Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
El Centro, California is a medium-sized city with a population of 45,037 people. El Centro has a population density of 4,036 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of El Centro identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 73% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. El Centro could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? El Centro offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in El Centro can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around El Centro, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, health & safety, education and more.
El Centro, CA receives 72 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #190 in California and #5,488 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, El Centro has received high marks for amenities (A+), cost of living (B-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that El Centro ranks poorly for, including: employment (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
El Centro has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that El Centro has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their El Centro apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to El Centro is real estate affordability. The median home price for El Centro homes is $374,920, which is 48.8% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in El Centro, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 29.9% lower than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | El Centro | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.8% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.2% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.4% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in California
These are the largest cities in California
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in California