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Imperial County, California | The Desert Gem
This is a unique and vital region in the state’s southeastern corner. Imperial County is a desert landscape transformed by water. It is a major agricultural engine and a close-knit border community. This guide details its cities, economy, geography, and community character. Discover the essence of this sun-drenched California county.
Cities in Imperial County
Counties in San Diego Region
County Defined by Water and Desert
Geography shapes every aspect of life in Imperial County, a rugged landscape tucked into the southeastern corner of California. As a primary segment of the Sonoran Desert, the region faces extreme arid conditions and vast stretches of low-lying basin. The Colorado River serves as the area’s vital lifeline, feeding an intricate network of canals that transform the desert floor into a global agricultural powerhouse. This unique collision of desert terrain and diverted water creates a high-stakes environment where resource management defines the local economy and culture.
- Occupy the Salton Trough, a structural landform that sits largely below sea level.
- Border the Colorado River to the east, which provides nearly all the water for the region’s massive irrigation system.
- Manage the All-American Canal, the world’s largest irrigation canal, to transport water 80 miles across the desert.
- Contain the Salton Sea, California’s largest and most saline lake, located in the northern part of the county.
- Experience a true desert climate with scorching summers and less than three inches of annual rainfall.
- Sustain the Imperial Valley, where year-round sunshine and river water allow for the production of two-thirds of the winter vegetables consumed in the U.S.
Transformation of the Imperial Valley
Understand the transformation of the Imperial Valley, where an arid desert basin evolved into a global center for food production. For centuries, this low-lying region remained a barren stretch of the Sonoran Desert, too dry for sustained settlement. The completion of the All-American Canal in 1940 finalized a massive engineering effort to divert the Colorado River, creating the largest irrigation system in the United States. This “lifeline” now provides a year-round water supply to over 500,000 acres of farmland, allowing the valley to serve as America’s winter salad bowl. By conquering the shifting sand dunes and extreme heat, engineers and farmers built a $2 billion agricultural industry from the desert floor.
- Divert the Colorado River via the 80-mile All-American Canal to provide the valley’s sole source of water.
- Irrigate 500,000 acres of formerly barren land, producing two-thirds of the winter vegetables consumed in the U.S.
- Manage 3,000 miles of canals and drains to move water across a basin that sits largely below sea level.
- Conquer the sand dunes near the Arizona border using massive dragline cranes to dig the “great ditch” through the desert.
- Generate hydroelectric power at five different “drops” along the canal to provide renewable energy for local residents.
- Protect senior water rights established in the early 1900s, ensuring a more stable supply than many other Western regions.
Presence of the Salton Sea
Acknowledge the presence of the Salton Sea, a massive and saline lake that defines the northern landscape of Imperial County. This accidental inland sea formed in 1905 when the Colorado River breached an irrigation canal and flooded the low-lying Salton Sink for two years. Today, it serves as a critical yet shrinking environmental feature that sits more than 230 feet below sea level. While it once flourished as a mid-century resort destination, the sea now faces a dual crisis of rising salinity and receding shorelines. This transformation creates a focal point for conservation efforts, as the lake remains an essential stop for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway.
- Recognize the accidental birth of the sea, which occurred during a catastrophic engineering failure on the Colorado River.
- Monitor the rising salinity levels, which now far exceed those of the Pacific Ocean and threaten local fish populations.
- Address the public health risk caused by toxic dust blowing from the exposed lakebed as the water recedes.
- Protect the Pacific Flyway, as the sea provides one of the few remaining wetland habitats for millions of migratory birds.
- Track the Salton Sea Management Program, a state-led effort to build thousands of acres of dust-suppression and habitat projects.
- Explore geothermal potential near the southern shore, where the “Lithium Valley” initiative aims to extract minerals for green energy.
Powerful Agricultural Economy
Agriculture is the undisputed core of Imperial County’s identity and economy.
Winter Vegetables for the Nation
Imperial County serves as America’s “Winter Salad Bowl,” leveraging its unique desert climate to feed the nation when most other regions are frozen. While summer temperatures soar, the mild winters provide a perfect, frost-free environment for cool-season crops to thrive. This year-round growing cycle ensures a steady supply of fresh produce to grocery stores across the United States and Canada from November through March. By utilizing sophisticated irrigation from the Colorado River, local farmers transform over 500,000 acres into a lush agricultural oasis that sustains the country’s food security.
