Imperial, California | |
|---|---|
| City of Imperial | |
  Top: Imperial City Hall; Bottom: Worthington Square Imperial | |
 Seal | |
 Location of Imperial in Imperial County, California. | |
  Imperial, California Location in the United States | |
| Coordinates:32°50′51″N115°34′10″W / 32.84750°N 115.56944°W /32.84750; -115.56944[1] | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Imperial |
| Incorporated | July 12, 1904[2] |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | James Tucker[3] |
| Area | |
• City | 6.29 sq mi (16.29 km2) |
| • Land | 6.29 sq mi (16.29 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.00 km2) 0% |
| Elevation | −59 ft (−18 m) |
| Population | |
• City | 20,263 |
| • Density | 3,222/sq mi (1,244/km2) |
| • Metro | 175,000 |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code | 92251 |
| Area code | 442/760 |
| FIPS code | 06-36280 |
| GNIS feature IDs | 1652726,2410097 |
| Website | www |
Imperial is a city inImperial County, California, 4 miles (6.4 km) north ofEl Centro.[6]
As of the2020 census, the city had a population of 20,263.[5] It is part of theEl Centro metropolitan area. In 2016, Imperial was the fourth fastest-growing city in the state, gaining 4.1 percent more residents from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2016. It compares to Imperial County's growth of 1.3 percent andBrawley's growth of 1.2 percent.
Imperial was created by theImperial Land Company[7] and was named byGeorge Chaffey.[6] Imperial's first post office opened in 1901.[6] Imperial incorporated in 1904. The first mayor of Imperial was Allison Peck.[6]
The town-site of Imperial was plotted in 1902 for home and commercial businesses. Its first buildings included a printing press, drug store, grocery store, brick building, and church. The city can also boast of having the first school in the valley and the first Chamber of Commerce.
The City of Imperial was incorporated July 12, 1904, thus being the first city in the valley to incorporate. The city was originally thought to become the county seat, but lost out to the City of El Centro in 1907.
Imperial through the years became the location for the home of the Imperial Irrigation District, the California Mid-Winter Fair and theImperial County Airport. Also several businesses were established in the city. Imperial was devastated by earthquakes in 1916 and 1940. In 1979, Another earthquake destroyed many of the old buildings in the downtown business area, including City Hall. The city was slow to rebuild the business district following the quake, taking several years.
In June 2014, aMcDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II fromMarine Corps Air Station Yuma crashed in a residential area.[8] The pilot ejected safely, and no residents were injured.[8]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.3 square miles (16 km2), all land.[4] Imperial is located in the Imperial Valley (considered locally as synonymous with Imperial County). The city is 59.5 feet (18.14 m) below sea level. The Imperial Valley is in the Colorado Desert, an extension of the larger Sonoran Desert.
The agriculture industry's demand for water is supplied by canals diverting water from the nearbyColorado River. TheSalton Sea was created after a 1905 flood from the Colorado River.[9]
In this region, the geology is dominated by the transition of thetectonic plate boundary fromrift totransverse fault. The southernmost strands of theSan Andreas Fault connect the northernmost extensions of theEast Pacific Rise. Consequently, the region is subject to earthquakes, and the crust is being stretched, resulting in a sinking of the terrain over time.
