Phelan's history dates back to the days of the Mormon Trail, when settlers passed through the area on their way to San Bernardino and points beyond.

The area around it is nearly flat desert country dotted with joshua trees and heavy brush.

[3] Southwestern areas of Phelan are in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, reaching elevations of more than 4,900 feet above sea level.

But there is Phelan's Sunshine Market, and when you don't want to drive 20 minutes to Victorville or the local ski areas, you can gaze at the snow-capped peaks through your picture window.

[5]Phelan, along with Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and several other towns, is considered part of a region known as the High Desert.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 60.1 square miles (155.7 km2), all of it land.

In May 2010, the United States Census Bureau made Phelan its own separate CDP for statistical purposes.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Phelan had a median household income of $52,639, with 15.3% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

[9] High school football featuring the local team, the Diamondbacks, has been an important part of Phelan's social life.

An active youth sports program has provided a "feeder system" for the high school athletes.

The first is a shared facility at Serrano High School, and the second, a 5,000-square-foot (460 m2)-building at Lindero Street and Clovis Road, was opened in August 2009.