Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Calipatria, CA
Thinking of moving to Calipatria, CA? With a population of around 6,500, Calipatria offers very affordable housing (median home price $187,000 and average rent at $950), plus short 19-minute commutes and plenty of sunshine (88% sunny days). Crime rates are moderate for a small city, and while household incomes are lower than state averages, the cost of living is also notably below the California norm. Local schools serve the community and Imperial Valley College is nearby, making Calipatria a good fit for those seeking small-town life and desert warmth.
Demographics - Calipatria, CA
Demographics - Calipatria, CA
Calipatria is home to about 6,500 residents, with a youthful median age of 34.2 and a notably high male-to-female ratio. The city is ethnically diverse, with nearly half identifying as White and a significant 55% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its population density and multicultural atmosphere reflect a close-knit, vibrant community.
Population:
6,515
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
290 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
55.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
49.5%
Black:
10.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
39.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Calipatria, CA?
Living in Calipatria is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $187,000 and average rent at $950, both well below California averages. Utilities and transportation costs are modest, and the overall cost of living index is slightly under the national baseline at 97.0. This affordability makes the city appealing for families and individuals seeking value in Southern California.
Median House Value:
$187,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,240
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.0
Grocery:
101.0
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Calipatria, CA a safe place to live?
Calipatria experiences moderate crime for a small city, with a violent crime rate of 278 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 70 chance of property crime. While these rates warrant standard precautions, the community generally enjoys a sense of safety. Residents benefit from a friendly, small-town environment with manageable crime levels.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
278
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,698
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 360
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Calipatria, CA year-round?
Calipatria boasts warm, sunny weather most of the year, with 88% of days filled with sunshine and minimal average annual rainfall of just 2.5 inches. Summers are hot, often reaching 108°F, while winters remain mild with lows around 41°F. The city’s climate is ideal for those who enjoy dry, desert warmth and plenty of outdoor time.

Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
70°F

Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
86°F

Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
108°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
87°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
2.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
88%
Neighbors
Residents of Calipatria tend to have modest incomes, with a median household income of $37,500 and a poverty rate of 27.4%. Most locals drive, reflected in a short average commute of under 20 minutes, and the community is characterized by a strong presence of non-English speakers and a high school completion rate of nearly 69%. The area offers a blend of affordability and multicultural influences.
Median Income:
$21,000
Household Income:
$37,500
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$11,700
Income Male:
$18,500
Income Female:
$15,900
Poverty Rate:
27.4%
Non English Speakers:
55.0%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
11.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
68.6%
Bachelors or More:
7.0%
Education
How are the schools in Calipatria, CA?
Calipatria provides local public schooling through well-sized elementary and high schools with student-teacher ratios around 22:1. While there are no private schools, higher education is close by at Imperial Valley College, located 28 miles away. The city’s educational facilities support families seeking accessible K–12 and college options.

Public Schools
Name:
Calipatria High School
Street:
601 W Main St
Phone:
760-348-2254
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
23:1
Name:
Fremont Primary School
Street:
650 W Main St
Phone:
760-348-2352
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1

Colleges
Name:
Imperial Valley College
City:
Imperial
State:
CA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Calipatria is anchored by nearby Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District in Brawley, offering emergency and general medical services. With 92% of residents covered by health insurance and about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, basic healthcare needs are accessible locally. The city’s healthcare index reflects reliable but limited local resources.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District
Address:
207 W Legion Rd, Brawley, CA 92227
Phone:
(760) 351-3333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
70.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Calipatria, CA?
The housing market in Calipatria is highly affordable, with median home prices at $187,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $950. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees low foreclosure and vacancy rates. Modest appreciation and limited new construction make it a stable choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$187,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Calipatria residents access DMV services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles office located in nearby Brawley. The office offers standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services, ensuring local convenience. More information can be found on the official California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
331 C St, Brawley, CA 92227
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.