Cities and Towns in Imperial County, California
Founded in 1907, Imperial County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. Historically, Imperial County was formed from San Diego. The city of El Centro is the county seat. With FIPS code of 25, Imperial County has a population of 179,851 and area of 4,175 square miles (10,813 km²).
List of all cities in Imperial County, CA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bard, CA | 92222 | 760 |
| Bombay Beach, CA | 92257 | 760 |
| Bonds Corner, CA | 92250 | 760 |
| Brawley, CA | 92227 | 760 |
| Calexico, CA | 92231 | 760 |
| 92232 | 760 | |
| Calipatria, CA | 92233 | 760 |
| El Centro, CA | 92243 | 760 |
| 92244 | 760 | |
| Felicity, CA | 92283 | 760 |
| Heber, CA | 92249 | 760 |
| Holtville, CA | 92250 | 760 |
| Imperial, CA | 92251 | 760 |
| Mount Signal, CA | 92231 | 760 |
| Niland, CA | 92257 | 760 |
| Ocotillo, CA | 92259 | 760 |
| Palo Verde, CA | 92266 | 760 |
| Salton City, CA | 92275 | 760 |
| Seeley, CA | 92273 | 760 |
| Thermal, CA | 92275 | 760 |
| Westmorland, CA | 92281 | 760 |
| Winterhaven, CA | 92283 | 760 |
Major Cities and Towns in Imperial County, California
El Centro
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 11.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 44,322 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 92243, 92244
- Latitude: 32.7920° N
- Longitude: 115.5631° W
Location and History
El Centro is the county seat and largest city in Imperial County, located in the Imperial Valley, close to the U.S.-Mexico border. The city was founded in 1906 and rapidly developed as a key agricultural center due to the construction of irrigation canals from the Colorado River, which transformed the arid desert into fertile farmland. El Centro’s strategic location near the border has made it an important hub for trade and commerce between the United States and Mexico. The city’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, but it has diversified over the years to include retail, government services, and international trade. El Centro is also known for its sunny climate, with over 350 days of sunshine annually, making it a popular location for outdoor activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
El Centro is served by the El Centro Elementary School District and the Central Union High School District, with Central Union High School and Southwest High School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in El Centro include the Imperial Valley Mall, a regional shopping destination, and the Imperial County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the center of county government. The nearby Desert Trails Golf Course and Bucklin Park offer recreational opportunities, while the annual California Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta is a major event that showcases the region’s agricultural heritage with exhibits, rides, and entertainment. El Centro’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and economic vitality makes it the heart of Imperial County.
Calexico
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 8.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 38,633 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 92231, 92232
- Latitude: 32.6789° N
- Longitude: 115.4989° W
Location and History
Calexico is located on the U.S.-Mexico border, directly across from Mexicali, Mexico. The city was founded in 1899 as a border town and grew rapidly as a center for cross-border trade and agriculture. Calexico’s name is a portmanteau of “California” and “Mexico,” reflecting its location and cultural ties to both regions. The city has long been a gateway for commerce between the two countries, with its economy centered on retail trade, manufacturing, and agriculture. Calexico’s location makes it a key point of entry into the United States, with the Calexico West Port of Entry being one of the busiest land border crossings in the country. The city’s cultural diversity is a hallmark, with a rich blend of American and Mexican influences shaping its identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Calexico is served by the Calexico Unified School District, with Calexico High School and Enrique Camarena Junior High School being the primary educational institutions. The city’s major landmarks include the San Diego State University Imperial Valley Campus, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs, and the Gran Plaza Outlets, a major shopping destination that attracts visitors from both sides of the border. The historic Carnegie Library, now a cultural center, and the nearby Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, offering off-road vehicle activities, are also key attractions. Calexico’s unique location, cultural diversity, and economic significance make it an important city in Imperial County.
