| City: | El Centro, California |
| County: | Imperial County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:40:53 AM |
| Population: | 49,149 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 442 / 760 |
| Classification: | Standard [Normal Street Delivery] |
| Coordinates: | 32.7709, -115.6023 |
| Land Area: | 113.314 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 92243 has 49,149 residents and 15,589 households (average 3.10 persons per household). The median age is 35.3 years, slightly younger than the state (37.5) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.0% male and 52.0% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (85.8%) and Other / Two or More Races (38.2%, much higher than the state average of 21.2% and well above the national average of 8.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 85.8%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%), and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than both the state (21.2%) and national averages (8.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 49,149Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 49,069Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 50,762Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 433.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $55,057Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 15,589Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $317,900Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.10Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.31Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 47,445 | 47,762 | 48,190 | 48,615 | 49,514 | 49,425 | 49,915 | 50,484 | 50,402 | 50,112 | 49,880 | 49,193 | 48,556 | 49,069 |
| Decennial Census | 48,030 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 49,149 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 35.3
Male Median Age: 33.7
Female Median Age: 37.1
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,469 | 1,858 | 2,021 | 1,945 | 1,722 | 1,658 | 1,581 | 1,503 | 1,339 | 1,287 | 1,330 | 1,411 | 1,394 | 1,115 | 833 | 515 | 345 | 289 |
| Female | 1,508 | 1,765 | 1,966 | 1,798 | 1,648 | 1,728 | 1,688 | 1,561 | 1,450 | 1,500 | 1,566 | 1,618 | 1,595 | 1,393 | 1,069 | 676 | 474 | 531 |
| Total | 2,977 | 3,623 | 3,987 | 3,743 | 3,370 | 3,386 | 3,269 | 3,064 | 2,789 | 2,787 | 2,896 | 3,029 | 2,989 | 2,508 | 1,902 | 1,191 | 819 | 820 |
| White: | 13,244 | 17.19% |
| Black: | 997 | 1.29% |
| Hispanic:* | 42,193 | 54.77% |
| Asian: | 864 | 1.12% |
| American Indian: | 939 | 1.22% |
| Hawaiian: | 43 | 0.06% |
| Other: | 18,751 | 24.34% |
| Total: | 77,031 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 23,615 | 48.05% | 33.7 years |
| Females: | 25,534 | 51.95% | 37.1 years |
| Total: | 49,149 | 100% | 35.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 33,285 | 67.83% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 1,213 | 2.47% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 7,155 | 14.58% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 7,416 | 29.69% |
| Total Population: | 49,069 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 34,498 | 70.31% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 14,571 | 29.69% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $55,057, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is up $15,303 (38.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,767. Family households earn a median of $59,595 versus $30,536 for nonfamily households (a difference of $29,059). By gender, male median income is $46,437 and female is $44,890, which is well under the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $1,547 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 57.5%, which is tends to be lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 9.5%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (27.5%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $39,754 | $42,268 | $42,618 | $42,206 | $40,878 | $42,476 | $43,842 | $46,648 | $48,290 | $47,614 | $48,888 | $54,250 | $55,890 | $55,057 |
| Median Family Income | $44,457 | $46,150 | $46,887 | $47,511 | $45,844 | $47,067 | $49,868 | $52,384 | $53,019 | $49,128 | $51,001 | $56,566 | $60,771 | $59,595 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $19,698 | $18,494 | $19,522 | $18,732 | $19,361 | $18,875 | $22,717 | $24,404 | $25,053 | $24,107 | $27,969 | $30,117 | $29,063 | $30,536 |
| Median Male Income | $45,105 | $46,480 | $44,894 | $44,904 | $44,561 | $41,690 | $43,227 | $44,554 | $46,173 | $42,097 | $44,259 | $46,499 | $47,633 | $46,437 |
| Median Female Income | $32,765 | $35,450 | $36,777 | $35,725 | $36,598 | $35,641 | $36,243 | $36,164 | $36,813 | $38,114 | $40,595 | $40,853 | $42,205 | $44,890 |
| Employed: | 18,316 | 51.36% |
| Unemployed: | 1,941 | 5.44% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 15,407 | 43.20% |
| Total: | 35,664 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 4,692 | 25.62% |
| Service: | 5,039 | 27.51% |
| Sales and Office: | 3,020 | 16.49% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 2,713 | 14.81% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 2,852 | 15.57% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 18,316 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $317,900, which is a bit under the national median ($332,700), is up $138,400 (77.10%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $125,500. The median gross rent is $1,054, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $330 (45.58%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $246. Of occupied housing, owners make up 51.47% (58.39% with a mortgage, 41.61% free-and-clear) and renters 48.53% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 12.27%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $179,500 | $159,000 | $148,400 | $145,500 | $153,200 | $163,700 | $171,600 | $179,200 | $192,400 | $207,400 | $216,700 | $260,400 | $286,100 | $317,900 |
