Bachelor's+
35.5%
5% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.2%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
50.8%
310% higher than US avg
How Potrero Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population423
Median Age20.0 yrs
Density134/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 25%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$17,202
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty50.8%
County GDP$331,868M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$539,184
Housing Units82
Rent Burden33.6%
Health
Obesity31.2%
Uninsured16.1%
Smoking11.3%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI71 (Moderate)
Rain12.6 in/yr
Elevation2,423 ft (739 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.5%
High School+85.8%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 57%
Broadband49.2%
EV Stations6
Libraries88
Is Potrero a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Potrero receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Potrero offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 50.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 85.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Potrero enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 71.
Potrero has a population of 423 with a density of 134 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 20.0 years, 49% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%), with 25.1% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 0% of residents, while 100% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
423
Total Population
2023 Census
20.0yrs
Median Age
49% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
0.0%
100% below US avg
Spanish
100.0%
646% above US avg
Per capita income is $17,202 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,593, 11% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 50.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 133,031 business establishments, including 8,243 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $17,202 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,593 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,353 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 50.8% |
| 310% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 133,031 |
| County GDP | $331,868M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8,243 |
| Healthcare | 11,184 |
| Retail | 9,270 |
| Manufacturing | 2,955 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,205 |
| 163% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 56.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $539,184. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 82 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $9,205 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 82 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,205 |
| 163% above US avg |
In Potrero, 31.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 11.3% are current smokers. 16.3% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 16.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,185. The dentist ratio is 1:1,013. 97.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Potrero vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.2% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.3% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.9% |
| Uninsured | 16.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,185 |
| Dentists | 1:1,013 |
| Mental Health | 1:190 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,727/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 97.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11,184 |
Potrero enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 71 / residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 13% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,423 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 58.4°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,423 ft (739 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 134/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.6131°N, 116.6068°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | San Diego County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Diego International (SAN) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.6"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
2.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 71.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 12.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 52 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0453 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 13.7 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.07 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.50 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very High |
| Risk Score | 99.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Very High |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11,177 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 |
128 km |
| Dec 30, 2009 |
12km N of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.8 |
134 km |
| Jun 15, 2010 |
8km ESE of Ocotillo, CA |
M5.7 |
66 km |
| Feb 22, 2002 |
13km WSW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.7 |
125 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
9km SW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
131 km |
| Jul 7, 2010 |
20km NNW of Borrego Springs, CA |
M5.4 |
90 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
4km NNW of Brawley, CA |
M5.4 |
109 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
12km WNW of Alberto Oviedo Mota, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
129 km |
| May 24, 2006 |
6km SSW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
134 km |
| Dec 3, 1991 |
71km E of Maneadero, B.C., MX |
M5.3 |
120 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
5km NNW of Brawley, CA |
M5.3 |
108 km |
| Apr 8, 2010 |
12km SW of Alberto Oviedo Mota, B.C., MX |
M5.3 |
135 km |
| Mar 23, 1994 |
35km E of Maneadero, B.C., MX |
M5.3 |
105 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
15km SSW of Progreso, B.C., MX |
M5.3 |
93 km |
| Jun 5, 2021 |
11km W of Calipatria, CA |
M5.3 |
108 km |
| Apr 14, 2025 |
5 km S of Julian, CA |
M5.2 |
47 km |
| Jun 12, 2005 |
10km ESE of Anza, CA |
M5.2 |
102 km |
| Jun 10, 2016 |
20km NNW of Borrego Springs, CA |
M5.2 |
92 km |
| Feb 9, 2008 |
8km W of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.1 |
128 km |
| Feb 11, 2008 |
7km WSW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.1 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
24 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jan 29, 1998 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1991 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Feb 20, 1980 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1978 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 1961 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1956 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2007 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 2006 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2005 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 2004 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1999 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 1998 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 1997 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1997 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 7, 1992 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 14, 1990 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 1985 |
EF0 |
51 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 |
- |
56 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Salton Buttes (113 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Salton Buttes |
Lava dome(s) |
-40 m (-131 ft) |
210 |
113 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 |
39 km |
| 2007 |
WITCH |
167,551 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
HARRIS |
90,443 |
16 km |
| 2002 |
PINES |
65,407 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
PARADISE |
55,995 |
72 km |
| 2007 |
POOMACHA |
47,496 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
MINE/OTAY |
37,232 |
23 km |
| 2003 |
COYOTE |
19,215 |
86 km |
| 1993 |
GUEJITO |
17,141 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
HORSE |
16,659 |
12 km |
| 2020 |
VALLEY |
16,517 |
16 km |
| 1989 |
VAIL |
15,632 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
EAGLE |
14,743 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
OTAY 322 |
12,238 |
25 km |
| 2012 |
WILSON |
12,048 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
PECHANGA |
11,879 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
VIEJAS |
10,942 |
24 km |
| 1987 |
PALOMAR |
10,256 |
87 km |
| 1995 |
SYCAMORE |
9,626 |
11 km |
| 2012 |
STEWART |
9,501 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest |
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
47°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
Potrero has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 47°F in December to 74°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 12.6 inches, with February being the wettest month (2.8") and June the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Potrero. 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 | $1,642 |
| Toddler | $1,166 |
| Preschool | $1,051 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,086 |
| Toddler | $1,031 |
| Preschool | $1,031 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Potrero
What is the population of Potrero?
Potrero has a population of 423 residents and is located in California. The population density is 134 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Potrero expensive to live in?
Potrero is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100.
What is the weather like in Potrero?
Potrero enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 71.
How is the job market in Potrero?
The job market in Potrero is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,593. There are 133,031 business establishments in the area, including 8,243 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Potrero?
Schools in Potrero score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.5% of adults in Potrero hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Potrero?
The obesity rate in Potrero is 31.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.3% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 16.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 97.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,185.
What are the demographics of Potrero?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Potrero is 25.1% White, 100% Hispanic or Latino. 0% of residents speak only English at home, while 100% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.6% of residents have a disability. 83.9% have health insurance coverage.