Imperial, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Imperial, California is 20,943 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 342nd-largest city in California. The median household income is $83,214, the median home value is $344,700, and the median age is 32.9.
The population has grown 49.0% since 2010 (14,836 → 22,102).
20,943
Population
3321
People / sq mi
$83,214
Median Income
$344,700
Median Home Value
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Imperial covers 6.3 sq mi of land at 3321 people per square mile.
About Imperial, CA
Imperial is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 6.4% of the population. With 20,943 residents, Imperial is a city in California.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $83,214 — above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.7%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $344,700, with typical rent around $1,396.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 20.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.5%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Imperial city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Imperial city had a population of 14,836 in 2010 and 22,102 in 2024, a 49.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,102 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.93%.
22,102
Population (2024)
14,836
Population (2010)
22,102
Peak (2024)
2.93%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,836 |
| 2011 | 15,190 |
| 2012 | 15,556 |
| 2013 | 16,111 |
| 2014 | 16,680 |
| 2015 | 16,943 |
| 2016 | 17,089 |
| 2017 | 17,432 |
| 2018 | 17,671 |
| 2019 | 18,120 |
| 2020 | 20,469 |
| 2021 | 21,153 |
| 2022 | 21,602 |
| 2023 | 21,814 |
| 2024 | 22,102 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 37.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$83,214
Median Household Income
$28,599
Per Capita Income
10.7%
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$344,700
Median Home Value
$1,396
Median Rent
65.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
82.9%
High School+
20.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
75.1%
Public Transit
9.5%
Work From Home
18.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
6.4%
Foreign Born
31.2%
Non-English at Home
6.5%
Veterans
14.1%
With Disability
94.6%
Health Insurance
97.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.9% |
| Public Administration | 16.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 14.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.5% |
| Retail Trade | 6.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.8% |
| Information | 4.4% |
| Manufacturing | 2.4% |
| Construction | 2.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.1% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Imperial, California has a population of 20,943 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 342nd-largest city in California.
The median household income in Imperial, California is $83,214, with 10.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Imperial, California is $344,700, with median monthly rent at $1,396 and a homeownership rate of 65.5%.
The median age in Imperial, California is 32.9 years. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The population has grown 49.0% since 2010 (14,836 → 22,102).
Where to stay in Imperial
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.