Imperial County, California
Income Data
At a Glance
How Imperial County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
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
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Imperial County median
County median: $56,393 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
-35%
vs. National Median
-25%
Income Adequacy
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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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.