countyscore
33.7
County Score
Schools 55.5Property Tax 49.7Water Quality 48.3

County Report Card

About Imperial County, California

Imperial County significantly underperforms nationally

Imperial County's composite score of 33.7 trails the national median of 50.0 by 16.3 points, placing it firmly in the lower tier nationally. The score reflects severe challenges across income, health, and safety dimensions.

Struggles within California's lower-tier counties

Imperial's score of 33.7 falls notably below California's state average of 40.9, ranking it among the state's least livable counties. The county faces compounded regional and systemic barriers to livability.

Extreme affordability for budget-conscious residents

Imperial County offers the lowest housing costs among these profiled counties, with a median home value of $279,500 and rent of just $1,012/month, producing a cost score of 22.1. The county provides genuine affordability for renters and first-time buyers.

Poverty, health, and safety crises converge

Imperial's median household income of just $56,393 (income score: 28.5) is the lowest profiled, limiting economic opportunity and health care access (40.3). Safety concerns register at 21.0, reflecting significant crime challenges in this border county.

Last-resort affordability for extreme budget seekers

Imperial County suits only the most price-sensitive residents and retirees on fixed incomes who can tolerate severe economic limitations and significant public safety concerns. It is unsuitable for families prioritizing health care, education, or personal safety.

Score breakdown

Tax49.7Cost22.1Safety21Health40.3Schools55.5Income28.5Risk3.5Water48.3Weather9.4
🏛49.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠22.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤9.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱8.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

San Bernardino County
California
Median income: $82,184
33.7
Douglas County
Kansas
Median income: $68,756
33.7
Oktibbeha County
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Median income: $43,482
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Summit County
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Median income: $71,016
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Kenedy County
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33.7
Pierce County
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Median income: $96,632
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Jefferson County
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Median income: $48,552
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Denver County
Colorado
Median income: $91,681
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Nearby counties

Yuma County
Arizona
34.8
La Paz County
Arizona
37.2
Riverside County
California
37.2
San Bernardino County
California
33.7
San Diego County
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42.3
Maricopa County
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32.6
Orange County
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44.3
Yavapai County
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40.7

Deep Dives

Imperial County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Imperial County

via TaxByCounty

Imperial has California's highest tax rates

Imperial County's effective tax rate of 0.840% ranks among the highest in California and the nation, well above both the state average of 0.714% and the national median. The median property tax of $2,348 stays near the national median of $2,690, despite the county's lower median home value of just $279,500.

Imperial ranks second-highest in California

Imperial's 0.840% effective tax rate places it in California's top tier, trailing only a handful of counties statewide. This elevated rate reflects local assessment and supplemental tax practices that significantly impact homeowners across the desert county.

Imperial's rates far exceed regional peers

Imperial's 0.840% rate vastly outpaces Inyo County (0.707%), Kern County (0.912%), and Kings County (0.751%). Only Kern County approaches Imperial's burden, making property ownership notably costlier across Imperial's borders.

Budget $2,348 annually despite lower home values

Even with a median home value of just $279,500, Imperial homeowners pay $2,348 per year in property taxes—nearly matching the national median despite significantly lower property values. With a mortgage, expect $2,679; without, approximately $1,586.

Challenge high assessments in Imperial County

Imperial's elevated tax rate makes it especially important to verify your assessment against recent sales in your area. A free appeal to the assessor could yield substantial annual savings given the county's notably aggressive tax collection practices.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Imperial County

via CostByCounty

Imperial: lowest incomes, tight budgets

Imperial County renters spend 21.5% of income on housing, slightly below California's 22.4% average, but the county has the lowest median household income in this group at $56,393—a full 25% below the national median. This apparent affordability advantage masks a deeper challenge: residents simply earn far less.

Low costs, but lowest wages

Imperial County ranks among California's most affordable by rent-to-income ratio at 21.5%, but this reflects rock-bottom incomes rather than genuine purchasing power. The median household income of $56,393 is the lowest in California, making Imperial an affordability mirage for anyone relocating with existing income expectations.

Imperial's wage disadvantage

While Imperial's $1,012 median rent is the lowest in this entire group, the 21.5% rent-to-income ratio masks a critical issue: the $56,393 median income is substantially lower than neighboring Kern, Kings, and Fresno counties. Absolute housing costs don't matter much if local jobs pay 15-20% less.

Imperial's income-housing mismatch

Imperial renters pay just $1,012 monthly while homeowners face $1,224, with a median home value of $279,500—the lowest in this group. Yet the $56,393 median household income means housing still consumes 21.5% of earnings, leaving limited margin for unexpected expenses or savings.

