Special Interest
Housing in Imperial County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Imperial County averages $1,056/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the California median of $2,036 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 33% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Imperial County FMR Area are $1,005 for a studio, $1,111 for 1‑bedroom, $1,458 for 2‑bedroom, $1,975 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,446 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $402 increase for a 2-bedroom in Imperial County shows a 38% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Imperial County was 18.4% in 2024, compared to California at 5.3% and the national rate of 4.0%.
