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Idyllwild is a census-designated place located in Riverside County, California. As of the 2000 census, the CDP had a total population of 3,504. Idyllwild is a popular southern California mountain resort about one mile in altitude. It is noted as a center for hiking, mountain and rock climbing, and horseback riding, but also has a good cultural scene, which includes a music and arts school formerly affiliated with the University of Southern California and a jazz festival.

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Idyllwild-Pine Cove is located at 33°44'44" North, 116°42'58" West (33.745509, -116.716114)sup .

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 35.7 km² (13.8 mi²). 35.7 km² (13.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.07% is water.

The Idyllwild-Pine Cove area is located in Southern California's San Jacinto Mountains, which contain 10,804 foot high San Jacinto Peak. Idyllwild lies mostly within a high mountain valley bisected by a small year-round stream, Strawberry Creek. Pine Cove occupies a ridgetop location nearly 1,000 feet higher than Idyllwild.

Idyllwild is nestled deep in the ancient ponderosa pine forests of the foothills.

Normal travel distances and times to the area are approximately 120 miles (two hours) from Los Angeles and San Diego, California.

of 2000, there are 3,504 people, 1,615 households, and 965 families residing in the CDP. The population density is 98.2mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP is 91.58% White, 0.57% Black or African American, 1.00% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 2.05% from other races, and 4.08% from two or more races. 8.16% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,615 households out of which 22.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% are married couples living together, 7.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% are non-families. 32.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.17 and the average family size is 2.73.

In the CDP the population is spread out with 19.9% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 35.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 46 years. For every 100 females there are 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP is $35,625, and the median income for a family is $48,520. Males have a median income of $36,734 versus $31,125 for females. The per capita income for the CDP is $23,443. 12.8% of the population and 6.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 19.0% of those under the age of 18 and 4.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

The area has a mixture of full time residents and vacation or weekend homes typical of mountain resorts in proximity to large metropolitan areas.

The community has been the home for over 30 years of ISOMATA--Idyllwild School of Music and The Arts. Now known simply as the Idyllwild Arts Academy, the organization offers young people from Southern California and across the country a myriad of artistic educational experiences in a sleep-away camplike setting. Programs for kids include classical and choral music, dramatic and musical comedy, and fine arts. The Academy also has a well-respected high school program specializing in performing, visual, theatre and other fine arts. Within the community, there are many art galleries and weekly art events, most featuring local practicing artists. A strong music and local theatre element exists, with various small venues featuring everything from classical music to current popular music and jazz.

Idyllwild is today the setting of Camp Ronald McDonald. The organization, which was created as the charitable arm of McDonald's Corporation, annually provides summer camp experiences for ill, underpriviledged children, especially those suffering from Cancer. Camp Ronald McDonald is located on the site of the former Camp Roosevelt, a private summer camp owned for years by the Merkelson family, that served generations of very-privileged kids from So. Cal. in the '60s and '70s.