Ocotillo, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ocotillo, California had a total population of 118, the 1441st largest community in California. The poverty rate is 32.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (32.2%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 100.0% is notably above the national average.
Ocotillo Quick Facts
How Ocotillo Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 157 | 118 | -24.8% |
| Median home value | $160,300 | $157,900 | -1.5% |
How Ocotillo Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ocotillo Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Imperial County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Centro | 44,240 | $53,082 | 21.6% | $323,100 |
| Calexico | 38,585 | $49,783 | 19.7% | $313,600 |
| Brawley | 27,283 | $59,311 | 21.3% | $290,700 |
| Imperial | 21,430 | $90,195 | 12.5% | $360,900 |
| Heber | 7,312 | $72,028 | 10.6% | $335,600 |
| Calipatria | 6,548 | $53,299 | 25.6% | $197,200 |
| Salton City | 5,988 | $47,827 | 14.4% | $200,600 |
| Holtville | 5,617 | $65,039 | 18.7% | $310,100 |
| Westmorland | 1,844 | $28,839 | 48.6% | $310,200 |
| Seeley | 1,182 | $62,841 | 19.5% | $198,200 |
Cities Similar to Ocotillo
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cassel | 118 | N/A | N/A | 28.0% | 0.0% |
| Cherokee Strip | 118 | N/A | N/A | 0.0% | 29.7% |
| Bear Valley (Alpine County) | 120 | N/A | $470,000 | 80.8% | 0.0% |
| Monmouth | 115 | $43,906 | $241,700 | 9.2% | 20.9% |
| Goodyears Bar | 122 | N/A | N/A | 29.5% | 0.0% |
A note before these figures: with a population of 118, Ocotillo's ACS estimates come from a small number of survey responses and carry wide margins of error. Individual percentages below — particularly rates that round to 0% or 100% — are approximations, not precise measurements. See data.census.gov for the published margins of error.
Population Overview
Ocotillo is a small community located in California, within Imperial County. The total population is 118. It ranks as the 1441st most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ocotillo is 56.3 years. This is 49% higher than the state median of 37.9 years. 22.0% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 32.2%. This is 168% 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 100.0%. This is 1413% higher than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $157,900. Housing costs are 79% lower than the state median of $734,700. 100.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 79% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ocotillo is White (non-Hispanic), making up 51.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 48.3%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (51.7% vs 33.8%).
Education
16.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 57% lower than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 54.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ocotillo, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ocotillo, California?
Ocotillo, California has a population of 118 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ocotillo, CA?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Ocotillo — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ocotillo, CA?
The poverty rate in Ocotillo is 32.2%. This means approximately 38 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ocotillo, California?
Ocotillo's population is 51.7% White, 0.0% Black, 48.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ocotillo, CA?
The median home value in Ocotillo is $157,900.
How educated is Ocotillo, California?
16.1% of adults (25+) in Ocotillo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.