California / County

Moving to El Centro, CA

Thinking of making a move to El Centro, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to El Centro, CA

Considering a move to El Centro, CA? This welcoming community of 44,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $320,000 and average rents near $1,250. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (86% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore El Centro's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - El Centro, CA

El Centro has a population of 44,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 22% White, 3% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 63% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
44,600
Density
4,100 per sq mi
Median Age
33.1
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
62.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
22.0%
Black
3.0%
Asian
4.0%
Others
71.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in El Centro, CA?

The cost of living in El Centro is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.8. Median home values are around $320,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$320,000
Gross Rent
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$170
Auto Insurance
$2,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
104.8
Grocery
103.6
Housing
101.2
Utilities
119.4
Transportation
118.8
Health Care
112.0
Miscellaneous
99.4

Crime

Is El Centro, CA a safe place to live?

El Centro is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 530 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 43. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
530
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,350
Crime Index
2,880
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 189
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 43

Weather

What is the weather like in El Centro, CA year-round?

El Centro experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 108°F and cold winters dipping to 42°F. The area receives about 3 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 86% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
42°F
Max
72°F

Summer

Min
76°F
Max
108°F

Spring

Min
54°F
Max
86°F

Fall

Min
57°F
Max
88°F
Average Rainfall Inches
3.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
86%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $54,500 and a low poverty rate of 17.8%. Over 69% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 16% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,000
Household Income
$54,500
Family Income
$60,500
Per Capita Income
$20,800
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$30,500
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Non English Speakers
65.0%
Rent
$1,250
Unemployment Rate
15.0%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
20.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
68.5%
Bachelors or More
15.8%

Education

How are the schools in El Centro, CA?

El Centro offers quality education options, with public schools like Desert Gardens Elementary School and Wilson Junior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Imperial Valley College and San Diego State University Imperial Valley. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Desert Gardens Elementary School
Street
1900 S Imperial Ave
Phone
760-352-2444
Students
680
Student Teacher Ratio
24.1
Name
Wilson Junior High School
Street
2000 S 10th St
Phone
760-352-2353
Students
720
Student Teacher Ratio
23.4

Private Schools

Name
Calipatria Christian School
Street
708 W First St
Phone
760-348-2633
Students
145

Colleges

Name
Imperial Valley College
City
Imperial
State
CA
Distance
4 miles
Students
8,700
Name
San Diego State University Imperial Valley
City
Calexico
State
CA
Distance
12 miles
Students
1,200

Healthcare

El Centro residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like El Centro Regional Medical Center and Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 67.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
El Centro Regional Medical Center
Address
1415 Ross Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
Phone
(760) 352-3031
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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
67.5%
Health Care Index
63.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in El Centro, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $320,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.8%. El Centro offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$320,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
1.3%

DMV Information

Residents of El Centro handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to El Centro, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to El Centro, review the core fields on this page: population 44,600, median home value $320,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,250, commute time 20.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 86%.

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