Imperial County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
180,202
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,681/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
58,044
0.9% year-over-year change

Imperial County population

How many people live in Imperial County

Imperial County is home to 180,202 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.4% of Imperial County locals are male, and 48.6% are female.

Total population
180,202
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.4%
92,641
Female
48.6%
87,561
Value Percent YoY change
Male 92,641 51.4% 0.6%
Female 87,561 48.6% 0.4%
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 Imperial County is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.4% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.3% of the population, while another 20.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.4%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
27.3%
45 to 64
20.8%
Over 65
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 42,246 23.4% -0.6%
15 to 24 26,537 14.7% 1.1%
25 to 44 49,149 27.3% 1.1%
45 to 64 37,569 20.8% -0.7%
Over 65 24,701 13.7% 2.4%
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 Imperial County, 66.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 19.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. Another 1.6% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 41.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 33.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
66.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18.9%
Non-citizens
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 119,377 66.2% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 33,982 18.9% 0.9%
Non-citizens 26,843 14.9% 4.3%
Racial breakdown
White
19.8%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
33.3%
Other
41.4%
Value Percent
White 35,716 19.8%
Black or African American 3,975 2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,795 1.6%
Asian 2,764 1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 195 0.1%
Two or more races 60,055 33.3%
Other 74,702 41.4%

Households in Imperial County

A peek inside Imperial County households

Imperial County has 49,644 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.6% are families, while the remaining 24.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
49,644
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
12,097
Family households
37,547
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,097 24.4% -0.4%
Family households 37,547 75.6% 2.3%
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 Imperial County

The housing landscape of Imperial County

Imperial County's housing consists of 58,044 units, with 62.1% 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 8.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
58,044
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 36,020 62.1%
1 unit, attached 1,632 2.8%
2 units 1,525 2.6%
3 or 4 units 4,241 7.3%
5 to 9 units 4,427 7.6%
10 to 19 units 2,201 3.8%
20 to 49 units 1,115 1.9%
50 or more units 1,551 2.7%
Mobile home 5,097 8.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 235 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
1,194
136.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Imperial County

In Imperial County, the median construction year is 1988. About 3.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,191 3.8% 10.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,885 3.2% 7.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,847 8.4% -5.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,406 9.3% 0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,070 13.9% -2.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,796 13.4% -2.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 9,539 16.4% -3.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11,806 20.3% 2.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,310 9.2% 4.6%
Built in 2020 or later 1,194 2.1% 136.4%
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.

Imperial County occupancy rates

Out of the 49,644 occupied housing units in Imperial County, 56.8% are owner-occupied, while 43.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
49,644
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
21,434
Owner occupied
28,210
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 21,434 43.2% 1.5%
Owner occupied 28,210 56.8% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
14.5%
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.

Imperial County housing costs

Housing costs in Imperial County come to a median of $1,128 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,056.

Median housing costs per month
$1,128/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 Imperial County
$1,056/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 Imperial County

Imperial County education at a glance

About 40.5% of the population in Imperial County went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 10.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 16,208 12.6% 2.2%
High school diploma 52,301 40.5% -0.1%
College diploma 30,765 23.8% -2.0%
Associate degree 10,940 8.5% 8.2%
Bachelor's degree 13,832 10.7% 3.4%
Graduate degree 5,102 4% -0.6%
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 Imperial County

How much people earn in Imperial County

The average annual household income in Imperial County was $79,363 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,681, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Imperial County
$79,363/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Imperial County
$57,681/year
2.3% year-over-year change

Imperial County income by age

In Imperial County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,618. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,327 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,061, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,563 in earnings. Overall, 80.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,061 -6.5%
25 - 44 $62,618 -0.8%
45 - 64 $71,327 5.8%
Over 65 $36,563 0.2%
Above poverty level
137,541
Below poverty level
33,143
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 137,541 80.6% 1.0%
Below poverty level 33,143 19.4% 0.5%

Employment in Imperial County

Workforce and job types in Imperial County

The job market in Imperial County is powered by 62,277 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 61.3% are employed by private companies, and 24% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
62,277
1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
43,696
Blue collar
18,581
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 43,696 70.2% -0.1%
Blue collar 18,581 29.8% 5.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
61.3%
Governmental workers
24%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,440 8.7% -0.5%
Private companies 38,193 61.3% 2.5%
Governmental workers 14,959 24% -1.3%
Not for profit companies 3,685 5.9% 6.6%
Unemployment rate
12.5%
1.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Imperial County stands at 12.5%, 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 Imperial County

How people get around in Imperial County

In Imperial County, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% 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
0.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 53,472 87.8% 0.9%
Taxicab 192 0.3% 25.5%
Bus or trolleybus 195 0.3% -31.1%
Motorcycle 116 0.2% 1.8%
Bicycle 158 0.3% 3.3%
Walk 1,611 2.6% -3.1%
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 Imperial County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92227 28,315 8,209 $59,362 $84,427
92231 38,621 10,081 $49,742 $73,170
92233 6,836 1,282 $53,778 $61,348
92243 49,069 14,260 $55,057 $76,706
92249 7,312 1,815 $72,028 $86,240
92250 7,830 2,160 $72,143 $86,474
92251 27,454 6,760 $90,709 $106,520
92257 2,158 780 $22,611 $44,843
92004 3,007 1,654 $74,018 $98,386

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FAQs about Imperial County demographics 

What is the total population of Imperial County?

Imperial County has a total population of 180,202 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Imperial County?

The gender ratio in Imperial County is as follows:
  • 51.4% males (92,641 residents)
  • 48.6% females (87,561 residents)

What is the median age in Imperial County?

The median age in Imperial County is 33.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Imperial County?

The age distribution in Imperial County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.4% (42,246 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (26,537 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.3% (49,149 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.8% (37,569 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.7% (24,701 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Imperial County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Imperial County is as follows:
  • White: 19.8% (35,716 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (3,975 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (2,795 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (2,764 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (195 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 33.3% (60,055 residents)
  • Other: 41.4% (74,702 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 66.2% of the population in Imperial County.

How many housing units are there in Imperial County?

There are 58,044 housing units in Imperial County, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Imperial County has a total of 49,644 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Imperial County?

Imperial County has a median household income of $57,681, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Imperial County?

The employment rate is 87.5% in Imperial County, with a workforce of 62,277 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.2% (43,696 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.8% (18,581 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (5,440 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.3% (38,193 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24% (14,959 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (3,685 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