Median Income
$22,989
69% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,300
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
30/100K
92% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.1%
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.4%
272% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
44.6%
260% higher than US avg
How Ocotillo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population157
Median Age58.0 yrs
Density18/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans29.9%
Economy
F
Median Income$22,989
Per Capita$12,499
Unemployment13.4%
Poverty44.6%
County GDP$12,907M
Housing
C+
Home Value$160,300
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$330,194
Housing Units225
Rent Burden32.1%
Crime
F
Violent30/100K
Property278/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured16.4%
Smoking24.2%
Depression26.9%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation425 ft (130 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.1%
High School+60.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.07
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 48%
Broadband83.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries12
Is Ocotillo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ocotillo receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Ocotillo faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ocotillo is $22,989, 69% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 44.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ocotillo is $160,300, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. The price-to-income ratio of 7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ocotillo is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 30 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 278 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
12.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 60.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Ocotillo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Ocotillo has a population of 157 with a density of 18 people per square mile, spread across 8.9 square miles. The median age is 58.0 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.7% female and 64.3% male. The city is predominantly White (56.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 39% of residents, while 61% speak Spanish. 29.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 84.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.0yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
39.0%
50% below US avg
Spanish
61.0%
355% above US avg
The median household income in Ocotillo is $22,989, which is 69% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $12,499 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,051, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 44.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,795 business establishments, including 280 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100.
Income
| Median HH Income | $22,989 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $12,499 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.4% |
| 272% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 44.6% |
| 260% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,795 |
| County GDP | $12,907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 280 |
| Healthcare | 322 |
| Retail | 429 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,268 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.66% |
The median home value in Ocotillo is $160,300, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,194, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.8% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 225 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $4,268 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $330,194 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $139 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 225 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,268 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.66% |
In Ocotillo, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). 36.4% have high blood pressure. 24.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 35.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.2% experience frequent mental distress. 16.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,997. The dentist ratio is 1:3,081. 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ocotillo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 11.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.2% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.5% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 24.2% |
| Physical Distress | 20.4% |
| Short Sleep | 43.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.2% |
| Uninsured | 16.4% |
| 91% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,997 |
| Dentists | 1:3,081 |
| Mental Health | 1:487 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.4% |
| Dental Visits | 40.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 322 |
Ocotillo has a violent crime rate of 30 per 100,000 residents, 92% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 278 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 36 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ocotillo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ocotillo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 30.2/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 278.2/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 36 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ocotillo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 425 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 425 ft (130 m) |
| Area | 8.9 sq mi (22.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 18/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.7431°N, 116.0019°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Imperial County County |
| Nearest Airport | Calexico International (CXL)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
1.18"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0502 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 13.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.52 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.25 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13,074 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 17, 2025.
| Apr 4, 2010 |
The 2010 Sierra El Mayor, B.C., Mexico Earthquake |
M7.2 |
84 km |
| Apr 23, 1992 |
The 1992 Joshua Tree, California Earthquake |
M6.1 |
138 km |
| Dec 30, 2009 |
12km N of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.8 |
82 km |
| Jun 15, 2010 |
8km ESE of Ocotillo, CA |
M5.7 |
10 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
22km S of Estacion Coahuila, B.C., MX |
M5.7 |
125 km |
| Feb 22, 2002 |
13km WSW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.7 |
79 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
12km SSW of Estacion Coahuila, B.C., MX |
M5.7 |
115 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
9km SW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
85 km |
| Jul 7, 2010 |
20km NNW of Borrego Springs, CA |
M5.4 |
87 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
4km NNW of Brawley, CA |
M5.4 |
53 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
12km WNW of Alberto Oviedo Mota, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
85 km |
| May 24, 2006 |
6km SSW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
87 km |
| Dec 3, 1991 |
71km E of Maneadero, B.C., MX |
M5.3 |
111 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
5km NNW of Brawley, CA |
M5.3 |
52 km |
| Apr 8, 2010 |
12km SW of Alberto Oviedo Mota, B.C., MX |
M5.3 |
94 km |
| Mar 23, 1994 |
35km E of Maneadero, B.C., MX |
M5.3 |
114 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
15km SSW of Progreso, B.C., MX |
M5.3 |
47 km |
| Jun 5, 2021 |
11km W of Calipatria, CA |
M5.3 |
56 km |
| Apr 5, 2010 |
27km SSW of Estacion Coahuila, B.C., MX |
M5.2 |
118 km |
| Apr 14, 2025 |
5 km S of Julian, CA |
M5.2 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
11 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 2015 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1993 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2000 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1999 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 1997 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1997 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1992 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1985 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 1971 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.2 m (4 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1862 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
1.2 m |
— |
112 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Salton Buttes (62 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Salton Buttes |
Lava dome(s) |
-40 m (-131 ft) |
210 |
62 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CEDAR (268,362 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
CEDAR |
268,362 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
WITCH |
167,551 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
HARRIS |
90,443 |
73 km |
| 2002 |
PINES |
65,407 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
PARADISE |
55,995 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
MINE/OTAY |
37,232 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
COYOTE |
19,215 |
90 km |
| 1993 |
GUEJITO |
17,141 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
HORSE |
16,659 |
58 km |
| 2020 |
VALLEY |
16,517 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
EAGLE |
14,743 |
78 km |
| 1996 |
OTAY 322 |
12,238 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
WILSON |
12,048 |
66 km |
| 2001 |
VIEJAS |
10,942 |
69 km |
| 1995 |
SYCAMORE |
9,626 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
STEWART |
9,501 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
MATAGUAY |
9,087 |
80 km |
| 1995 |
EL MONTE |
8,482 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
BORDER 3 |
7,958 |
55 km |
| 1985 |
MILLER |
7,809 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
56°F (13°C) |
1.2 in |
Wettest |
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
71°F (21°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| August |
86°F (30°C) |
0.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| October |
72°F (22°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Ocotillo has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 42°F in January to 86°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 6.5 inches, with February being the wettest month (1.2") and May the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Ocotillo. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $960 |
| Toddler | $760 |
| Preschool | $698 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $821 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $778 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocotillo
What is the population of Ocotillo?
Ocotillo has a population of 157 residents and is located in California. The population density is 18 people per square mile, spread across 8.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.7% female and 64.3% male.
Is Ocotillo expensive to live in?
Ocotillo is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $22,989, 69% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $160,300 (43% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Ocotillo safe?
Ocotillo is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 30 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 278 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ocotillo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ocotillo?
Ocotillo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Ocotillo?
The job market in Ocotillo faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,051. There are 9,795 business establishments in the area, including 280 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Ocotillo?
The median home value in Ocotillo is $160,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,194. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,268.
How are the schools in Ocotillo?
Schools in Ocotillo have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.1% of adults in Ocotillo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 60.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ocotillo?
The obesity rate in Ocotillo is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.2% of adults are smokers. 35.5% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 16.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,997.
What are the demographics of Ocotillo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ocotillo is 56.7% White. 39% of residents speak only English at home, while 61% speak Spanish. 29.9% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 84.2% have health insurance coverage.
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