El Centro, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of El Centro, California is 44,186 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 208th-largest city in California. The median household income is $56,093, the median home value is $291,100, and the median age is 31.6.
The population has grown 3.6% since 2010 (42,678 → 44,230).
44,186
Population
3647
People / sq mi
$56,093
Median Income
$291,100
Median Home Value
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El Centro covers 12.1 sq mi of land at 3647 people per square mile.
About El Centro, CA
El Centro is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 6.3% of the population. El Centro is a city in California with a population of 44,186.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $56,093, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 17.2%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $291,100, with typical rent around $992.
El Centro is among the least college-educated US cities, at 15.8% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (4.6%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
El Centro city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of El Centro city had a population of 42,678 in 2010 and 44,230 in 2024, a 3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 44,441 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.26%.
44,230
Population (2024)
42,678
Population (2010)
44,441
Peak (2020)
0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,678 |
| 2011 | 42,977 |
| 2012 | 43,023 |
| 2013 | 43,316 |
| 2014 | 43,496 |
| 2015 | 43,655 |
| 2016 | 44,028 |
| 2017 | 44,114 |
| 2018 | 44,089 |
| 2019 | 44,079 |
| 2020 | 44,441 |
| 2021 | 44,275 |
| 2022 | 44,148 |
| 2023 | 44,160 |
| 2024 | 44,230 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 24.1% |
| Black or African American | 4.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$56,093
Median Household Income
$23,781
Per Capita Income
17.2%
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$291,100
Median Home Value
$992
Median Rent
50.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
73.5%
High School+
15.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
78.0%
Public Transit
4.6%
Work From Home
22.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
6.3%
Foreign Born
22.9%
Non-English at Home
5.0%
Veterans
15.1%
With Disability
94.0%
Health Insurance
94.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 28.2% |
| Public Administration | 10.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.4% |
| Construction | 6.7% |
| Retail Trade | 6.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 6.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.3% |
| Manufacturing | 3.5% |
| Information | 3.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.9% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
El Centro, California has a population of 44,186 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 208th-largest city in California.
The median household income in El Centro, California is $56,093, with 17.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in El Centro, California is $291,100, with median monthly rent at $992 and a homeownership rate of 50.0%.
The median age in El Centro, California is 31.6 years. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The population has grown 3.6% since 2010 (42,678 → 44,230).
Where to stay in El Centro
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.