- Supply two-thirds of the nation’s winter vegetables, including the majority of the leafy greens found on dinner tables from Thanksgiving to St. Patrick’s Day.
- Harvest over 65 different types of crops, ranging from staple vegetables like broccoli and carrots to vast fields of alfalfa for dairy cattle.
- Produce 90% of the leafy greens consumed in the U.S. during peak winter months through a massive coordination of planting and harvesting.
- Lead the state in sugar beet and sweet corn production, maintaining Imperial County’s status as a top-ten agricultural producer in California.
- Implement advanced water conservation through drip irrigation and “deficit irrigation” programs to protect the region’s vital Colorado River allotment.
- Support a $2.5 billion industry that serves as the economic backbone of the region, employing thousands of local residents in the fields and packing sheds.
Major Field Crops
Imperial County excels in field crop production, anchoring the region’s agricultural economy with high-volume forage and grain harvests. This “forage capital” dominates the California market by providing essential feed for the state’s massive dairy and livestock industries. Alfalfa hay remains the crown jewel of these field crops, often ranking as the top commodity by acreage due to its deep-rooted resilience and high protein content. By rotating these sturdy field crops with delicate winter vegetables, local farmers maintain soil health and ensure a diverse, year-round output that supports both domestic and international markets.
- Lead the state in Alfalfa production, harvesting a perennial crop that can provide up to 10–12 cuttings per year in the desert heat.
- Export Sudan grass and Bermuda grass hay to global markets, primarily serving the high demand for premium livestock feed in Asia and the Middle East.
- Cultivate Desert Durum wheat, a high-quality grain specifically bred for the arid climate and prized by international pasta makers for its superior protein levels.
- Utilize field crops for soil health, as legumes like alfalfa naturally fix nitrogen into the ground, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers in subsequent vegetable rotations.
- Support the local cattle industry, providing the primary food source for over 400,000 head of feedlot cattle raised within the county annually.
- Stabilize the regional economy with field crops that represent roughly 25% of the county’s $2.6 billion agricultural gross value.
Major Cattle and Dairy Industry
Support a major cattle and dairy industry in Imperial County, where livestock production consistently ranks as the region’s number one agricultural commodity. Vast feedlots across the valley house hundreds of thousands of head of cattle, making the county one of the leading beef producers in California. While the extreme desert heat presents challenges, the local industry utilizes advanced cooling technologies and specialized “Holstein” feeding programs to maintain high-quality standards. This robust sector benefits from a direct synergy with local field crops, as neighboring farms provide a steady supply of premium alfalfa and Sudan grass for feed.
- Manage 460,000 head of cattle within the county’s specialized feedlots, generating over $500 million in annual gross value.
- Lead with “Cattle” as the #1 commodity for over 60 consecutive years, anchoring the local economy with a multi-billion dollar multiplier effect.
- Support high-quality beef standards through the Imperial Valley Feeders collective, which maintains national honors for animal care and handling.
- Process Holstein calves into premium beef products, with roughly 70% or higher grading as “Choice” or above.
- Sustain a localized dairy presence that utilizes sophisticated spray-and-fan cooling systems to manage extreme desert temperatures.
- Contribute to a $5 billion agricultural impact where livestock accounts for nearly one-quarter of the county’s total economic output.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
The county faces unique hurdles. It also possesses distinct strengths.
High Unemployment and Poverty Rates
Address high unemployment and poverty rates in Imperial County, which consistently faces the steepest economic hurdles in California. While the state average for unemployment hovers around 5.4%, Imperial County’s rate sits at approximately 20% as of late 2025. This persistent gap stems from a heavy reliance on seasonal agricultural work and limited industrial diversity. Leaders are now pivoting toward “Lithium Valley” projects and renewable energy to break this cycle of generational poverty. By 2026, these new sectors aim to create thousands of permanent jobs, offering a rare opportunity to transform the region’s economic trajectory.
- Combat a 20.0% unemployment rate, which remains nearly four times higher than the California and national averages.
- Support the 17.3% of residents living in poverty, addressing a rate that significantly exceeds the state’s broader economic benchmarks.
- Diversify the workforce by transitioning from seasonal farm labor to year-round roles in geothermal energy and lithium extraction.
