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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City rankings
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).
El Centro city, CA Climate
El Centro city, CA has an average annual temperature of 22.8°C (73°F) and receives about 71 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
22.8°C
Avg Temp
71
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13° / 56° | 9 mm |
| February | 16° / 60° | 8 mm |
| March | 18° / 64° | 7 mm |
| April | 21° / 70° | 2 mm |
| May | 25° / 77° | 1 mm |
| June | 30° / 86° | 1 mm |
| July | 33° / 92° | 3 mm |
| August | 33° / 92° | 10 mm |
| September | 30° / 86° | 8 mm |
| October | 24° / 75° | 7 mm |
| November | 17° / 63° | 4 mm |
| December | 13° / 55° | 11 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit El Centro city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit El Centro city, CA are typically April, October and March, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 42°C high). The coldest is December (near 5°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near El Centro
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.