El Centro, CA
Population 44,186 · California
About El Centro, CA
El Centro is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 44,186 residents. The median household income is $56,093 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in El Centro is 31.6 years.
Housing in El Centro has a median home value of $291,100 and median monthly rent of $992. Of the 14,535 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 6,417 owner-occupied and 6,415 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in El Centro is 9.9% and the poverty rate is 20.1%. 15.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.9 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in El Centro?
The median household income in El Centro, CA is $56,093 per year.
What is the median home value in El Centro?
The median home value in El Centro, CA is $291,100.
What is the average rent in El Centro?
The median monthly rent in El Centro, CA is $992.
What is the unemployment rate in El Centro?
The unemployment rate in El Centro, CA is 9.9%.