Brawley, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
27,283
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,311/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,650
0.6% year-over-year change

Brawley population

How many people live in Brawley

Brawley is home to 27,283 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.5% of Brawley locals are male, and 48.5% are female.

Total population
27,283
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.5%
14,045
Female
48.5%
13,238
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,045 51.5% 3.1%
Female 13,238 48.5% -0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Brawley is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.9% are children under 15, then 16.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, while another 20.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.9%
15 to 24
16.4%
25 to 44
26.4%
45 to 64
20.1%
Over 65
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,067 25.9% 6.1%
15 to 24 4,484 16.4% 2.0%
25 to 44 7,194 26.4% 4.0%
45 to 64 5,485 20.1% -2.0%
Over 65 3,053 11.2% -9.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Brawley, 70.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 21.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 2.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 36.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.5%
Non-citizens
13.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,339 70.9% 2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,239 15.5% 3.7%
Non-citizens 3,705 13.6% -6.4%
Racial breakdown
White
21.4%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
36.1%
Other
37.4%
Value Percent
White 5,825 21.4%
Black or African American 204 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 638 2.3%
Asian 571 2.1%
Two or more races 9,838 36.1%
Other 10,207 37.4%

Households in Brawley

A peek inside Brawley households

Brawley has 7,881 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.3% are families, while the remaining 25.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,881
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,023
Family households
5,858
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,023 25.7% 9.2%
Family households 5,858 74.3% 0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Brawley

The housing landscape of Brawley

Brawley's housing consists of 8,650 units, with 60% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,650
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,193 60%
1 unit, attached 243 2.8%
2 units 240 2.8%
3 or 4 units 754 8.7%
5 to 9 units 1,031 11.9%
10 to 19 units 479 5.5%
20 to 49 units 112 1.3%
50 or more units 152 1.8%
Mobile home 388 4.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 58 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
93
10.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brawley

In Brawley, the median construction year is 1985. About 5.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 486 5.6% 38.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 294 3.4% -8.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 944 10.9% -8.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 779 9% -2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,211 14% -23.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,147 13.3% 27.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,563 18.1% -3.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,072 12.4% 9.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,061 12.3% 14.2%
Built in 2020 or later 93 1.1% 10.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Brawley occupancy rates

Out of the 7,881 occupied housing units in Brawley, 51.6% are owner-occupied, while 48.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,881
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,816
Owner occupied
4,065
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,816 48.4% 6.2%
Owner occupied 4,065 51.6% -1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
8.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Brawley housing costs

Housing costs in Brawley come to a median of $1,101 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $988.

Median housing costs per month
$1,101/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Brawley
$988/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Brawley

Brawley education at a glance

About 38.6% of the population in Brawley went to high school, while 24.2% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 11.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,483 13.1% 1.8%
High school diploma 7,341 38.6% 2.8%
College diploma 4,598 24.2% -10.8%
Associate degree 1,859 9.8% 9.9%
Bachelor's degree 2,164 11.4% 15.9%
Graduate degree 565 3% 14.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Brawley

How much people earn in Brawley

The average annual household income in Brawley was $84,897 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,311, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brawley
$84,897/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brawley
$59,311/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

Brawley income by age

In Brawley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,902. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,031 overall. Overall, 79% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $61,902 -13.9%
45 - 64 $71,031 4.0%
Over 65 $45,401 0.7%
Above poverty level
21,168
Below poverty level
5,638
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,168 79% 1.1%
Below poverty level 5,638 21% 4.1%

Average renter income in Brawley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brawley, their median household income was $31,100 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,100
Rent-to-income ratio
38.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Brawley

Workforce and job types in Brawley

The job market in Brawley is powered by 9,604 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 60% are employed by private companies, and 24% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,604
5.3% year-over-year change
White collar
6,473
Blue collar
3,131
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,473 67.4% 5.5%
Blue collar 3,131 32.6% 4.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
60%
Governmental workers
24%
Not for profit companies
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 821 8.6% 3.5%
Private companies 5,758 60% 8.7%
Governmental workers 2,305 24% -0.3%
Not for profit companies 720 7.5% 0.6%
Unemployment rate
15.5%
5.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brawley stands at 15.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Brawley

How people get around in Brawley

In Brawley, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-6.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,898 83.8% 5.3%
Bus or trolleybus 58 0.6% -22.7%
Bicycle 44 0.5% -4.3%
Walk 188 2% 44.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Brawley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92227 28,315 8,209 $59,362 $84,427

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FAQs about Brawley demographics 

What is the total population of Brawley?

Brawley has a total population of 27,283 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brawley?

The gender ratio in Brawley is as follows:
  • 51.5% males (14,045 residents)
  • 48.5% females (13,238 residents)

What is the median age in Brawley?

The median age in Brawley is 30.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brawley?

The age distribution in Brawley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.9% (7,067 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.4% (4,484 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.4% (7,194 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.1% (5,485 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.2% (3,053 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brawley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brawley is as follows:
  • White: 21.4% (5,825 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (204 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (638 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (571 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 36.1% (9,838 residents)
  • Other: 37.4% (10,207 residents)

What percentage of the population in Brawley are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 70.9% of the population in Brawley.

How many housing units are there in Brawley?

There are 8,650 housing units in Brawley, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Brawley and what is the average household size?

Brawley has a total of 7,881 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brawley?

Brawley has a median household income of $59,311, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brawley?

The employment rate is 84.5% in Brawley, with a workforce of 9,604 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.4% (6,473 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.6% (3,131 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (821 residents)
  • Private companies: 60% (5,758 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24% (2,305 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.5% (720 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025