El Centro
RANK #328 / 996 NAT · #2 / 43 CA · POP 179,578
1YR FORECAST: +4.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
Imperial County, California, distinguishes itself as a desert region transformed by extensive irrigation, earning it the moniker "America's winter salad bowl" due to its agricultural output. Located in the southeastern corner of California, bordering Arizona and Mexico, the county is about an hour's drive from San Diego. The community feel is influenced by its border location and agricultural heritage. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area attracting off-road enthusiasts and the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge offering a renowned birding site. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park, also has portions within Imperial County, providing miles of dirt roads and hiking trails.
Life in Imperial County is characterized by a blend of cultures due to its proximity to Mexico. While the cost of living, particularly housing, is lower than the California average, residents often note a need for more diverse entertainment options. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture, which contributes billions annually, is undergoing diversification. Major investment is flowing into renewable energy sectors, including solar, wind, and geothermal power. The region is also gaining recognition as "Lithium Valley" due to its significant lithium reserves, positioning it for growth in battery manufacturing and related industries. Commute times average around 22 minutes, with public bus services available in cities like El Centro, Brawley, and Calexico. Local public schools are generally considered above average.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Imperial Data Center (Aten and Clark roads)
Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing (IVCM)
|
$10,000M | Proposed |
|
CalEthos Data Center Complex
CalEthos
|
$5,500M | Proposed |
|
Wildcat Energy Farm (Solar & BESS)
RAI Energy
|
$1,600M | Planned |
|
Vikings Energy Farm (Solar & BESS)
Arevon Energy (originally RAI Energy)
|
$529M | Operating |
|
Kingsley Solar Farm
Unknown
|
$225M | Planned |
|
Big Rock Energy Storage Site
LS Energy Solutions & Gore Street Energy Storage Fund
|
$200M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 67/100, Imperial County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +2.1%, and median household income stands at $53,847 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in CA.
Imperial County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $256,000 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.21 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $961/month on average.
Employers in Imperial County are hiring — job growth of +2.1% — but the population is close to flat (-0.3% YoY). Home values moved +6.8% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
Not particularly — 1.57% of Imperial County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.
Home values climbed +6.8% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Imperial County is now valued at $256,000. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.