood glory days. |
Richard Becera Sculptures at Galeta Meadows There is a central town square (well circle anyways) where many community gatherings occur and around which can be found restaurants, the Borrego Natural Desert History Foundation and the Borrego Art Institute. There is a thriving arts community with the Borrego Art Institute, The Borrego Performing Arts Center, the Borrego Film Festival, and others. All of these organizations have St Barnabans in leadership roles.
The Population of Borrego Springs varies by season – with the winter season being the more populous while many seasonal residents go to cooler climes during the summer months. For over 50 years the beginning of the traditional season is celebrated by the annual “Borrego Days” festival held at the end of October. Borrego Days is emblematic of the importance of tourism and the long history of Borrego Springs as a resort community – including as a less glitzy (or crowded) getaway for the rich and famous during the Hollywood glory days Park staff, volunteers, and local businesses band together each spring to support the rush of visitors from far and wide coming to witness the desert wildflower bloom. The “season” runs roughly through the end of the wildflower bloom usually around May. From June through September many of the “Snowbirds” return to cooler climes. |
AS of the 2010 census the full time population of Borrego Springs was 3,429, approximately evenly split between male and female. The median resident age was 63.8 years. Estimated median income was $52,711. The March 2019 cost of living index for Borrego Springs was 114.8 compared to a United States baseline of 100. The percentage of residents living in poverty was 10.9%.
The white population of Borrego Springs was 66.7%. The next most populous group was Hispanic at 27.3% followed by Black at 5.2%. No other ethnic group was reported above 2%.
The Borrego Springs population is highly seasonal, as much as doubling in the mild winter months when part time “Snowbird” residents flock to the desert. The Borrego Valley Stewardship Council (BVSC) has described Borrego as a two-tier resort community: those who have the means to travel, spending their time and money in Borrego Springs; and those who support the service and tourism industry the others rely on.
The Borrego Springs population is highly seasonal, as much as doubling in the mild winter months when part time “Snowbird” residents flock to the desert. The Borrego Valley Stewardship Council (BVSC) has described Borrego as a two-tier resort community: those who have the means to travel, spending their time and money in Borrego Springs; and those who support the service and tourism industry the others rely on.
According to the BVSC report hardships exist beneath the veneer of the Borrego Springs resort-style retirement community. BVSC reports that a wide income disparity exists between weekenders and seasonal residents who have second homes and the year round residents. BVSC reports that over half of Borrego residents earn less than $36,000 per year (median) despite a reported average income of $65,000 per year.
Ninety Two percent of the Borrego Unified School Districts 400 students qualify for income based Federal free and reduced lunch programs. California considers Borrego Springs to be a “Severely Disadvantaged Community” and an “Economically Distressed Area”.
Despite this income disparity and classification the BVSC reports that “Borrego Springs does not feel disadvantaged or distressed; it is a friendly, generous, and caring community. People in Borrego Springs look out for one another. Neighbors help neighbors, and businesses help the community. . . . The town has no Family Resource Center so local families turn to Food Banks, the Borrego Ministers Association, and other independent groups for assistance. The town is amazingly supportive and philanthropic in its contributions to its people. They are a model for giving and support.” St Barnabas – both alone and in partnership with other organizations such as the Borrego Ministers Association is an important part of this community support.
Some of Borrego Springs’ greatest charms also contribute to its most difficult challenges. As a remote, desert town surrounded by mountains and only accessible by long, winding two-lane roads or private planes, it’s difficult to get into and out of.
Ninety Two percent of the Borrego Unified School Districts 400 students qualify for income based Federal free and reduced lunch programs. California considers Borrego Springs to be a “Severely Disadvantaged Community” and an “Economically Distressed Area”.
Despite this income disparity and classification the BVSC reports that “Borrego Springs does not feel disadvantaged or distressed; it is a friendly, generous, and caring community. People in Borrego Springs look out for one another. Neighbors help neighbors, and businesses help the community. . . . The town has no Family Resource Center so local families turn to Food Banks, the Borrego Ministers Association, and other independent groups for assistance. The town is amazingly supportive and philanthropic in its contributions to its people. They are a model for giving and support.” St Barnabas – both alone and in partnership with other organizations such as the Borrego Ministers Association is an important part of this community support.
Some of Borrego Springs’ greatest charms also contribute to its most difficult challenges. As a remote, desert town surrounded by mountains and only accessible by long, winding two-lane roads or private planes, it’s difficult to get into and out of.