Brawley
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 7.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 25,968 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 92227
- Latitude: 32.9787° N
- Longitude: 115.5303° W
Location and History
Brawley is located in the northern part of Imperial County, in the heart of the Imperial Valley. The city was founded in 1902 as a small farming community and quickly grew into one of the major agricultural centers in the region. Brawley’s fertile soil and access to irrigation from the Colorado River have made it a key player in the production of crops such as alfalfa, cotton, and vegetables. The city’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, but it has diversified to include retail, healthcare, and education. Brawley is known for its annual Cattle Call Rodeo, one of the largest rodeos in California, which celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage and attracts visitors from across the state.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Brawley is served by the Brawley Elementary School District and the Brawley Union High School District, with Brawley Union High School and Barbara Worth Junior High School being the primary educational institutions. The city’s major landmarks include the Cattle Call Arena, where the annual rodeo is held, and the Brawley Historical Society Museum, which preserves the history of the Imperial Valley. The nearby Salton Sea, one of the largest inland seas in the world, offers opportunities for birdwatching and fishing, while the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area provides a unique desert landscape for off-road vehicle activities. Brawley’s combination of agricultural significance, cultural events, and recreational opportunities make it a key community in Imperial County.
Imperial
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 5.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 20,793 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 92251
- Latitude: 32.8473° N
- Longitude: 115.5693° W
Location and History
Imperial is located in the central part of Imperial County, just north of El Centro. The city was founded in 1901 as part of the Imperial Valley’s early development, with the goal of creating a new agricultural community in the desert. Imperial quickly grew as a farming town, benefiting from the region’s irrigation systems that transformed the arid land into productive farmland. The city’s name reflects its association with the Imperial Valley, a region that was developed as part of the larger Imperial Land Company’s efforts to cultivate the desert. Over the years, Imperial has evolved into a growing suburban community with a strong focus on family life and community involvement.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Imperial is served by the Imperial Unified School District, with Imperial High School and Frank Wright Middle School being the primary educational institutions. The city’s major landmarks include the Imperial Valley Expo, which hosts the annual California Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta, an event that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with exhibits, rides, and entertainment. The Imperial County Airport, located just outside the city, serves as a regional hub for air travel and is an important part of the area’s infrastructure. Imperial’s combination of suburban growth, educational institutions, and community events make it a central part of Imperial County.
Calipatria
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 3.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,515 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 92233
- Latitude: 33.1256° N
- Longitude: 115.5147° W
Location and History
Calipatria is a small city located in the northern part of Imperial County, near the Salton Sea. The city was founded in 1914 as part of the Imperial Valley’s agricultural expansion and was originally developed as a farming community. Calipatria is known for having the “tallest flagpole,” which stands at 184 feet, representing the city’s elevation below sea level and symbolizing its pride and resilience. The city’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with the surrounding farmland producing crops such as cotton, alfalfa, and vegetables. Calipatria’s location near the Salton Sea has also influenced its history, with the sea providing a unique ecological environment that has shaped the region’s development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Calipatria is served by the Calipatria Unified School District, with Calipatria High School and Fremont Primary School being the primary educational institutions. The city’s major landmarks include the aforementioned flagpole, which is a prominent feature of the city’s landscape, and the nearby Salton Sea, which offers opportunities for birdwatching and fishing. The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, located just outside the city, is a key attraction, providing habitat for a wide variety of bird species and other wildlife. Calipatria’s combination of agricultural roots, unique landmarks, and proximity to natural attractions make it an important community in Imperial County.
Holtville
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,355 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 92250
- Latitude: 32.8104° N
- Longitude: 115.3789° W
Location and History
Holtville is a small city located in the southeastern part of Imperial County, known for its rich agricultural heritage. The city was founded in 1903 by W.F. Holt, a businessman who played a key role in the development of the Imperial Valley’s irrigation systems. Holtville quickly became known for its production of vegetables, particularly carrots, earning it the nickname “Carrot Capital of the World.” The city’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, with the surrounding farmland producing a variety of crops that are distributed across the United States. Holtville’s small-town charm and strong community spirit are hallmarks of the city’s identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Holtville is served by the Holtville Unified School District, with Holtville High School and Finley Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. The city’s major landmarks include the Holtville Carrot Festival, an annual event that celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage with parades, food, and entertainment. The Holtville Hot Springs, located just outside the city, offer a unique recreational experience with natural hot springs that have been a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Holtville’s combination of agricultural significance, community events, and small-town charm make it a key part of Imperial County.
Map of Cities in Imperial County, CA
