Cost of Living in Imperial County, California

$1,012/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$279,500

Median Home Value

37% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,012/mo

37% below state average

Median Home Value

$279,500

1% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

31.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Imperial County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Imperial County$1,012/mo

California Average$1,618/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,012/mo

Median Gross Rent

$279,500

Median Home Value

$1,224/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

31.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Imperial County, California

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Imperial County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

21.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,316

per month

Owner Cost Burden

26.0%

of gross income

The median home in Imperial County may be a stretch

Median home value is $279,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,231 vs. your max of $1,316.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio21.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Imperial County, California?

Imperial County, California has a median monthly rent of $1,012/mo and a median home value of $279,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Imperial County?

The median gross rent in Imperial County is $1,012/mo. This is 37% below state average for California.

Is Imperial County affordable?

Imperial County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Imperial County's rent compare to the state average?

Imperial County's median rent of $1,012/mo is 37% below state average of $1,618/mo for California.

What is the median home value in Imperial County?

The median home value in Imperial County, California is $279,500. This is 1% below the national median home value of $281,900.