The El Centro metro is home to 179,319 people (down 0.5% over five years), with a median household income of $56,393. Typical rent of $1,803/month works out to 38.4% of the median household income — above the 30% affordability threshold, a strain signal (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of El Centro's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Education & health care | 23.8% |
| Retail trade | 11.7% |
| Public administration | 10.7% |
| Agriculture & mining | 9.8% |
| Arts, food & hospitality | 9.3% |
Education & health care is the metro's largest employment base — sectors like education and health care are recession-resilient anchors for rental demand.
Rents at 38.4% of median income leave little headroom — expect tenant price sensitivity. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the El Centro market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $1,803/month suggests a household income around $72,000/year. The metro's median household income is $56,393.
By workforce share: Education & health care (23.8%), Retail trade (11.7%), Public administration (10.7%) (Census ACS 5-year).