Imperial County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 31st-largest in California
The population of Imperial County, California is 179,319 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 31st-largest county in California. The median household income is $56,393, the median home value is $279,500, and the median age is 33.0.
The population of Imperial County has grown 4.0% since 2010 (174,704 → 181,724), a +0.28% annualized rate.
179,319
Population
+0.28%
Annual growth
43
People / sq mi
$56,393
Median Income
$279,500
Median Home Value
Imperial County covers 4,176 sq mi of land at 42.9 people per square mile.
About Imperial County, CA
Imperial County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 6.6% of the population. With 179,319 residents, Imperial County is a county in California. It ranks #31 among counties in California by population.
The typical household here earns about $56,393, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 17.0% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $279,500, with typical rent around $1,012.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Imperial County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Imperial County had a population of 174,704 in 2010 and 181,724 in 2024, a 4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 181,724 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.28%.
181,724
Population (2024)
174,704
Population (2010)
181,724
Peak (2024)
0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 174,704 |
| 2011 | 175,731 |
| 2012 | 176,487 |
| 2013 | 176,301 |
| 2014 | 177,786 |
| 2015 | 178,701 |
| 2016 | 179,881 |
| 2017 | 181,250 |
| 2018 | 181,062 |
| 2019 | 180,439 |
| 2020 | 179,730 |
| 2021 | 179,206 |
| 2022 | 179,767 |
| 2023 | 180,585 |
| 2024 | 181,724 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 30.4% |
| Black or African American | 2.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
33.0
Median Age
48.6%
Female
51.4%
Male
13.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 23.7% · Seniors (65+): 13.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,393$-39,941 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,390 |
| Per-capita income | $22,702 |
| Poverty rate | 17.0%+8.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Imperial County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
78.6%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
22.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$279,500$-415,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,012
Median rent
56.8%
Homeownership rate
57,511
Total housing units
84.9%
Occupied
15.1%
Vacant
43.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.2%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
6.6%
Foreign-born
3.7%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
24.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
71.8%
High School+
16.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in California
Other counties in California
Part of California
Metro areas in California
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Imperial County, California has a population of 179,319 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 31st-largest county in California. Population density is 43 people per square mile.
The population of Imperial County has grown 4.0% since 2010 (174,704 → 181,724), a +0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Imperial County, California is $56,393, with mean (average) household income of $77,390 and per-capita income of $22,702. 17.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Imperial County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (30.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), Black or African American (2.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Imperial County, California is 33.0 years. Residents are 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
The median home value in Imperial County is $279,500 and median monthly rent is $1,012. 56.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 57,511 total housing units, 15.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Imperial County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 6.6%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Imperial County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
Imperial County, CA Climate
Imperial County, CA has an average annual temperature of 22.4°C (72°F) and receives about 73 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
22.4°C
Avg Temp
73
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13° / 55° | 11 mm |
| February | 15° / 59° | 9 mm |
| March | 17° / 63° | 8 mm |
| April | 21° / 69° | 2 mm |
| May | 25° / 77° | 1 mm |
| June | 30° / 85° | 0 mm |
| July | 33° / 91° | 3 mm |
| August | 33° / 91° | 11 mm |
| September | 30° / 86° | 8 mm |
| October | 24° / 75° | 6 mm |
| November | 17° / 62° | 4 mm |
| December | 12° / 54° | 10 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 County, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Imperial County, CA are typically April, October and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 41°C high). The coldest is December (near 5°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Imperial County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.