CountyScore

Imperial County

California · CA

#27 in California
60.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Imperial County, California

Imperial ranks solidly above national average

Imperial County's composite score of 67.7 places it at the 68th percentile nationally, well above the U.S. median of 50.0. The county delivers livability advantages relative to most American counties, though its profile is heavily driven by affordability rather than income opportunities. This above-median ranking reflects strong cost controls.

Upper-middle tier California performance

At 67.7, Imperial exceeds California's state average of 61.3 and ranks in the upper half of the state's counties. The county performs favorably on composite livability measures despite having the lowest median income among this group. Imperial's position reflects its exceptional cost advantages offsetting income limitations.

Most affordable housing in the group

Imperial's cost score of 71.4 is the highest in this eight-county analysis, reflecting a median home value of $279,500 and the lowest monthly rent at $1,012. A tax score of 78.6 with an effective rate of 0.840% adds additional financial relief. Together, these create the most affordable housing profile, making Imperial exceptional for budget-first families.

Lowest income and limited economic data

Imperial's income score of 20.2 reflects the group's lowest median household income of just $56,393—creating a significant economic constraint despite housing affordability. Safety, health, schools, and environmental measures remain unmeasured, leaving important livability questions unanswered. The affordability advantage may not offset limited local employment and wage prospects.

Ideal for very low-income families and retirees

Imperial County suits families living on minimal budgets, retirees with fixed incomes, and those not dependent on local wages, particularly those with modest lifestyle expectations. The rock-bottom cost of housing and living makes it exceptional for those earning under $60,000 annually. Those seeking career advancement or higher wages should look to other California regions.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78.6Cost71.4SafetyComing SoonHealth61.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.2Risk3.5WaterComing Soon
🏛78.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Imperial County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fulton County
Illinois
60.7
Median income: $58,617
Iroquois County
Illinois
60.7
Median income: $62,439
Reno County
Kansas
60.7
Median income: $60,498
Charles County
Maryland
60.7
Median income: $120,592
St. Louis County
Missouri
60.7
Median income: $81,340

Deep Dives

Imperial County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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