Imperial County, California

Income Data

-35% vs. California average
$56,393
Median Household Income
$22,702
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,393
-35% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$22,702
-42% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
20.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#56 / 58
by median household income

How Imperial County Compares

Imperial County$56,393
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,393
Median Household Income
$22,702
Per Capita Income
$279,500
Median Home Value
20.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Imperial County, California

Imperial County falls well below national average

Imperial County's median household income of $56,393 is 24.5% lower than the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap reflects limited economic diversification and persistent regional poverty in the Colorado Desert region.

One of California's lowest-income counties

At $56,393, Imperial's median household income lags California's state average of $87,001 by over $30,600—the largest gap among these eight counties. The county ranks among the lowest-earning counties statewide.

Imperial faces the steepest income challenges

Imperial County ($56,393) earns less than all seven comparison counties in this analysis, including Humboldt ($61,135) and Kern ($67,660). This reflects structural economic challenges and limited high-wage employment sectors.

Housing costs severely limit household budgets

With a 21.5% rent-to-income ratio, Imperial households dedicate substantial earnings to housing despite the lowest median home value ($279,500) in this county group. The gap between low incomes and housing costs leaves limited resources for savings and emergencies.

Connect with resources to build security

Imperial County residents should leverage federal assistance programs, local workforce development initiatives, and nonprofit credit counseling. Building even modest savings requires using every available support tool and exploring career advancement and skill-building opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Imperial County, California?
The median household income in Imperial County, California is $56,393, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Imperial County?
The per capita income in Imperial County is $22,702, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $56,393.
How does Imperial County compare to the California average?
Imperial County's median household income of $56,393 is lower than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $22,702, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in Imperial County, California?
The per capita income in Imperial County, California is $22,702, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Imperial County a low-income area in California?
Imperial County's median household income of $56,393 is below the California average of $87,001. The per capita income of $22,702 is also lower than the state average of $43,669. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Imperial County rank for income in California?
Imperial County ranks #56 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,393 and per capita income of $22,702, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Imperial County

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County median: $56,393 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-25%

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vs. California Average35% below
vs. National Median25% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,699) vs. median rent ($1,012/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.