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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare El Centro before you move.

Moving Help for Your El Centro, CA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of El Centro move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to El Centro, CA

Considering a move to El Centro, CA? This welcoming community of 44,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $280,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (88% 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 44,000 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 10% White, 2% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 72% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in El Centro is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 100.5. Median home values are around $280,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

El Centro is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 440 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 44. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 107°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 3 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 88% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
71°F

Summer

Min
75°F
Max
107°F

Spring

Min
55°F
Max
86°F

Fall

Min
62°F
Max
89°F
Average Rainfall Inches
2.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
88%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $54,600 and a low poverty rate of 22.4%. Over 71% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 13% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Southwest High School and Kennedy Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Imperial Valley College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 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 1.5 per 1,000 people and 86.5% 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) 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

Healthcare Access

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 is strong, with a median home price of $280,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 49%. The market has seen a 2.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. El Centro offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of El Centro handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in El Centro. 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
233 E. Ross Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
Phone
(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 44,000, median home value $280,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 19.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 88%.

Ready to Move to El Centro, CA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes