Living in Imperial, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Imperial · Census data 2020–2024
Imperial has 21,430 residents with a median age of 31.3. The median household income is $90,195 (9% lower than the California median), the median home value is $360,900, the median rent is $1,255/month.
Imperial at a glance
- Population
- 21,430
- Median age
- 31.3State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $90,195State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $360,900State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $1,255/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 69.5%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 22.7%
- Average commute
- 19 min
Is Imperial a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 51% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 9% lower than the California median; unemployment of 8.2%; a poverty rate of 12.5%.
The weather is best in January to March and November.
Cost of living in Imperial
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Imperial the median home value is $360,900, 8% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,255 per month, which is 28.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,034 a month in housing costs.
Imperial median household income
The median household income in Imperial is $90,195 and the income per person is $29,877. 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Imperial: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 6,732
- Owner-occupied
- 69.5%
- Renter-occupied
- 30.5%
- Vacant
- 11.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 2002
- Average household size
- 3.58
Imperial demographics
- Population
- 21,430
- Median age
- 31.3
- Under 18
- 34.8%
- 65 and older
- 9.5%
- Households
- 5,980
- Foreign-born
- 25%
- Veterans
- 6.7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Imperial ›
Education in Imperial
22.7% of adults 25 and older in Imperial have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 6.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Imperial
- Unemployment rate
- 8.2%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 19 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 7.5%
- Drive alone
- 79.1%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 2.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 91.7%
Imperial vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial | 21,430 | $90,195 | $360,900 | $1,255 |
| El Centro | 44,240 | $53,082 | $323,100 | $1,052 |
| El Centro Naval Air Facility | 443 | $69,063 | — | $1,741 |
| Seeley | 1,182 | $62,841 | $198,200 | $1,100 |
| Heber | 7,312 | $72,028 | $335,600 | $1,086 |
| Brawley | 27,283 | $59,311 | $290,700 | $988 |
| Holtville | 5,617 | $65,039 | $310,100 | $861 |
| Calexico | 38,585 | $49,783 | $313,600 | $1,093 |
| Westmorland | 1,844 | $28,839 | $310,200 | $793 |
More for people moving to Imperial
Imperial ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Imperial: FAQ
What is the median household income in Imperial, CA?
The median household income in Imperial is $90,195, 9% 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?
The median home value in Imperial is $360,900, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Imperial?
The median gross rent in Imperial is $1,255 per month, about 28.8% of household income.
Is Imperial, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 51% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes. Minuses: median household income 9% lower than the California median; unemployment of 8.2%; a poverty rate of 12.5%.
What is the median age in Imperial?
The median age in Imperial is 31.3 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Imperial?
The average commute to work in Imperial is 19 minutes; 7.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Imperial?
The unemployment rate in Imperial is 8.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Imperial?
22.7% of adults in Imperial 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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