Imperial has a hotdesert climate, featuring long, extremely hot summers and mild winters. Imperial averages just about 3 inches of rain annually, with December being the wettest month. TheNorth American Monsoon typically increases the humidity from July through September. At times, the climate can resemble that of tropical areas in the Caribbean. This leads to daily thunderstorms that can bring hail, downpours, lightning, and dust storms more commonly known asHaboob. During the eastern Pacific hurricane season, hurricanes occasionally track up theBaja California Peninsula and bring remnants of Tropical Storms through the desert that can result in flash flooding and heavy widespread thunderstorms. This can lead to significantly higher than normal precipitation, at times bringing heavy rain in short periods of time. The precipitation in the winter months is predominantly rain showers from the occasional winter storms. At times these storms bring cold temperatures to Imperial and surrounding cities, and mountain snowfall to the nearby mountains. Snow is almost totally unknown in the city, except for trace amount on December 12, 1932, and a very brief fall of sleet mixed with hail during a shower in December 1967. On average there are 3.7 days per year that drop below freezing. In the coldest month, December, the normal high temperature is 67.5 degrees with a low of 42.3. In the warmest month, August, the normal high temperature is 104.5 degrees with a low of 78.4.[10]
| Climate data for Imperial, California, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1901–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 96 (36) | 96 (36) | 104 (40) | 109 (43) | 118 (48) | 123 (51) | 124 (51) | 124 (51) | 120 (49) | 111 (44) | 98 (37) | 90 (32) | 124 (51) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 80.6 (27.0) | 83.9 (28.8) | 92.1 (33.4) | 99.7 (37.6) | 105.0 (40.6) | 112.6 (44.8) | 114.6 (45.9) | 113.6 (45.3) | 110.4 (43.6) | 101.8 (38.8) | 89.9 (32.2) | 79.1 (26.2) | 115.9 (46.6) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 68.7 (20.4) | 72.2 (22.3) | 78.4 (25.8) | 84.3 (29.1) | 92.5 (33.6) | 100.8 (38.2) | 104.4 (40.2) | 104.5 (40.3) | 99.9 (37.7) | 88.9 (31.6) | 76.7 (24.8) | 67.5 (19.7) | 86.6 (30.3) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 56.0 (13.3) | 59.4 (15.2) | 65.0 (18.3) | 70.4 (21.3) | 77.8 (25.4) | 85.4 (29.7) | 90.9 (32.7) | 91.4 (33.0) | 86.6 (30.3) | 75.2 (24.0) | 63.2 (17.3) | 54.9 (12.7) | 73.0 (22.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 43.3 (6.3) | 46.6 (8.1) | 51.5 (10.8) | 56.4 (13.6) | 63.0 (17.2) | 70.0 (21.1) | 77.3 (25.2) | 78.4 (25.8) | 73.2 (22.9) | 61.4 (16.3) | 49.8 (9.9) | 42.3 (5.7) | 59.4 (15.2) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 33.4 (0.8) | 36.6 (2.6) | 41.3 (5.2) | 46.7 (8.2) | 53.7 (12.1) | 60.1 (15.6) | 68.1 (20.1) | 69.0 (20.6) | 62.2 (16.8) | 50.0 (10.0) | 39.0 (3.9) | 32.2 (0.1) | 31.0 (−0.6) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 16 (−9) | 22 (−6) | 30 (−1) | 35 (2) | 43 (6) | 50 (10) | 51 (11) | 60 (16) | 49 (9) | 36 (2) | 27 (−3) | 21 (−6) | 16 (−9) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 0.47 (12) | 0.43 (11) | 0.31 (7.9) | 0.09 (2.3) | 0.06 (1.5) | 0.00 (0.00) | 0.14 (3.6) | 0.18 (4.6) | 0.26 (6.6) | 0.21 (5.3) | 0.22 (5.6) | 0.39 (9.9) | 2.76 (70.3) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 3.2 | 2.7 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 2.8 | 17.2 |
| Source 1: NOAA[10] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: National Weather Service[11] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 1,257 | — | |
| 1920 | 1,885 | 50.0% | |
| 1930 | 1,943 | 3.1% | |
| 1940 | 1,493 | −23.2% | |
| 1950 | 1,759 | 17.8% | |
| 1960 | 2,658 | 51.1% | |
| 1970 | 3,094 | 16.4% | |
| 1980 | 3,451 | 11.5% | |
| 1990 | 4,113 | 19.2% | |
| 2000 | 7,560 | 83.8% | |
| 2010 | 14,758 | 95.2% | |
| 2020 | 20,263 | 37.3% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 22,102 | 9.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] | |||
The2020 United States census reported that Imperial had a population of 20,263. The population density was 3,221.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,243.8/km2). The racial makeup of Imperial was 28.5%White, 1.7%African American, 1.6%Native American, 2.9%Asian, 0.1%Pacific Islander, 34.1% fromother races, and 31.0% from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 82.7% of the population.[13]
The census reported that 99.8% of the population lived in households and 32 people (0.2%) were institutionalized.[13]
There were 6,029 households, out of which 53.5% included children under the age of 18, 58.8% were married-couple households, 6.1% werecohabiting couple households, 22.9% had a female householder with no partner present, and 12.2% had a male householder with no partner present. 14.3% of households were one person, and 4.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.36.[13] There were 4,958families (82.2% of all households).[14]