- Bridge the educational gap, as only 16% of residents hold bachelor’s degrees, complicating recruitment for high-tech engineering roles.
- Implement the “Lithium Valley Recompete Project” to provide rapid job training and reskilling for local workers in the clean energy sector.
- Improve local infrastructure by using lithium excise tax revenues to fund better roads, broadband, and childcare services for working families.
- Target the “prime-age” employment gap, where unemployment for residents aged 25–34 has historically peaked above 26%.
Renewable Energy Potential
Leverage renewable energy potential in Imperial County, which has transformed into a premier global hub for geothermal and solar production. The region sits atop one of the world’s most powerful geothermal reservoirs, providing a constant stream of carbon-free “baseload” power that stabilizes California’s electric grid. Massive solar arrays now blanket thousands of acres of non-arable desert land, complemented by a rapid expansion of battery storage facilities. These projects offer a vital economic pivot for the county, promising to generate thousands of high-wage jobs in “Lithium Valley” while helping the state meet its ambitious 100% clean energy goals by mid-century.
- Operate 11 geothermal power plants near the Salton Sea, which generate enough electricity to power roughly 350,000 homes around the clock.
- Harness “Lithium Valley” technology to extract battery-grade minerals from geothermal brine, a process projected to create 2,500 local jobs by 2026.
- Expand utility-scale solar farms, including the new 1,150-megawatt Perkins Renewable Energy Project, one of the largest solar-plus-storage sites in the nation.
- Build a domestic battery supply chain, attracting manufacturers for electric vehicle components and long-duration grid storage to the region.
- Utilize $4 billion in new energy investments to modernize local infrastructure, including roads, broadband, and specialized job-training centers.
- Participate in the “LIFT” program at Imperial Valley College, which trains local residents for high-tech careers in mineral extraction and steam turbine engineering.
- Contribute to the “Ticket Draw” for the green economy by attending public review meetings for the Lithium Valley Specific Plan through March 2026.
Strategic Transportation Corridors
Utilize strategic transportation corridors to transform Imperial County into a vital logistics bridge between Mexico, Arizona, and the California coast. The region serves as a high-volume gateway for international trade, moving billions of dollars in goods through its three international Ports of Entry. By maintaining a sophisticated network of interstate highways and heavy-haul railroads, the county ensures that local agricultural exports and global manufactured goods reach their destinations with maximum efficiency. This infrastructure not only supports the $2.6 billion local farming industry but also positions the county as a critical link in the North American supply chain.
- Navigate Interstate 8, the primary east-west artery that connects San Diego’s deep-water ports to the logistics hubs of Yuma and Phoenix, Arizona.
- Access State Route 111 and SR-86, the “NAFTA Highway” corridors that move thousands of trucks daily from the Mexican border to the Coachella Valley and beyond.
- Utilize the Union Pacific Railroad, which operates a major interchange in El Centro to transport heavy freight and field crops across the continental United States.
- Leverage the Calexico East Port of Entry, one of the busiest commercial crossings on the southern border, specializing in high-speed fruit and vegetable inspections.
- Capitalize on the “Desert Line” connection, a unique binational rail link that offers an alternative route for “maquiladora” manufacturing goods from Baja California.
- Drive regional growth via the Imperial Avenue Interchange, a recently completed $44 million project designed to streamline truck flow and reduce local traffic congestion.
Unique Demographic and Cultural Tapestry
Imperial County’s population reflects its border location and agricultural base.
Majority Hispanic Community
Experience the vibrant Hispanic culture of Imperial County, where over 85% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. This demographic profile makes the county the most Hispanic region in California, creating a unique binational atmosphere that blends American and Mexican traditions. Spanish serves as the primary language in over 73% of households, fostering a bilingual environment that defines local business, education, and social life. From the flavor of authentic street tacos to the sounds of mariachi at community festivals, the region’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in the history and contributions of the Latino community.
- Celebrate Mexican Independence Day on September 16 with “El Grito” ceremonies and parades in cities like Calexico and El Centro.
- Attend the California Mid-Winter Fair from February 27 to March 15, 2026, featuring Latin music headliners and traditional Hispanic food vendors.
- Observe Dia de los Muertos in November, as local parks transform into colorful displays of ofrendas and marigolds to honor ancestors.
