Where is El Centro, California Located in the United States? - El Centro is a city located in the Imperial County in California, United States. El Centro lies between 32.792 Degrees North latitudes and -115.5631 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of El Centro, Imperial, California
About Map: The map shows the location of El Centro in Imperial County, in the U.S. state of California.
El Centro Map, California, USA
About El Centro Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About El Centro, Imperial County, California
El Centro 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 within the Imperial Valley near the U.S.–Mexico border. The city was incorporated in 1906 and was named for its central location within the valley’s irrigation system, and it developed as an agricultural and commercial center serving the surrounding desert farming region.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of El Centro is 44,322 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,900 people per square mile.
Area and Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, El Centro covers a total area of approximately 11.1 square miles (about 28.7 square kilometers), including about 11.1 square miles (28.7 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
El Centro is situated north of Calexico and south of Brawley, positioned within the flat agricultural landscape of the Imperial Valley. The city features farmland, irrigation canals, and residential neighborhoods shaped by the desert environment. Interstate 8 and State Route 86 provide major transportation routes connecting El Centro to other communities across Southern California and nearby border regions.
Attractions and Recreation
El Centro offers parks, cultural venues, and regional attractions that support recreation and tourism. Popular destinations include Bucklin Park, the Imperial Valley Mall, and nearby desert recreation areas. The city hosts community festivals, agricultural fairs, and cultural events reflecting its heritage and diverse population.
Transportation
El Centro is served by Interstate 8 and State Route 86, 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 just north of the city and providing regional air connections.
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 El Centro City Website.
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El Centro City Facts
| City | El Centro |
| State | California |
| County | Imperial County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Imperial Valley |
| Incorporated | April 16, 1908 |
| Founded | 1906 |
| Total Area | Approximately 11.6 sq mi (30.0 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 11.6 sq mi (30.0 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately -42 ft (-13 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 44,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 44,322 |
| Population Density | Approximately 3,800 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 92243, 92244 |
| Area Code | 760, 442 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 8, State Route 86, State Route 111 |
| Public Transit | Imperial Valley Transit |
| Major Attractions | Imperial Valley Mall, Bucklin Park, Broken Spoke Country Club |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofelcentro.org/ |
Distance from El Centro, CA to Nearby Cities
- Calexico, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Brawley, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Imperial, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
- Holtville, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Calipatria, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Westmorland, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Niland, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- Salton City, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
- Indio, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
- Coachella, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
- Palm Desert, CA – 100 miles (161 km)
- Palm Springs, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
- Blythe, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
- Yuma, AZ – 60 miles (97 km)
- San Diego, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
- Chula Vista, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
- Oceanside, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
- Riverside, CA – 160 miles (257 km)
- Los Angeles, CA – 230 miles (370 km)
- Mexicali, MX – 12 miles (19 km)
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