The age distribution was 30.6% under the age of 18, 8.9% aged 18 to 24, 29.8% aged 25 to 44, 21.7% aged 45 to 64, and 9.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males.[13]
There were 6,214 housing units at an average density of 987.9 units per square mile (381.4 units/km2), of which 6,029 (97.0%) were occupied. Of these, 69.6% were owner-occupied, and 30.4% were occupied by renters.[13]
In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that 25.9% of the population were foreign-born. Of all people aged 5 or older, 31.2% spoke only English at home, 64.9% spokeSpanish, 0.1% spoke otherIndo-European languages, 2.9% spoke Asian or Pacific Islander languages, and 0.9% spoke other languages. Of those aged 25 or older, 82.9% were high school graduates and 20.3% had a bachelor's degree.[15]
The median household income in 2023 was $83,214, and theper capita income was $28,599. About 10.7% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line.[16]
The2010 United States census[17] reported that Imperial had a population of 14,758. The population density was 2,519.9 inhabitants per square mile (972.9/km2). The racial makeup of Imperial was 9,298 (63.0%)White, 331 (2.2%)African American, 154 (1.0%)Native American, 370 (2.5%)Asian, 13 (0.1%)Pacific Islander, 3,783 (25.6%) fromother races, and 809 (5.5%) from two or more races. The ethnic makeup of Imperial was 11,046 (74.8%)Hispanic orLatino of any race.
The Census reported that 14,727 people (99.8% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 31 (0.2%) were institutionalized.
There were 4,405 households, out of which 2,464 (55.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,669 (60.6%) wereopposite-sex married couples living together, 697 (15.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 255 (5.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 268 (6.1%)unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 27 (0.6%)same-sex married couples or partnerships. 621 households (14.1%) were made up of individuals, and 181 (4.1%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.34. There were 3,621families (82.2% of all households); the average family size was 3.69.
The population was spread out, with 4,927 people (33.4%) under the age of 18, 1,376 people (9.3%) aged 18 to 24, 4,618 people (31.3%) aged 25 to 44, 2,881 people (19.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 956 people (6.5%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.3 males.
There were 4,751 housing units at an average density of 811.2 per square mile (313.2/km2), of which 4,405 were occupied, of which 3,130 (71.1%) were owner-occupied, and 1,275 (28.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.5%. 10,692 people (72.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 4,035 people (27.3%) lived in rental housing units.
The annual California Mid-Winter Fair takes place in Imperial, often in February, and receives over 100,000 visitors.[citation needed]
The California Mid-Winter Fairgrounds is located in the heart of Imperial. The Mid-Winter Fair is the county's largest attended event. The fair lasts for a total of 10 days and is held at the end of February or beginning of March each year. The fairgrounds will host other events during the year such as; festivals, barbecues, car races, concerts, trade shows, and private parties. Visitors are from nearbyMexicali, Baja California,Mexico and numerous "snowbirds" across Southern California and the country (U.S.) temporarily reside in Imperial.
Imperial is also home to the Imperial Market Days.
Imperial Market Days is a signature, sponsorship funded event series put on by the City of Imperial to promote quality of life opportunities locally and throughout the Imperial Valley. Starting in October, the events take place in Downtown Imperial. These events are free for the public to attend. The synergy between local businesses and the community has attracted record crowds of up to 13,000 people throughout the region. Over 100 vendors participate in each event.[1]
In theCalifornia State Legislature, Imperial is inthe 18th senatorial district, represented byDemocrat Steve Padilla,[18] andthe 36th Assembly district, represented byRepublican Jeff Gonzalez.[19]
In theUnited States House of Representatives, Imperial is inCalifornia's 25th congressional district, represented byDemocrat Raul Ruiz.[20]
The city operates its own water and sewer system.[21] Trash service is provided byRepublic Services.[22] Other utility providers for Imperial areSouthern California Gas,Imperial Irrigation District,AT&T California, andSpectrum.
Municipalities and communities ofImperial County, California,United States | ||
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| Unincorporated communities | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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