El Centro, CA
Population 44,186 · California
About El Centro, CA
El Centro is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 44,186 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,093 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in El Centro features a median home value of $291,100, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. This positions El Centro in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $992, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,535 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (6,417 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (6,415 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Centro shows an unemployment rate of 9.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Centro have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.8% of El Centro residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 83.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 29.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in El Centro, CA
Compared to national averages, El Centro has a median household income of $56,093 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $291,100, which is 19% above the national median. Monthly rent at $992 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, El Centro's income is 43% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 55% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in El Centro, CA?
El Centro offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $992/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,093) that falls below the national average. However, El Centro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Centro has a population of 44,186 with a median age of 31.6 years. Compare El Centro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near El Centro
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakley | 44,311 | $132,067 | $632,800 | Compare |
| Rohnert Park | 44,461 | $96,635 | $634,900 | Compare |
| Lompoc | 43,819 | $70,038 | $433,800 | Compare |
| Danville | 43,426 | $223,206 | $1,583,300 | Compare |
| Palm Springs | 44,998 | $71,979 | $567,300 | Compare |
| Morgan Hill | 45,152 | $159,758 | $1,127,600 | Compare |
| Hollister | 43,003 | $101,979 | $679,300 | Compare |
| Campbell | 42,848 | $147,128 | $1,550,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare El Centro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Centro
What is the population of El Centro, CA?
The population of El Centro, CA is 44,186 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in El Centro?
The median household income in El Centro, CA is $56,093 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Centro?
The median home value in El Centro, CA is $291,100, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Centro?
The median monthly rent in El Centro, CA is $992, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Centro?
The unemployment rate in El Centro, CA is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Centro, CA a good place to live?
El Centro offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 44,186 and a median age of 31.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is El Centro, CA?
15.8% of residents in El Centro aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in El Centro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Centro, CA: median home value is $291,100 (19% above national), median rent is $992/month, and median household income is $56,093. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in El Centro?
The poverty rate in El Centro, CA is 20.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is El Centro, CA?
El Centro's population is 83.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 29.4% of residents are foreign-born.