El Centro, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
44,240
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,082/yr
-5.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,656
0.8% year-over-year change

El Centro population

How many people live in El Centro

El Centro is home to 44,240 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of El Centro locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
44,240
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
21,896
Female
50.5%
22,344
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,896 49.5% 0.1%
Female 22,344 50.5% 0.1%
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 El Centro is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.7% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 19.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14% are 65 or older.

Median age
31
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.7%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
19.6%
Over 65
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,360 25.7% 0.9%
15 to 24 6,281 14.2% -2.6%
25 to 44 11,718 26.5% 4.5%
45 to 64 8,692 19.6% -7.5%
Over 65 6,189 14% 5.5%
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 El Centro, 68.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 19.9% of locals are Caucasian, 3.3% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 47.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 26.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.1%
Non-citizens
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 30,116 68.1% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,549 17.1% -5.0%
Non-citizens 6,575 14.9% 6.2%
Racial breakdown
White
19.9%
Black or African American
3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
26.9%
Other
47.7%
Value Percent
White 8,821 19.9%
Black or African American 1,470 3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 373 0.8%
Asian 513 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 53 0.1%
Two or more races 11,907 26.9%
Other 21,103 47.7%

Households in El Centro

A peek inside El Centro households

El Centro has 12,890 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76% are families, while the remaining 24% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,890
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,096
Family households
9,794
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,096 24% 7.8%
Family households 9,794 76% -1.7%
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 El Centro

The housing landscape of El Centro

El Centro's housing consists of 14,656 units, with 53.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% 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 7.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,656
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,850 53.6%
1 unit, attached 389 2.6%
2 units 472 3.2%
3 or 4 units 1,464 10%
5 to 9 units 946 6.4%
10 to 19 units 1,029 7%
20 to 49 units 577 3.9%
50 or more units 790 5.4%
Mobile home 1,096 7.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 43 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
251
50.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in El Centro

In El Centro, the median construction year is 1982. About 2.8% 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, 14.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 406 2.8% -16.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 494 3.4% 22.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,630 11.1% -3.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,718 11.7% 1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,688 18.3% 10.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,533 17.3% -11.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,100 14.3% 7.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,133 14.6% 0.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 703 4.8% -0.8%
Built in 2020 or later 251 1.7% 50.3%
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.

El Centro occupancy rates

Out of the 12,890 occupied housing units in El Centro, 49.5% are owner-occupied, while 50.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,890
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,513
Owner occupied
6,377
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,513 50.5% 1.5%
Owner occupied 6,377 49.5% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
12.0%
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.

El Centro housing costs

Housing costs in El Centro come to a median of $1,149 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,052.

Median housing costs per month
$1,149/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 El Centro
$1,052/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 El Centro

El Centro education at a glance

About 41.6% of the population in El Centro went to high school, while 24.3% pursued college studies. Another 9.5% earned an associate degree and 8.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,354 10.9% -11.7%
High school diploma 12,818 41.6% 5.5%
College diploma 7,485 24.3% -1.3%
Associate degree 2,927 9.5% -0.4%
Bachelor's degree 2,746 8.9% -7.2%
Graduate degree 1,494 4.8% -3.1%
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 El Centro

How much people earn in El Centro

The average annual household income in El Centro was $76,234 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,082, reflecting a -5.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in El Centro
$76,234/year
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in El Centro
$53,082/year
-5.4% year-over-year change

El Centro income by age

In El Centro, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $53,780. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,750 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,895, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,167 in earnings. Overall, 78.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,895 1.3%
25 - 44 $53,780 -2.7%
45 - 64 $74,750 -3.6%
Over 65 $34,167 5.8%
Above poverty level
34,049
Below poverty level
9,374
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 34,049 78.4% -1.9%
Below poverty level 9,374 21.6% 8.1%

Average renter income in El Centro

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in El Centro, their median household income was $37,488 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,488
Rent-to-income ratio
33.7%
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 El Centro

Workforce and job types in El Centro

The job market in El Centro is powered by 16,527 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 58.3% are employed by private companies, and 23.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,527
-4.7% year-over-year change
White collar
11,670
Blue collar
4,857
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,670 70.6% -6.1%
Blue collar 4,857 29.4% -1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
58.3%
Governmental workers
23.8%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,738 10.5% 4.1%
Private companies 9,639 58.3% -4.0%
Governmental workers 3,935 23.8% -11.1%
Not for profit companies 1,215 7.4% 1.1%
Unemployment rate
9.9%
-5.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in El Centro stands at 9.9%, 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 El Centro

How people get around in El Centro

In El Centro, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
-3.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,518 90.1% -6.7%
Taxicab 83 0.5% 13.7%
Motorcycle 31 0.2% 6.9%
Walk 340 2.1% 22.7%
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 El Centro by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92243 49,069 14,260 $55,057 $76,706

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about El Centro demographics 

What is the total population of El Centro?

El Centro has a total population of 44,240 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in El Centro?

The gender ratio in El Centro is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (21,896 residents)
  • 50.5% females (22,344 residents)

What is the median age in El Centro?

The median age in El Centro is 31.

What is the age distribution of the population in El Centro?

The age distribution in El Centro is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.7% (11,360 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (6,281 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (11,718 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.6% (8,692 residents)
  • Over 65: 14% (6,189 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of El Centro?

The racial and ethnic makeup of El Centro is as follows:
  • White: 19.9% (8,821 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.3% (1,470 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (373 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (513 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (53 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 26.9% (11,907 residents)
  • Other: 47.7% (21,103 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.1% of the population in El Centro.

How many housing units are there in El Centro?

There are 14,656 housing units in El Centro, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

El Centro has a total of 12,890 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in El Centro?

El Centro has a median household income of $53,082, representing a -5.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for El Centro?

The employment rate is 90.1% in El Centro, with a workforce of 16,527 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.6% (11,670 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.4% (4,857 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (1,738 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.3% (9,639 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.8% (3,935 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (1,215 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