- Join the Honey Festival Parade on January 17, 2026, in Westmorland to see local baile folklórico groups and equestrian teams perform.
- Experience the “Cultur-Rama” events at Imperial Valley College, which showcase Hispanic art, literature, and history throughout the academic year.
- Shop at the Calexico border district, where a fusion of Spanish-language storefronts and cross-border trade creates a bustling international marketplace.
- Dine at family-owned panaderías and restaurants that have preserved authentic recipes from Guanajuato and Michoacán for generations.
Strong Sense of Community
Feel a strong sense of community in Imperial County, where close-knit cities prioritize family and tradition above all else. Life here moves at a different pace than in the frantic urban hubs of coastal California. Residents often gather at local high school football games or multi-generational Sunday dinners, fostering deep roots that span decades. This supportive atmosphere creates a resilient social fabric, as neighbors rely on one another to navigate the challenges of desert life. You will find a region that values heritage, personal connection, and the quiet rhythm of a rural lifestyle.
- Attend “Friday Night Lights” at local stadiums, where entire towns gather to cheer on their high school athletes.
- Join seasonal community festivals, such as the Holtville Carrot Festival or the Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo, to celebrate local identity.
- Value multi-generational living, as many families maintain homes and businesses in the same neighborhood for over three generations.
- Experience a slower daily rhythm, characterized by shorter commutes and more frequent face-to-face interactions at local shops.
- Support the “Shop Local” movement, where family-owned businesses serve as the primary social and economic anchors for downtown districts.
- Engage with local service clubs, like the Rotary or Lions Club, which drive the county’s robust philanthropic and volunteer efforts.
- Visit city parks during the evening, where the community gathers for outdoor recreation and socializing after the desert heat fades.
Future of Resilience
County leaders and residents focus on sustainable growth to secure the region’s long-term prosperity. They prioritize protecting senior water rights and executing aggressive Salton Sea restoration projects to safeguard public health. The community actively pursues economic diversification by transitioning from a purely agricultural base to a renewable energy powerhouse. By investing in “Lithium Valley” and modern infrastructure, Imperial County builds a more resilient future for its next generation. These efforts ensure the region remains a vital part of California’s economy while adapting to a changing climate.
- Protect senior water rights from the Colorado River to maintain the stability of the $2.6 billion agricultural industry.
- Execute the Salton Sea Management Program to suppress toxic dust and create 30,000 acres of new wetland habitat.
- Diversify the economy by attracting battery manufacturers and geothermal developers to the “Lithium Valley” zone.
- Modernize public infrastructure using new tax revenues from renewable energy projects to fix roads and bridges.
- Invest in workforce development through specialized training programs at Imperial Valley College for green-energy careers.
- Enhance community health by monitoring air quality and reducing the environmental impacts of a receding shoreline.
- Foster regional partnerships with state and federal agencies to secure funding for long-term climate adaptation.
Experience Authentic California
Imperial County offers a reality far from the coastal California stereotype. This region showcases a landscape of hard work, stark beauty, and resilient communities. You witness a monumental human effort to cultivate the desert through massive engineering and grit. Every green field and power plant stands as a testament to the people who thrive in this extreme environment. It is a place where the horizon meets an industrial-agricultural frontier, defining a unique American spirit.
- Witness the massive irrigation network that transforms over 500,000 acres of parched Sonoran Desert into a lush agricultural oasis.
- Explore the stark desert beauty of the Algodones Dunes, where shifting sands create a dramatic contrast to the neighboring valley floor.
- Observe the “Lithium Valley” transformation as geothermal plants harvest clean energy and minerals from deep beneath the earth.
- Experience the cross-border energy of Calexico, where international trade and binational culture drive the daily rhythm of life.
- Admire the monumental All-American Canal, a 150-foot wide “river” built by hand and machine to sustain the entire region.
- Meet the resilient residents who maintain deep family traditions while adapting to one of the harshest climates in North America.
Distinct Cities of Imperial County
The county’s communities each have a unique identity and role.
El Centro
Visit El Centro, the county seat and largest city in the Imperial Valley. This bustling hub serves as the region’s governmental and commercial heart, providing essential services to more than 44,000 residents and the surrounding desert communities. Located strategically along Interstate 8 and Highway 86, the city functions as a major retail destination and a critical provider of specialized healthcare. El Centro’s economy thrives on a robust mix of international trade, public administration, and a growing medical sector that anchors the entire county’s wellness network.
