Where is Calexico, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is Calexico, California Located in the United States? - Calexico is a city located in the Imperial County in California, United States. Calexico lies between 32.6789 Degrees North latitudes and -115.4989 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Calexico, Imperial, California

Where is Calexico Located in Imperial, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Calexico in Imperial County, in the U.S. state of California.

Calexico Map, California, USA

About Calexico Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Calexico, Imperial County, California

Calexico is located in Imperial County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States along the U.S.–Mexico border in the Imperial Valley. The city was incorporated in 1908 and its name combines “California” and “Mexico,” reflecting its location next to the Mexican city of Mexicali, and it developed as a border trade and agricultural center.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Calexico is 40,224 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 4,900 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Calexico covers a total area of approximately 8.4 square miles (about 21.8 square kilometers), including about 8.4 square miles (21.8 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.

Location and Surroundings

Calexico is situated south of El Centro and directly north of Mexicali, positioned within the agricultural landscape of the Imperial Valley near the international border. The city features irrigation canals, farmland, and urban neighborhoods shaped by cross-border commerce and desert surroundings. State Route 111 and State Route 98 provide major transportation routes connecting Calexico to surrounding communities across Southern California.

Top Attractions

Calexico offers parks, cultural sites, and community spaces that support recreation and local tourism. Popular destinations include Rockwood Plaza, Gran Plaza Outlets, and local parks used for sports and community events. The city hosts cultural festivals and cross-border celebrations reflecting its unique binational heritage.

Transportation

Calexico is served by State Route 111 and State Route 98, offering convenient highway access throughout Imperial County and Southern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Imperial County Airport, located approximately 20 miles to the north.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Calexico City Website.

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Calexico City Facts

CityCalexico
StateCalifornia
CountyImperial County
CountryUnited States
RegionImperial Valley
IncorporatedApril 16, 1908
Founded1900
Total AreaApproximately 8.4 sq mi (21.8 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 8.4 sq mi (21.8 km2)
ElevationApproximately -7 ft (-2 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 38,000+
Population (2020 Census)38,633
Population DensityApproximately 4,600 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes92231
Area Code760, 442
Major HighwaysState Route 98, State Route 111
Public TransitImperial Valley Transit
Major AttractionsGran Plaza Outlets, Rockwood Plaza, Calexico International Border Crossing
Official Websitehttps://www.calexico.ca.gov/

Distance from Calexico, CA to Nearby Cities

  • El Centro, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Imperial, CA – 13 miles (21 km)
  • Holtville, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Brawley, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Westmorland, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Calipatria, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Niland, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Salton City, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Indio, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Coachella, CA – 98 miles (158 km)
  • Palm Desert, CA – 105 miles (169 km)
  • Palm Springs, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • Blythe, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Yuma, AZ – 60 miles (97 km)
  • San Diego, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
  • Chula Vista, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • Oceanside, CA – 145 miles (233 km)
  • Riverside, CA – 165 miles (266 km)
  • Los Angeles, CA – 235 miles (378 km)
  • Mexicali, MX – 2 miles (3 km)

Calexico, California Climate and Weather Overview

Month Avg High (°F) Avg Low (°F) Avg Rainfall (in)
January69420.5
April87570.1
July108810.4
October93630.3
Annual88602.9
Climate Attribute Details
Climate Classification (Köppen)Hot Desert (BWh)
Annual RainfallAbout 2.9 in
Annual Sunshine DaysAbout 266 days
Hurricane/Tornado RiskVery low hurricane risk and minimal tornado risk
SnowfallNone

Driving Distances from Calexico, California

City State/Country Distance (mi) Approx. Drive Time
MexicaliMexico15 min (border crossing dependent)
HeberCalifornia610 min
El CentroCalifornia1015 min
HoltvilleCalifornia1115 min
ImperialCalifornia1320 min
SeeleyCalifornia1720 min
BrawleyCalifornia2630 min
YumaArizona611 hr
San Luis Río ColoradoMexico661 hr 15 min
San DiegoCalifornia1222 hr

Transportation and Connectivity in Calexico, California

Transportation Details
Airport NameImperial County Airport
IATA CodeIPL
PortCalexico East Port of Entry
Major HighwaysState Route 111, State Route 98, Interstate 8 (nearby)
Train/Amtrak ServiceNo Amtrak service; nearest station at Yuma, Arizona
Local Bus/Transit ServiceImperial Valley Transit
  • State Route 111 - Main highway connecting Calexico with El Centro, Brawley, and the Salton Sea region.
  • State Route 98 - Links Calexico with Interstate 8 and communities east of Imperial Valley.
  • Interstate 8 - Major east-west interstate providing access to San Diego and Arizona.
  • Calexico East Port of Entry is one of the busiest commercial border crossings between the United States and Mexico.
  • Imperial County Airport offers regional commercial flights and supports general aviation services.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Calexico, California

Landmark NameType
Calexico East Port of EntryInternational Border Crossing
Gran Plaza OutletsShopping Center
Rockwood PlazaHistoric Downtown Plaza
Calexico Carnegie LibraryHistoric Building
Gateway ParkCommunity Park
Imperial Valley MallShopping Mall
Pioneers' MuseumHistory Museum
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation AreaOutdoor Recreation Area
Quechan Casino ResortEntertainment Venue
Mexicali Historic CenterCultural District

Colleges and Universities in Calexico, California

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
San Diego State University Imperial ValleyPublicUniversityHigher education and teacher preparation
Imperial Valley CollegePublicCommunity CollegeTransfer and workforce education
University of California Cooperative Extension - Imperial CountyPublicAcademic CenterAgricultural research and outreach
CETYS Universidad (Mexicali Campus)PrivateUniversityBusiness and engineering programs
Calexico Unified School DistrictPublicK-12 DistrictPublic education services

Waterbodies in Calexico, California

New River, Alamo River, All-American Canal, Central Main Canal, East Highline Canal, Salton Sea, Colorado River, Brock Reservoir

Golf Courses in Calexico, California

Barbara Worth Country Club, Del Rio Country Club, Desert Trails Golf Course, RoadRunner Golf & Country Club, Coyote Wash Golf Course, Fortuna del Rey Golf Club, Mesa del Sol Golf Club, Las Barrancas Golf Club

Calexico, California - Key Historical Facts

  • Calexico was founded in 1908 as a planned border community, with its name combining "California" and "Mexico."
  • The city's growth was closely tied to agricultural development in the fertile Imperial Valley, supported by irrigation from the Colorado River.
  • Its international location fostered strong commercial, cultural, and family connections with neighboring Mexicali, Baja California.
  • The opening of modern border crossings strengthened Calexico's role as an important gateway for trade, tourism, and daily cross-border travel.
  • Agriculture, international commerce, logistics, and government services remain key contributors to the local economy.
  • Today, Calexico is recognized as one of California's busiest border cities, offering a unique blend of American and Mexican culture, commerce, and traditions.

References

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