Imperial: low cost, lower wages

Imperial County offers the lowest absolute housing costs in this comparison, but don't let that fool you—the median income of $56,393 is a red flag for relocators with higher earning expectations. Only move here if you're confident you can secure a job matching your current salary, or accept a significant lifestyle downgrade.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Imperial County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Imperial County

via CrimeByCounty

Imperial County Offers Strong Safety

Imperial County reports a safety score of 96.8, positioning it as a relatively secure region. The total crime rate of 2,043.7 per 100,000 is lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading Above California State Averages

This score puts Imperial slightly ahead of the California state average safety score of 96.3. Data from twelve reporting agencies provides a comprehensive look at the local safety landscape.

Comparing Imperial to Southern Neighbors

Imperial’s total crime rate is significantly lower than Kern County’s rate of 4,050.8. It provides a safer environment compared to many high-traffic Southern California regions.

Low Violent Crime Trends

The county features a low violent crime rate of 293.5, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main contributor to the local stats at 1,750.2.

Vigilance in Your Community

Effective home security starts with reinforced doors and smart lighting systems. Staying connected with neighbors helps create a vigilant environment that discourages theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Imperial County

via HealthByCounty

Imperial faces California's worst health

Imperial County's 76.2-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 by mere months, but its 29.0% poor/fair health rate is the worst among these eight counties—61% above the national 18% rate. Serious health challenges affect this border community.

California's most distressed health county

Imperial's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in California, falling 2.3 years short of the state's 78.5-year average. The 29.0% poor/fair health rate—the worst in this group—reflects severe disparities that demand urgent attention.

Isolated health crisis in border region

Imperial's 29.0% poor/fair health rate dwarfs that of nearby San Diego County and stands far worse than other California inland counties in this analysis. With only 25 primary care providers per 100,000—among the lowest—and 206 mental health providers per 100K, Imperial lacks the infrastructure to address its population health crisis.

Uninsured rates and provider gaps collide

Imperial's 8.6% uninsured rate is the second-highest in this group, leaving roughly 1 in 11 residents without coverage, while severely limited primary care access (25 per 100K) and mental health capacity create a perfect storm of health neglect. Geography and economics combine to isolate residents from preventive and specialty care.

Imperial County: urgent coverage need

With nearly 1 in 10 uninsured and critical provider shortages, Imperial residents need coverage urgently. Visit CoveredCA.com or call Promotores de Salud for Spanish-language assistance finding affordable plans and accessing telemedicine options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Imperial County

via SchoolsByCounty

Border Region Education Infrastructure

Imperial County serves 37,420 students through a network of 75 public schools and 19 districts. The system includes 38 elementary schools and 21 high schools, along with 14 alternative schools to support diverse learning needs. Charter schools are less common here, representing only 4% of the total educational facilities.

Above-Average Investment in Student Success

Imperial County invests $9,181 per pupil, which exceeds the California state average of $8,762. The graduation rate of 86.8% is nearly identical to the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 56.6, the county slightly outperforms the state average score, showing solid returns on its educational spending.

Large Districts Powering the Valley

Calexico Unified is the county's largest district, managing 12 schools and 8,353 students. El Centro Elementary also plays a major role with 13 schools and over 5,000 students. Calexico High stands out as the largest individual campus, providing a comprehensive high school experience for 2,836 local students.

A Mix of Suburban and Urban Learning

The county offers a diverse mix of locales, with 22 schools in suburban areas and 21 in city centers. The average school size is 513 students, though secondary schools like Central Union High and Brawley Union High are significantly larger, each enrolling nearly 2,000 students. This variety allows families to choose between different neighborhood feels while remaining in the same region.

Explore Neighborhoods with Strong Schools

With per-pupil spending above the state average, Imperial County demonstrates a clear commitment to its public schools. Families often look for homes near the Calexico or El Centro districts to take advantage of these well-funded programs. Consider the proximity to high-performing high schools when researching your next home in the Imperial Valley.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Imperial County

via RiskByCounty

Imperial County carries relatively high risk

Imperial County's composite risk score of 96.47 places it in the 'Relatively High' category, substantially above the national average. The county's desert location and proximity to major fault lines create sustained exposure to earthquakes and floods. This elevated rating reflects the serious, multifaceted disaster risks that characterize Imperial County.

Imperial ranks among state's top-risk counties

Imperial's 96.47 score significantly exceeds California's 88.72 average, positioning it in the upper tier of the state's 58 counties. The county's earthquake risk of 99.20 alone places it among the state's highest-risk areas. This statewide comparison underscores Imperial's particularly challenging natural hazard exposure.

