Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Imperial Beach, CA
Considering a move to Imperial Beach, CA? This oceanfront city of 26,176 residents boasts a relaxed SoCal lifestyle, mild year-round temperatures, and 70% sunny days. Home prices average $697,000 and median rent is $2,250, with a cost of living above the national average. Commute times are moderate at 28 minutes, and while property crime is somewhat higher (1,550 per 100k), the community enjoys access to beachside recreation, nearby healthcare, and schools with diverse student populations. If you love coastal living and a vibrant, multicultural community, Imperial Beach is worth a closer look.
Demographics - Imperial Beach, CA
Demographics - Imperial Beach, CA
Imperial Beach is home to around 26,000 residents with a median age of 33.5, reflecting a young and balanced community. The city is diverse, with nearly half the population identifying as non-white and over a third speaking a language other than English at home. High population density and cultural variety create a lively, urban coastal atmosphere.
Population:
26,176
Density:
8,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.5
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
41.3%
Black:
2.9%
Asian:
5.1%
Others:
50.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Imperial Beach, CA?
Living in Imperial Beach comes with a higher-than-average cost, mainly due to housing, with the median home value at $697,000 and average rent at $2,250. Utilities and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the desirable beachfront location. State income taxes range widely, impacting household budgets depending on income level.
Median House Value:
$697,000
Gross Rent:
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$765
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
154.7
Grocery:
117.2
Housing:
220.0
Utilities:
104.1
Transportation:
133.6
Health Care:
109.5
Miscellaneous:
108.3
Crime
Is Imperial Beach, CA a safe place to live?
Imperial Beach has a property crime rate of 1,550 per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000, resulting in a 1 in 64 chance of property crime annually. While these figures are above national averages, they are typical for coastal urban communities. Residents benefit from proactive local law enforcement and community safety programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
290
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,550
Crime Index:
1,840
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Imperial Beach, CA year-round?
The city enjoys mild, pleasant weather year-round, with summer highs averaging 76°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 48°F. Rainfall is modest, around 10 inches annually, and residents can expect sunny skies more than 70% of the year. This climate supports an active, outdoor lifestyle by the beach.

Winter
Min:
48°F
Max:
65°F

Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
76°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Imperial Beach households have a median income of $67,400, with about 14% of residents living below the poverty line. The city is educated, with over 85% having at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is about 28 minutes. Multilingual households and a mix of renters and owners contribute to the area's dynamic, inclusive environment.
Median Income:
$40,500
Household Income:
$67,400
Family Income:
$74,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$45,800
Income Female:
$39,600
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
36.5%
Rent:
$2,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
28.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.6%
Bachelors or More:
23.1%
Education
How are the schools in Imperial Beach, CA?
Imperial Beach offers a range of public and private schools, including Imperial Beach Charter School and Mar Vista High School, both with diverse student bodies and student-teacher ratios around 24:1. For higher education, Southwestern College and San Diego State University are easily accessible within a short drive. The city’s educational options support families and learners from preschool through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Imperial Beach Charter School
Street:
650 Imperial Beach Blvd
Phone:
619-628-5600
Students:
1,060
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Name:
Mar Vista High School
Street:
505 Elm Ave
Phone:
619-628-5750
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
25:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Charles Catholic School
Street:
929 18th St
Phone:
619-423-3701
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
Southwestern College
City:
Chula Vista
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
28,000
Name:
San Diego State University
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
35,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to several nearby hospitals, including Sharp Coronado and Scripps Mercy Chula Vista, both offering emergency services. There are 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare in Imperial Beach is reliable, with competitive access and quality.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sharp Coronado Hospital & Healthcare Center
Address:
250 Prospect Pl, Coronado, CA 92118
Phone:
(619) 522-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista
Address:
435 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone:
(619) 691-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Imperial Beach, CA?
The housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $697,000 and a strong rental market where average two-bedroom rents are $2,250. Only about 30% of homes are owner-occupied, indicating a high demand for rentals, and home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$697,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
29.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Imperial Beach residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office at 3960 Normal St in San Diego. The DMV provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and title services, and appointments can be made via their official website or by phone. Access is convenient for both new arrivals and long-time locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103
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.