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).
Imperial Beach city, CA Climate
Imperial Beach city, CA has an average annual temperature of 17.2°C (63°F) and receives about 262 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.2°C
Avg Temp
262
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14° / 57° | 52 mm |
| February | 14° / 58° | 51 mm |
| March | 15° / 58° | 54 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 17 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 4 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 2 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 1 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 2 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 5 mm |
| October | 19° / 66° | 11 mm |
| November | 16° / 60° | 28 mm |
| December | 14° / 57° | 35 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 Imperial Beach city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Imperial Beach city, CA are typically July, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near 8°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Imperial Beach
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.