Where is Imperial, California

Imperial is a city in southeastern California, located in Imperial County at the center of the Imperial Valley. It is about 5 miles north of El Centro and 15 miles west of the Mexican border. The city is known for its desert farming landscape, irrigated fields, nearby Imperial Sand Dunes, and easy access to communities throughout the Imperial Valley.

Location Map of Imperial, Imperial County, California

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

Imperial Map, California

Where is Imperial Located?

Imperial is a city located in Imperial County, California, the United States. It lies in the Imperial Valley of southeastern California, about 5 miles north of El Centro and roughly 15 miles north of the Mexican border. Imperial is part of the El Centro metropolitan area and is surrounded by irrigated farmland in the Colorado Desert. The city is located at approximately 32.848° North latitude and 115.569° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 20,263 residents. Imperial covers about 7.15 square miles, or 18.52 square kilometers. Agriculture remains an important part of the regional economy, supported by irrigation water from the Colorado River. Nearby attractions include the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, the Salton Sea, and the agricultural communities of the Imperial Valley. A unique feature of Imperial is its location in a hot desert environment where extensive irrigation supports large areas of farmland. The city was founded in the early 20th century as part of the development of the Imperial Valley. Interstate 8 and State Route 86 provide major transportation connections to El Centro, Brawley, Yuma, and San Diego.

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Imperial City Facts

Distance from Imperial, CA to Nearby Cities

• El Centro, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
• Holtville, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Brawley, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Calexico, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Westmorland, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Calipatria, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Heber, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Niland, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Seeley, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Winterhaven, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Yuma, AZ – 55 miles (89 km)
• Somerton, AZ – 60 miles (97 km)
• San Luis, AZ – 65 miles (105 km)
• Mexicali, Mexico – 25 miles (40 km)
• Indio, CA – 90 miles (145 km)

Top Attractions in Imperial

• Imperial Valley Mall – A regional shopping center serving Imperial and surrounding communities.
• Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area – A vast desert landscape known for large sand dunes, scenic views, hiking, and off-highway vehicle recreation.
• Salton Sea – A large inland lake north of Imperial that provides important bird habitat and distinctive desert scenery.
• Imperial Valley Agricultural Region – The farmland surrounding Imperial demonstrates how irrigation supports intensive agriculture in the desert.
• Imperial Valley Desert Museum – A local resource highlighting the natural and cultural history of the Imperial Valley.
• El Centro Historic Downtown – A nearby commercial and historic district with local businesses, civic buildings, and community landmarks.
• Felicity, California – A unique planned community east of Imperial known for monuments and unusual historical displays.
• Colorado River – The river is the primary water source behind the development of irrigated agriculture throughout the Imperial Valley.

Airports Near Imperial

• Imperial County Airport (IPL) – 10 miles
• Calexico International Airport (CXL) – 20 miles
• Yuma International Airport (YUM) – 55 miles
• Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (TRM) – 90 miles
• Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) – 105 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Imperial city website and local government records.

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