- Navigate the governmental hub at the Imperial County administration buildings, where local leaders manage the region’s vital water rights and agricultural policies.
- Access world-class healthcare at the El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC), a 161-bed acute-care facility featuring a state-of-the-art trauma center and rooftop heliport.
- Shop at major retail centers like the Imperial Valley Mall and the Valley Plaza Shopping Center, which draw visitors from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Support a diverse labor market where the top employers include the Imperial Irrigation District, El Centro Regional Medical Center, and the U.S. Border Patrol.
- Utilize the Pico Avenue retail corridor, a dense zone of service providers, restaurants, and professional offices near the Imperial Avenue off-ramp.
- Explore the medical district along Ross Avenue, home to specialized oncology, hematology, and infusion centers that serve the entire tri-county area.
Brawley
Explore Brawley, the agricultural heart of the Imperial Valley, where agribusiness defines every aspect of daily life. This thriving city serves as the primary processing and shipping center for the region’s massive crop and cattle outputs. Productive fields and vast feedlots surround the urban core, anchoring a multi-billion dollar economy that feeds the nation. Brawley maintains a deeply rooted, small-town atmosphere where heritage and hard work go hand in hand. As the gateway to the valley’s northern agricultural zones, the city remains a critical pillar of California’s food security.
- Experience the Cattle Call Rodeo, a world-famous professional event held every November that celebrates the city’s deep cowboy and ranching heritage.
- Visit the major beef processing plants, which handle a significant portion of the cattle raised in the Imperial Valley’s expansive feedlots.
- Support the agribusiness giants, as Brawley hosts several international seeds, fertilizer, and irrigation companies that drive global farming innovation.
- Wander through Cattle Call Park, a 100-acre community hub featuring the rodeo arena, baseball fields, and the local swimming pool.
- Attend the “Chamber Mixer” events, where local farmers and business owners gather to discuss water policy and regional economic growth.
- Dine at historic downtown eateries, where multi-generational families serve hearty meals to the workers who sustain the valley’s fields.
Calexico
Discover Calexico, a vibrant international border city that sits directly across from its massive sister city, Mexicali. The international boundary defines every aspect of life here, creating a unique binational culture and a powerhouse economy. As a vital port of entry, the city facilitates the movement of millions of people and billions of dollars in goods each year. Residents navigate a richly bilingual world where cross-border commerce and shopping remain central to the daily rhythm. Calexico serves as a critical bridge between two nations, blending traditions and trade into one dynamic community.
- Navigate the Calexico West Port of Entry, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the United States, connecting downtown shoppers to Mexicali.
- Shop in the historic Border District, where hundreds of retail stores cater to an international clientele with a diverse array of goods.
- Support the Calexico East Commercial Port, a high-tech facility that handles thousands of trucks transporting agricultural and manufactured products daily.
- Experience a 98% Hispanic population, fostering a deeply rooted bicultural environment where Spanish and English blend seamlessly.
- Attend the “Cachilla” festivities, celebrating the shared history and resilient spirit of residents who live and work on both sides of the line.
- Explore the San Diego State University Imperial Valley Campus, located blocks from the fence, which anchors the city’s educational and cultural life.
Holtville
See Holtville, the “Carrot Capital of the World,” a title the city has proudly held since its first festival in 1947. Surrounded by a sea of green vegetable fields, this tight-knit community serves as a vital global hub for carrot production and processing. The local economy revolves around the seasonal rhythm of the harvest, which culminates in a massive ten-day celebration every February. Visitors and residents alike enjoy a relaxed, rural pace of life that centers on the historic Holt Park and a shared heritage of pioneering desert agriculture.
- Attend the 79th Annual Carrot Festival from January 23 to February 8, 2026, featuring a carnival, a kick-off concert, and a street fair.
- Watch the Carrot Festival Parade on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM, where antique tractors and carrot-themed floats roll through the heart of town.
- Sample carrot-based treats at the local cook-off, ranging from traditional carrot cakes to innovative savory dishes created by local chefs.
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Old Fogey Hot Springs, a hidden geothermal gem surrounded by palm trees just outside the city limits.
