Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ocotillo, CA
Thinking of moving to Ocotillo, CA? This quiet desert town has a small population of just 215 and offers affordable living, with median home prices around $95,000 and rents near $800. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine (91% sunny days a year) and short commutes, but should be prepared for hot summers and limited local amenities. Crime rates are moderate for the area, and educational opportunities are available in nearby towns. Ocotillo is ideal for those seeking peaceful, affordable living in a scenic, rural setting.
Demographics - Ocotillo, CA
Demographics - Ocotillo, CA
Ocotillo is a small, close-knit community of 215 residents, with a median age of 51.6 and a population density of just 25 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, and about one in five residents speak a language other than English at home, giving the area some cultural diversity.
Population:
215
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.6
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
73.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
24.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ocotillo, CA?
Ocotillo offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $95,000 and average rent at $800 per month. Everyday expenses such as utilities are slightly above average, but housing remains very budget-friendly compared to much of California.
Median House Value:
$95,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
1% (property tax)
|
High:
13.3% (income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
101.3
Grocery:
106.4
Housing:
78.2
Utilities:
123.5
Transportation:
114.3
Health Care:
105.0
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Ocotillo, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Ocotillo are moderate, with a 1 in 320 chance of experiencing a violent crime and property crime being more common. Residents enjoy a generally quiet environment, though it's wise to take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
310
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,720
Crime Index:
2,030
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 320
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Ocotillo, CA year-round?
Ocotillo boasts a desert climate with over 91% sunny days each year and very little rainfall, averaging just 2.7 inches annually. Winters are mild, while summers can be extremely hot, often reaching highs above 100°F.

Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
70°F

Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
83°F

Summer
Min:
77°F
Max:
105°F

Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
88°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
2.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
91%
Neighbors
Residents of Ocotillo typically have a household income of about $31,000, with nearly one in five living below the poverty line. The community is largely owner-occupied, and most adults have completed high school, while bachelor's degrees are less common.
Median Income:
$28,700
Household Income:
$31,000
Family Income:
$35,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,100
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
22.0%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
9.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
28.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
75.2%
Bachelors or More:
10.6%
Education
How are the schools in Ocotillo, CA?
While Ocotillo itself has limited educational facilities, students typically attend nearby schools such as Mountain Empire Junior High, and higher education is accessible at Imperial Valley College about 34 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Mountain Empire Junior High School
Street:
3305 Buckman Springs Rd
Phone:
619-473-9022
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0

Colleges
Name:
Imperial Valley College
City:
Imperial
State:
CA
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Ocotillo includes nearby facilities like El Centro Regional Medical Center, with most residents (86.4%) having health insurance. Physician availability is lower than average, so specialized care may require travel to larger towns.

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
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.4%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ocotillo, CA?
The housing market in Ocotillo is notably affordable, with median home prices at $95,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 70%. Rental options are available, but vacancies are higher than average, offering flexibility for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$95,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Ocotillo residents are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in El Centro, offering all standard licensing and registration needs within a short drive.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
233 South 2nd Street, El Centro, CA 92243
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.