| Less than $500: | 277 | 4.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 2,731 | 39.46% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 2,042 | 29.50% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 1,178 | 17.02% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 251 | 3.63% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 34 | 0.49% |
| $3,000 or more: | 114 | 1.65% |
| No Rent: | 294 | 4.25% |
| Total: | 6,921 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $724 | $733 | $741 | $748 | $747 | $751 | $772 | $793 | $808 | $823 | $867 | $936 | $992 | $1,054 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 4,285 | 30.05% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 3,054 | 21.42% |
| Renter Occupied: | 6,921 | 48.53% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 14,260 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 14,260 | 87.73% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 1,995 | 12.27% |
| Total Housing Units: | 16,255 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 9,025 | 55.52% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 5,301 | 32.61% |
| Other Units: | 1,929 | 11.87% |
| Total Housing Units: | 16,255 | 100% |
In 2024, 15.40% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 73.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 5.10%, which is falls below the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 44.50%, which is falls below the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 60.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 18.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), down 4.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.40 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (46.94%). College enrollment is 19.28%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 3,680 | 12.40% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 4,181 | 14.09% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 8,012 | 27.00% |
| Some college, no degree: | 6,559 | 22.11% |
| Associate's degree: | 2,657 | 8.95% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 2,920 | 9.84% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 1,663 | 5.60% |
| Total: | 29,672 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 21,811 | 73.51% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 4,583 | 15.45% |
| Private Insurance: | 21,468 | 40.53% |
| Public Insurance: | 29,061 | 54.87% |
| No Insurance: | 2,438 | 4.60% |
| Total: | 52,967 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 50,529 | 95.40% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 22.3% | 21.9% | 22.2% | 19.5% | 21.3% | 20.9% | 20.8% | 20.7% | 21.0% | 20.9% | 20.7% | 18.5% | 17.6% | 18.1% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 674 | 4.47% |
| Kindergarten: | 877 | 5.82% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 7,079 | 46.94% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 3,543 | 23.49% |
| College or graduate school: | 2,907 | 19.28% |
| Total: | 15,080 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 1,551 | 10.29% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 11,499 | 76.25% |
ZIP Code 92243 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 1,085 business establishments, employing about 15,904 people with an annual payroll of $686,676,000. USPS data shows 16,375 residential mailboxes and 1,715 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 16,375Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 1,715Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 17,741Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 7,586Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 2,642Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 1,085Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $165,070,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $686,676,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 15,904Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 92243 is located in Imperial County, California, within the El Centro, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 20940) and California's 25th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 174,528 people, about 28.16% of whom live in ZIP Code 92243. It covers 113.314 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.069 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | El Centro, CASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 20940Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 174,528Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 113.314 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.069 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 25Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 1690.5 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0621782Source: Census |
| Place Name: | El Centro city; CaliforniaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 92243 is part of 4 school districts, including: Meadows Union Elementary School District (Grades KG thru 08), McCabe Union Elementary School District (Grades KG thru 08), El Centro Elementary School District (Grades KG thru 08) and Central Union High School District (Grades 9th thru 12th). There are 26 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.