Imperial County Public RecordsCalifornia

As of 2023, Imperial County, CA, has a population of approximately 177,000. The median age is around 32.5 years, with 50.7% male and 49.3% female residents. The county is predominantly Hispanic or Latino (85.4%), followed by White (8.6%), Black or African American (2.5%), Asian (1.6%), and others. About 29% of the population is under 18, while 13% is aged 65 or older, reflecting a relatively young demographic profile.

Imperial County, CA, had 81,527 registered voters as of 2022, with registration split roughly 50% Democratic, 24% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. The county holds primary, general, and special elections for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 presidential election, 61% voted Democratic. Voters use 29 polling locations on Election Day, with issues like water rights and agriculture prominent. Election administration is managed by the County Registrar. Turnout in recent major elections hovered around 68%. Both major parties and independents are active in local politics.

Imperial County, CA, has 17 public high schools and Imperial Valley College for post-secondary education; only about 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well below the state average. High school graduation rates hover around 83%. Schools generally score below the California state average on standardized tests. Adult education is available through Imperial Valley Adult Education Consortium. School safety remains a focus, with measures in place, though some campuses report higher rates of disciplinary incidents. Educational programs include Career Technical Education (CTE), bilingual services, and STEM initiatives to bolster student outcomes.

Imperial County, CA had an unemployment rate of 16.7% in March 2024, among the highest in California. Key industries include agriculture (employing about 23% of the workforce), government (20%), and education/health services (15%). The most common occupations are farmworkers, clerical staff, and service roles. About 85% of residents work within the county, while 9% commute to neighboring San Diego and Riverside counties. Average commute time is approximately 21 minutes. Due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, over 6,000 residents commute daily to jobs in Mexico.

Imperial County, CA, has a homeownership rate of about 56%, with median home values around $285,000 in 2023. Median rent is approximately $1,200 per month. The market has seen moderate appreciation, with property values rising about 4% year-over-year. Housing includes single-family homes, apartments, and mobile homes, with neighborhoods like El Centro and Brawley being popular. Property tax rates average 1.1% of assessed value. Rental occupancy is about 44%, reflecting a balanced owner-renter split.

Imperial County, CA, generally reports lower violent crime rates compared to California’s average, with 2022 FBI statistics showing a violent crime rate of 245 per 100,000 residents, below the state average of 499. Property crime rates are also comparatively lower at 1,600 per 100,000. The county sheriff’s office and local police emphasize community policing, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities via hotlines and online portals. Regular crime reports are published, contributing to increased transparency and safety awareness in Imperial County.