Imperial Beach, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Imperial Beach, California is 25,897 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 294th-largest city in California. The median household income is $79,071, the median home value is $811,000, and the median age is 35.2.
The population has declined 3.1% since 2010 (26,388 → 25,568).
25,897
Population
6037
People / sq mi
$79,071
Median Income
$811,000
Median Home Value
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Imperial Beach covers 4.3 sq mi of land at 6037 people per square mile.
About Imperial Beach, CA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Imperial Beach: 30.7% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. Imperial Beach is a city in California with a population of 25,897.
Median household income is $79,071, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.8%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $811,000, with typical rent around $1,914.
College attainment is 23.7%, below the national 35.0%. About 9.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Imperial Beach city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Imperial Beach city had a population of 26,388 in 2010 and 25,568 in 2024, a -3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,440 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
25,568
Population (2024)
26,388
Population (2010)
27,440
Peak (2019)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,388 |
| 2011 | 26,617 |
| 2012 | 26,821 |
| 2013 | 27,031 |
| 2014 | 27,055 |
| 2015 | 27,259 |
| 2016 | 27,329 |
| 2017 | 27,278 |
| 2018 | 27,362 |
| 2019 | 27,440 |
| 2020 | 26,101 |
| 2021 | 25,906 |
| 2022 | 25,738 |
| 2023 | 25,595 |
| 2024 | 25,568 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 48.9% |
| Black or African American | 4.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$79,071
Median Household Income
$38,709
Per Capita Income
8.8%
Poverty Rate
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$811,000
Median Home Value
$1,914
Median Rent
30.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
85.3%
High School+
23.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
4.4%
Drive Alone
71.6%
Public Transit
9.4%
Work From Home
27.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
24.8%
Foreign Born
58.2%
Non-English at Home
8.5%
Veterans
12.4%
With Disability
89.8%
Health Insurance
93.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.9% |
| Construction | 10.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.3% |
| Public Administration | 9.7% |
| Retail Trade | 7.1% |
| Manufacturing | 6.9% |
| Information | 4.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Imperial Beach, California has a population of 25,897 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 294th-largest city in California.
The median household income in Imperial Beach, California is $79,071, with 8.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Imperial Beach, California is $811,000, with median monthly rent at $1,914 and a homeownership rate of 30.7%.
The median age in Imperial Beach, California is 35.2 years. The population is 51.8% male and 48.2% female.
The population has declined 3.1% since 2010 (26,388 → 25,568).
Where to stay in Imperial Beach
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.