Everything You Should Know Before Moving to El Centro, CA
Considering a move to El Centro, CA? Home to about 44,000 residents, El Centro offers affordable housing with a median home price of $280,000 and average rent around $1,120. The city enjoys abundant sunshine (88% sunny days) and mild winters, while the average commute is just 19 minutes. With a strong Hispanic community, access to local schools, and healthcare options, El Centro provides a welcoming, budget-friendly lifestyle—though do note higher property crime and unemployment rates compared to state averages.
Demographics - El Centro, CA
Demographics - El Centro, CA
El Centro has a population of about 44,000, with a youthful median age of 32.5 years and a vibrant community that is predominantly Hispanic or Latino. The city has a high percentage of non-English speakers (72%), reflecting its rich multicultural character. Residents enjoy a balanced gender ratio and a moderately dense urban environment.
Population:
44,000
Density:
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.5
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
72.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
9.5%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
86.5% (primarily Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in El Centro, CA?
El Centro offers an affordable cost of living compared to many California cities, with a median home value of $280,000 and average rent at $1,120. Utility costs are slightly above average, and the overall cost of living index is close to the national norm. Residents benefit from lower housing costs, though state taxes can vary widely.
Median House Value:
$280,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
100.5
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
88.2
Utilities:
116.8
Transportation:
102.5
Health Care:
104.1
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is El Centro, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in El Centro are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 227 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 44 chance for property crime. The city's crime index reflects these elevated risks, so newcomers should be mindful of safety when choosing neighborhoods. Despite this, many residents find the community welcoming and family-oriented.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
440
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,250
Crime Index:
2,690
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 227
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in El Centro, CA year-round?
El Centro enjoys abundant sunshine, with 88% of days being sunny and mild winters where temperatures typically stay above 43°F. Summers are hot, often exceeding 100°F, and annual rainfall is minimal at just under 3 inches. This climate is ideal for those who enjoy warm, dry weather year-round.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
71°F
Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
86°F
Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
107°F
Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
89°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
2.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
88%
Neighbors
Residents in El Centro experience a median household income of $54,600, though the poverty rate stands at 22.4% and unemployment is relatively high at 12.2%. The community is predominantly bilingual, and most neighbors have at least a high school education. Commute times are short, averaging about 19 minutes, and public transport is rarely used.
Median Income:
$23,100
Household Income:
$54,600
Family Income:
$59,800
Per Capita Income:
$20,900
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
22.4%
Non English Speakers:
72.0%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
12.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
19.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
70.8%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in El Centro, CA?
El Centro offers a range of public schools, including Southwest High School and Kennedy Middle School, with student-teacher ratios typical for the region. Families have access to private education at St. Mary’s School and higher learning at Imperial Valley College just six miles away. The city supports educational opportunities for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Southwest High School
Street:
2001 Ocotillo Dr
Phone:
760-336-4100
Students:
1,750
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Name:
Kennedy Middle School
Street:
900 N 6th St
Phone:
760-336-3560
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary’s School
Street:
700 S. Imperial Ave
Phone:
760-352-7281
Students:
280
Colleges
Name:
Imperial Valley College
City:
Imperial
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
7,900
Healthcare
El Centro provides access to general and surgical hospital care, with the main facility being El Centro Regional Medical Center. The city has about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 86.5%. Healthcare services are readily available, supporting residents' needs with emergency and specialized care options.
Major Hospitals
Name:
El Centro Regional Medical Center
Address:
1415 Ross Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
Phone:
(760) 339-7100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
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:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in El Centro, CA?
The local housing market in El Centro is affordable, with a median home price of $280,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,120. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates indicate a balanced rental market. Home values have seen modest appreciation in recent years, making it a stable place to invest in property.
Median Home Price:
$280,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has a convenient local office on Ross Avenue in El Centro. Residents can easily access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential DMV services. Online resources and statewide support are also available for added convenience.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
233 E. Ross Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
Phone:
(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.