Imperial's risks rival inland valley peers

Imperial's 96.47 score aligns closely with Humboldt (96.76) and Imperial (96.47), while exceeding Inyo (79.33) and Glenn (74.43). The county's earthquake risk of 99.20 is among the state's highest, reflecting its proximity to major seismic systems. Among southern California counties, Imperial stands out for consistently elevated composite risk.

Earthquake dominates Imperial's hazard profile

Imperial's earthquake risk scores an extreme 99.20, the county's most pressing natural hazard, while flood risk reaches 94.12. Notably, Imperial is one of the few California counties with measurable hurricane risk (22.32), though this remains secondary to earthquake and flood threats. These three hazards demand serious preparedness attention from all Imperial residents.

Earthquake coverage is non-negotiable

Imperial residents must obtain earthquake insurance immediately, given the county's extreme 99.20 score—among California's highest. Flood insurance is also essential, particularly for those in flood-prone areas near the Salton Sea or irrigation channels. Together with standard homeowners coverage, these policies create protection against Imperial's primary disaster threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Imperial County

via WeatherByCounty

An Extreme Desert Environment

Imperial County is one of the hottest places in the United States with a 73.7°F annual average. Its desert climate is defined by extreme aridity, receiving only 3.0 inches of precipitation per year.

Hotter Than the State Average

At 73.7°F, Imperial is significantly hotter than the California state average of 58.7°F. It represents the extreme thermal ceiling of the state’s low-desert regions.

Unmatched Heat in the Region

Imperial is even hotter and drier than neighboring Riverside County, enduring a staggering 180 days of temperatures over 90°F. It lacks the higher elevation cooling found in parts of the adjacent San Diego County.

Brutal Summers and Warm Winters

Summers are brutal with a 90.4°F average and zero snowfall year-round. Even "winter" is warm by national standards, maintaining a comfortable 57.1°F average from December through February.

Safety in Half-Year Heat

Cooling systems must be heavy-duty to survive six months of extreme heat days above 90°F. Sun protection and constant hydration are critical for anyone spending time outdoors in this 3-inch-rainfall environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Imperial County

via SoilByCounty

Desert Basin Soil Secrets

Imperial County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in the current regional record. We are unable to compare these desert soils to the 6.5 national pH median. Desert soils are often unique, requiring specific management for productive use.

Unrecorded Mineral Ratios

The balance of sand, silt, and clay is not provided in this dataset. These physical traits dictate how well the soil supports heavy equipment and holds moisture. In this hot climate, soil texture determines how much water your plants actually get.

Missing Nutrient Data

Organic matter and available water capacity figures are missing for this county. We cannot verify how the land compares to the 0.141 in/in state water capacity average. Desert agriculture often relies heavily on precise irrigation rather than natural water storage.

Hydrology in the Lowlands

No dominant drainage class or hydrologic group is listed for Imperial County. Managing water flow is the most important factor for success in this low-lying desert basin. Always monitor for salt accumulation when irrigating these arid lands.

Thriving in the Heat

Hardiness Zone 10a allows for year-round production of winter vegetables and dates. The intense sun offers massive growth potential if you provide consistent moisture. Start your desert oasis today and enjoy a unique gardening experience.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Imperial County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Difficulty in Imperial

Imperial County is one of the toughest places for a lawn, with a very low difficulty score of 8.2. In Hardiness Zone 10a, homeowners face a monumental task compared to the national lawn difficulty average of 50.0.

Scorching Heat and Desert Skies

Residents endure 180 extreme heat days each year, the highest among its neighbors. With a mere 3.0 inches of annual precipitation, a lawn here is almost entirely dependent on intensive irrigation to survive.

Managing Arid Soil Conditions

Detailed soil texture data is unavailable, but the desert environment often presents high salinity or compaction issues. Adding heavy organic matter is usually necessary to help the ground retain the little water it receives.

Persistent Drought Challenges

The county suffered through 37 weeks of drought over the past year, making water-wise gardening essential. Consider transitioning to drought-tolerant groundcovers or xeriscaping to reduce the burden on local water resources.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf

Hybrid Bermuda is your best bet to handle the massive 8,692 growing degree days in this region. With a very early spring frost date of January 6, you have a long window to establish grass before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Imperial County's county score?
Imperial County, California has a composite county score of 33.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Imperial County rank among counties in California?
Imperial County ranks #53 among all counties in California on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Imperial County, California?
The median annual property tax in Imperial County is $2,348, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Imperial County a tax score of 49.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Imperial County?
The median household income in Imperial County, California is $56,393 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Imperial County earns an income score of 28.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Imperial County, California a good place to live?
Imperial County scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in California. The best way to evaluate Imperial County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Imperial County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.