Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Imperial, CA
Thinking of moving to Imperial, CA? With a friendly population of about 20,800, Imperial offers affordable living with a median home price of $325,000 and average rents around $1,400. Enjoy sunny weather nearly year-round (88% sunny days), low violent crime (135 per 100K), and short commutes averaging 22 minutes. The city features a youthful vibe, quality local schools, and convenient access to major healthcare facilities. Explore Imperial’s affordable, family-friendly lifestyle in the heart of Southern California’s desert region!
Demographics - Imperial, CA
Demographics - Imperial, CA
Imperial, CA is home to around 20,800 residents, with a youthful median age of 31 and a population density of 3,500 per square mile. The community is predominantly Hispanic/Latino, and over half of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
20,800
Density:
3,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.0
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
56.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
16.4%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
2.9%
Others:
78.0% (primarily Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Imperial, CA?
Living in Imperial is moderately affordable, with a cost of living index just slightly above the national average. Median home values stand at $325,000 and average rent is about $1,400, making the city accessible for families and young professionals alike.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.3
Grocery:
107.0
Housing:
99.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
104.0
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Imperial, CA a safe place to live?
Imperial boasts a relatively low violent crime rate of 135 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,120 per 100,000, offering residents a reassuring sense of safety. The odds of experiencing violent crime are 1 in 740, making it one of the safer communities in the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
135
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,255
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 740
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Imperial, CA year-round?
The city enjoys a desert climate with warm, sunny weather for most of the year—about 88% of days are sunny. Summers can be hot, reaching up to 108°F, while winters remain mild, and annual rainfall is quite low at just 2.6 inches.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
88°F
Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
108°F
Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
90°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
2.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
88%
Neighbors
Imperial’s households typically earn a median income of $82,700, and the area features a strong sense of community with about 82.5% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. Commute times are short at under 22 minutes, and the unemployment rate is slightly higher than average at 7.1%.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$82,700
Family Income:
$85,200
Per Capita Income:
$24,800
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
13.0%
Non English Speakers:
56.0%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Imperial, CA?
Families in Imperial have access to quality education through public schools like Imperial High School and Frank Wright Middle School, both offering modern facilities and manageable class sizes. The city is also served by Imperial Valley College just a few miles away, supporting higher education opportunities for local students.
Public Schools
Name:
Imperial High School
Street:
517 W Barioni Blvd
Phone:
760-355-3240
Students:
1,090
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.1
Name:
Frank Wright Middle School
Street:
885 N Cross Ave
Phone:
760-355-3210
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.3
Private Schools
Name:
Imperial Valley Christian School
Street:
222 W Barioni Blvd
Phone:
760-355-3550
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Imperial Valley College
City:
Imperial
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Residents benefit from convenient access to major hospitals such as El Centro Regional Medical Center and Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District, both offering emergency services. With nearly 91% of people insured and a physician ratio of 1.3 per 1,000 residents, healthcare services are accessible and reliable.
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:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Imperial, CA?
Imperial’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $325,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 69%. The area experiences modest home appreciation at 3.7% annually and maintains a low foreclosure rate, making it a solid choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The California Department of Motor Vehicles in Imperial is conveniently located on South Imperial Ave, providing local residents with easy access to vehicle registration and licensing services. For questions or appointments, residents can call the statewide DMV number or visit the official website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
233 South Imperial Ave, Imperial, CA 92251
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.