Imperial County Profile

Imperial County

Department of Social Services

2995 South Fourth Street

Suite 105

El Centro, CA 92243

Ph: (760) 337-6800

FAX: (760) 337-5716

Imperial County Profile

Imperial County was formed in 1907 from the eastern portion of San Diego County and is located in the southeastern corner of California. The year 2007 was celebrated as Imperial County’s 100th birthday. The area was visited as early as 1540 by Hernando de Alarcon, discoverer of the Colorado River. It was further explored by Spanish explorers and Catholic friars. No real development took place until water was brought into the area in 1901. It is the last of California’s 58 counties to be established and is the ninth largest county, encompassing 4,597 square miles. Three-fourths of Imperial County consists of mountain ranges and desert sand. It is bordered by Riverside County to the north, Yuma, Arizona and the Colorado River to the east, San Diego County to the west and Mexico to the south. Directly across the international border from Calexico, CA, lies the city of Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, Mexico, with a population estimated to be over one million residents.

Imperial County is a desert community with a warm, dry climate. Summers are extremely hot and dry, with highs of 110+, while winters are temperate. The mean monthly temperature ranges from 55-90 degrees with less than three inches of annual rainfall. The county relies on a sophisticated irrigation system for its water supply from the Colorado River.

In 2007, El Centro had 42,071 residents. El Centro is the county seat and the largest city. The total population for Imperial County in 2007 was 172,672 and the number is growing. Using an estimated averaged annual growth rate of 4.2%, Imperial County’s 2010 population estimate is approximately 214,900.

Per the 2000 census, the ethnic demography of the county is 72% Hispanic, 20% White, 4% African American, 2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 1% other race/two or more races. The Latino population is growing faster than the rest of the population accounting for 83% of the increase between the years of 1990-1996.

The median annual income for a household in the county is $31,870. 22.6% of the population and 19.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 28.7% of those under the age of 18 and 14.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. The annual average unemployment rate for Imperial County was 18% in 2007 compared to California's rate of 5.4%. Due to the significant seasonal agricultural economy, greater variations in employment occur, resulting in the county’s consistently high unemployment rates.

Imperial County’s economy consists predominantly of government, agriculture and retail trade that represents 70% of total county employment. Government services account for over one-third of total employment. Agriculture accounts for one-fourth of jobs with major crops of alfalfa, lettuce, sugar beets and carrots. Retail and housing growth has been experienced due to increased population in the Imperial and Mexicali Valleys.

Imperial County offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. One of the largest attractions is the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area that is a playground for thousands of off-road enthusiasts. The Salton Sea Recreation Area features the Salton Sea which is 35 miles long and is from 9-15 miles wide and is the habitat for over 400 species of birds. The Navy’s Blue Angels make Imperial Valley their winter home and their famous air show is an anticipated event. The Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo and California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta are annual celebrations.