Imperial Beach, CA
Population 25,897 · California
About Imperial Beach, CA
Imperial Beach is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 25,897 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,071 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 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 Imperial Beach features a median home value of $811,000, which is 231% above the national median of $244,900. This places Imperial Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,914, 65% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,276 total housing units, 31% are owner-occupied (2,854 units) and 69% are renter-occupied (6,454 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Imperial Beach shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Imperial Beach have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.7% of Imperial Beach residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 45.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 17.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Imperial Beach, CA
Compared to national averages, Imperial Beach has a median household income of $79,071 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $811,000, which is 231% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,914 is 65% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Imperial Beach's income is 19% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 24% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Imperial Beach, CA?
Imperial Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,071, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $811,000. However, Imperial Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Imperial Beach has a population of 25,897 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Imperial Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Imperial Beach
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Tustin | 26,038 | $186,250 | $1,212,400 | Compare |
| Galt | 25,665 | $86,327 | $465,700 | Compare |
| Windsor | 26,179 | $129,004 | $763,200 | Compare |
| Wasco | 26,222 | $55,521 | $251,900 | Compare |
| Hercules | 26,245 | $130,583 | $741,200 | Compare |
| South Pasadena | 26,297 | $128,105 | $1,545,100 | Compare |
| Eureka | 26,302 | $60,253 | $375,800 | Compare |
| West Whittier-Los Nietos | 25,459 | $101,138 | $607,100 | 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 Imperial Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Imperial Beach
What is the population of Imperial Beach, CA?
The population of Imperial Beach, CA is 25,897 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 Imperial Beach?
The median household income in Imperial Beach, CA is $79,071 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Imperial Beach?
The median home value in Imperial Beach, CA is $811,000, which is 231% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Imperial Beach?
The median monthly rent in Imperial Beach, CA is $1,914, which is 65% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Imperial Beach?
The unemployment rate in Imperial Beach, CA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Imperial Beach, CA a good place to live?
Imperial Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 25,897 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Imperial Beach, CA?
23.7% of residents in Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Imperial Beach, CA: median home value is $811,000 (231% above national), median rent is $1,914/month, and median household income is $79,071. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Imperial Beach?
The poverty rate in Imperial Beach, CA is 15.2%, 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 Imperial Beach, CA?
Imperial Beach's population is 45.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 17.7% of residents are foreign-born.