Imperial County, California
Imperial County is a county located in the southeast of the U.S. state of California. The administrative headquarters ( County Seat) is El Centro.
Imperial County was formed in 1907 from the eastern San Diego County and is the youngest county in California.
Geography
The county has an area of 11,608 square kilometers. Of these, 10,812 square kilometers of land and 795 square miles of water. The Colorado River forms the eastern boundary. Also in the County are the Salton Sea, the Algodones Dunes and the Chocolate Mountains. It is bordered on the south by Mexico, on the east by Arizona, on the north by the Riverside County and on the west by the San Diego County.
Demographic data
According to the census of 2000, there were 142 361 people in Imperial County. There were 39 384 households and 31 467 families. The population density was 13 people per square kilometer. In terms of breeds the population was composed of 49.37 % White, 3.95 % African American, 1.87 % Native American, 1.99 % Asian, 0.08 % Pacific Islander residents of the 39.08 % and among other races on; 3.65% were descended from two or more races. 72.22 % of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 39 384 households out of which 46.70 % have children under the age of 18 living with them. 57.70 % were married couples living together, 17.10% had a female householder with no husband. 20.10% were non-families. 17.10% of all households and 8.10% had someone living alone at the age of 65 years or older. The average household size was 3.33 and the average family size was 3.77 persons.
Based on the county the population was spread out with 31.40 % under the age of 18, 9.90 % from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44 years, 18.20% between 45 and 64 years and 10.00 % were 65 years old or older. The average age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 109.30 males to 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.40 males.
The median income for a household was $ 31,870, and the median income for a family was $ 35,226. Males have a median income of $ 32,775, women $ 23,974. The per capita income was $ 13,239. 22.60 % percent of the population and 19.40% of families are below the poverty line. 28.70% of those under age 18 and 13.60% were 65 years or older.
Cities and towns
- Bombay Beach
- Brawley
- Calexico
- Calipatria
- Desert Shores
- El Centro
- Lifter
- Holtsville
- Imperial
- Niland
- Ocotillo
- Palo Verde
- Salton City
- Salton Sea Beach
- Seeley
- Westmorland
- Winter Haven
A special feature is the location of Slab City, consisting solely of caravans. It lies in the vicinity of Niland. Slab City has no running water, no electricity and no shopping. In winter, only a few live several thousand people in the summer due to the heat it.