Imperial
California

What stands out

Against every county in America, Imperial County is unusual in three ways: unemployment is among the highest in America (14.7%), the average temperature is among the warmest in America (76°F), and winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (3.2 on the USDA scale). Within California it ranks 1st of 58 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Imperial County, California. 179,578 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -1,410).

California's 13.3% top income-tax rate applies only to income above roughly $1 million, and Proposition 13 caps property-tax growth at 2% a year for as long as you own the home, so long-time owners pay far less than new buyers on identical houses. Wildfire risk now drives insurance availability in much of the state, and several major carriers have stopped writing new homeowner policies.

Money

The typical household here brings in $53,847 a year, lower than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,639. Unemployment runs 14.7%, higher than almost every county in America. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

California takes 3.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,766 a year.

Home

The median home costs $379K, pricier than 83% of American counties, about 4.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $951 a month. Property tax is 0.87% of home value, roughly $2,217 a year on that median home, higher than 50% of American counties. 58% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than 82% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.4 years, longer than 69% of American counties. There are 152 active physicians in the county, about 8.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.56 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 94% of American counties. 71% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 55% of eligible voters turned out. Under California law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 76°F, highs near 90 and lows near 62, warmer than almost every county in America. About 4 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 98 out of 100, riskier than 98% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 209 Mbps down, faster than 54% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries.