Living in Imperial Beach, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Imperial Beach · Census data 2020–2024
Imperial Beach has 25,764 residents with a median age of 35.1. The median household income is $86,111 (13% lower than the California median), the median home value is $857,000, the median rent is $2,011/month.
Imperial Beach at a glance
- Population
- 25,764
- Median age
- 35.1State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $86,111State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $857,000State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,011/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 31.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 26.7%
- Average commute
- 27 min
Is Imperial Beach a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 27 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 13% lower than the California median; home values 17% higher than the state median; unemployment of 7.1%; a poverty rate of 14.8%.
The weather is best in July to October.
Cost of living in Imperial Beach
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Imperial Beach the median home value is $857,000, 158% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,011 per month, which is 33.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,659 a month in housing costs.
Imperial Beach median household income
The median household income in Imperial Beach is $86,111 and the income per person is $42,196. 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Imperial Beach: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 10,299
- Owner-occupied
- 31.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 68.7%
- Vacant
- 9.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1971
- Average household size
- 2.68
Imperial Beach demographics
- Population
- 25,764
- Median age
- 35.1
- Under 18
- 21.9%
- 65 and older
- 12.3%
- Households
- 9,340
- Foreign-born
- 16.6%
- Veterans
- 9.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Imperial Beach ›
Education in Imperial Beach
26.7% of adults 25 and older in Imperial Beach have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 8.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Imperial Beach
- Unemployment rate
- 7.1%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 27 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 10.9%
- Drive alone
- 70.8%
- Public transit
- 3.9%
- Walk to work
- 3.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 91.3%
Imperial Beach vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Beach | 25,764 | $86,111 | $857,000 | $2,011 |
| Coronado | 19,015 | $134,534 | $2,000,001 | $3,257 |
| National City | 58,893 | $66,841 | $612,200 | $1,692 |
| Chula Vista | 276,375 | $108,032 | $758,700 | $2,229 |
| Bonita | 12,652 | $118,674 | $962,800 | $2,218 |
| La Presa | 34,962 | $93,479 | $629,700 | $1,852 |
| Lemon Grove | 27,686 | $88,009 | $705,400 | $1,893 |
| Spring Valley | 31,969 | $109,110 | $714,700 | $2,166 |
| La Mesa | 60,797 | $95,028 | $812,000 | $2,049 |
More for people moving to Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Imperial Beach: FAQ
What is the median household income in Imperial Beach, CA?
The median household income in Imperial Beach is $86,111, 13% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Imperial Beach?
The median home value in Imperial Beach is $857,000, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Imperial Beach?
The median gross rent in Imperial Beach is $2,011 per month, about 33.8% of household income.
Is Imperial Beach, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 27 minutes. Minuses: median household income 13% lower than the California median; home values 17% higher than the state median; unemployment of 7.1%; a poverty rate of 14.8%.
What is the median age in Imperial Beach?
The median age in Imperial Beach is 35.1 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Imperial Beach?
The average commute to work in Imperial Beach is 27 minutes; 10.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Imperial Beach?
The unemployment rate in Imperial Beach is 7.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Imperial Beach?
26.7% of adults in Imperial Beach have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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