El Centro city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, El Centro city, California has a total population of 44,186, the 208th largest city in California, with a median household income of $56,093, which is 42% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 42% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 9.9% is notably above the national average.
El Centro city Quick Facts
How El Centro city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
El Centro city Rankings in California
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Cities Similar to El Centro city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lompoc city | 43,819 | $70,038 | $433,800 | 12.8% | 16.8% |
| Coachella city | 42,594 | $67,558 | $341,300 | 5.6% | 10.6% |
| Bell Gardens city | 38,661 | $55,372 | $527,900 | 6.9% | 21.8% |
| Palm Springs city | 44,998 | $71,979 | $567,300 | 45.1% | 13.7% |
| North Highlands CDP | 47,900 | $65,090 | $344,900 | 14.9% | 19.6% |
Population Overview
El Centro city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 44,186. It ranks as the 208th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in El Centro city is 31.6 years. This is 16% lower than the state median of 37.6 years. With 29.9% of the population under 18, El Centro city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in El Centro city is $56,093. This is 42% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%. This is 68% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 9.9%. This is 54% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $291,100. Housing costs are 58% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x. 50.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
El Centro city has a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population, comprising 86.9% of all residents. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 7.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (7.6%) is well below the state average of 34.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (86.9% vs 39.8%). The Asian population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.
Education
15.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 57% lower than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 73.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for El Centro city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of El Centro city, California?
El Centro city, California has a population of 44,186 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in El Centro city, CA?
The median household income in El Centro city is $56,093, which is 29% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in El Centro city, CA?
The poverty rate in El Centro city is 20.1%. This means approximately 8,823 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of El Centro city, California?
El Centro city's population is 7.6% White, 3.9% Black, 86.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in El Centro city, CA?
The median home value in El Centro city is $291,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x.
How educated is El Centro city, California?
15.8% of adults (25+) in El Centro city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.