- Play a round of golf at the historic Barbara Worth Country Club, home to an 18-hole championship course established in 1927.
- Visit the world’s largest outdoor mural, located on a former grain elevator, which depicts the city’s journey from a barren desert to an agricultural powerhouse.
- Dine at D’Lupita’s or Fields Steakhouse, local favorites that showcase the hospitality and flavor of this historic farming town.
Imperial
Stop in Imperial, the historic foundation of the valley and the first town settled in the region. Founded in 1902, the city provided the name for the entire county and remains its symbolic birthplace. Today, Imperial thrives as a stable, growing residential community that balances its rich past with modern development. It serves as the educational heart of the area by hosting Imperial Valley College, attracting students and professionals from across the desert. Residents enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained parks, and a strong sense of civic pride that honors its status as the “original” valley city.
- Explore the site of the first settlement, where pioneers established the Imperial Land Company to begin the valley’s irrigation miracle.
- Attend classes at Imperial Valley College, a critical educational hub serving over 8,000 students with vocational and degree programs.
- Visit the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta, hosted at the Imperial County Fairgrounds every spring to celebrate regional culture and agriculture.
- Walk through the historic downtown corridor, which maintains its classic small-town charm with local boutiques and government offices.
- Utilize the Imperial County Airport, the region’s primary aviation gateway located within the city’s northern boundaries.
- Relax at Eloy Noble Park, a central gathering spot for community events, youth sports, and family picnics.
- Experience the fastest-growing residential city in the county, favored by families for its modern housing developments and top-rated schools.
Westmorland
Note Westmorland, a small farming community that serves as the northern gateway to the Imperial Valley. This tight-knit city maintains a quiet, rural character, standing as a peaceful oasis surrounded by thousands of acres of productive farmland. Residents take immense pride in their agricultural roots and a slower pace of life that remains unchanged by urban sprawl. Strategically located along Highway 86, the town offers a vital rest stop for travelers moving between the Coachella Valley and the international border. It represents the quintessential desert farming village where everyone knows their neighbor.
- Support a community-focused economy driven by local honey production, hay harvesting, and specialized crop services.
- Attend the annual Westmorland Honey Festival, which celebrates the city’s unique status as a regional center for beekeeping.
- Preserve the “Gateway to the Valley” status, providing essential services to the trucking industry and commuters on the SR-86 corridor.
- Enjoy the quiet residential atmosphere, characterized by wide streets, historic homes, and a lack of heavy commercial congestion.
- Visit the local city parks, which serve as the primary social hubs for family gatherings and community holiday celebrations.
- Experience an authentic rural lifestyle where the daily schedule follows the seasonal cycles of the surrounding fields.
Calipatria
Recognize Calipatria, a unique desert city that sustains its economy through a blend of public service and agriculture. Known as the lowest city in the Western Hemisphere at 184 feet below sea level, it sits just miles from the southern shore of the Salton Sea. The community’s identity and financial stability rely heavily on the Calipatria State Prison, which serves as the region’s largest employer. Beyond the facility walls, the city maintains its rural roots, with local businesses and residents supporting a vast network of surrounding alfalfa and vegetable fields.
- Anchor the economy with Calipatria State Prison, a maximum-security facility that provides stable, year-round jobs for over 1,000 local and regional workers.
- Stand at the lowest elevation of any incorporated city in the Americas, a geographic distinction that defines its arid, low-lying environment.
- Produce vital field crops, utilizing the high-alkaline soil to grow alfalfa, Sudan grass, and wheat for international export.
- Maintain the “World’s Tallest Flagpole”, a 184-foot landmark designed so the American flag flies exactly at sea level.
- Support the local workforce through specialized service industries that cater to both prison staff and the seasonal agricultural labor pool.
- Navigate a critical transit point, as the city sits along Highway 111, connecting the Salton Sea’s geothermal plants to the rest of the valley.
Sun-Drenched Desert Heartland of Agriculture and Community.
Understand its critical role in feeding the nation. Experience its unique border culture. Meet its proud and resilient residents. Imperial County is more than a desert. It is a vital, sun-drenched heartland of California.
Imperial County California, Imperial Valley, Southeastern California, desert county, El Centro, Brawley, Calexico, Holtville, Imperial, Westmorland, Calipatria, agriculture, Colorado River, Salton Sea, border region.
