Is Calexico Safe, Pros and cons of living in Calexico

Is it Safe to Live in Calexico?

Calexico presents a complex safety profile, with statistics indicating a lower overall crime rate than the national average. However, specific crime types and neighborhood variations warrant attention for those considering a move. Understanding these nuances is key to assessing the safety of any community.

Property crime is a significant factor in Calexico, with a rate that tends to be about the same as California’s average level (as reported by IDcide). In contrast, violent crime levels in Calexico tend to be lower than California’s average level (as reported by IDcide). The theft rate in Calexico is 28.00 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Crime Statistics in Calexico

Violent Crime

Violent crime in Calexico is reported to be significantly lower than the national average. The city recorded 56 violent crimes, which equates to 147 per 100,000 individuals, a figure that is lower than the national average by 59.1% (as reported by AreaVibes). In fact, over the past five years, the city recorded zero violent crimes (as reported by Calexico, CA Crime Explorer). This trend suggests a generally safe environment regarding violent offenses.

Property Crime

Property crime presents a different picture, with rates that require closer examination. Calexico has a property crime rate of 535 incidents per 100,000 people, which is significantly below the national average of 1,760 (as reported by AreaVibes). However, the theft rate is higher than the national average, costing an estimated $145 per resident annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Motor vehicle theft rates are also noted to be higher than the national average (as reported by Calexico, CA Crime Explorer).

Neighborhood Safety

Safety perceptions can vary significantly by neighborhood within Calexico. Your chance of being a victim of theft in Calexico varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 11 in the northwest neighborhoods to 1 in 80 in the northeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The south parts of Calexico see the most crime incidents annually, approximately 306, while the northwest part of the city has the fewest, with about 11 crimes annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living in Calexico

Calexico’s cost of living is a significant factor for potential residents, with varied data points suggesting a complex economic landscape. The city is considered more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being a primary driver. This higher cost is balanced by certain affordable aspects, such as rent, which is notably lower than the national average.

Housing Costs

Housing prices in Calexico show a mixed trend. The median home value in Calexico was approximately $290,884 (as reported by Livability.com). However, more recent data indicates the average home value in Calexico was $391,300 as of March 2026, an increase of 6.8% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price for homes in Calexico is around $395,000 (as reported by Realtor.com). Rent in Calexico is more affordable, with an average rent of $649 per month, which is 60% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Overall Expenses

The overall cost of living in Calexico is reported to be higher than the U.S. national average. One source places the average cost of living at $2,781 per month (as reported by Livingcost). Another analysis indicates that living costs in Calexico are 50% higher than the U.S. national average and 19% higher than California’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This is driven by soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices.

Job Market and Economy

Calexico’s economy is characterized by a significant unemployment rate and a median income that is lower than many other parts of California. The city’s economic landscape is influenced by its proximity to the border and its role as a commerce hub. Understanding these economic indicators is crucial for anyone considering employment opportunities in the area.

Employment and Unemployment

The unemployment rate in Calexico is notably high. As of a recent report, the unemployment rate was 27.90% (as reported by YCharts). This figure is higher than the long-term average for the city. Employment in Calexico declined slightly from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common job groups include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Healthcare Support Occupations (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers and Salaries

Identifying major employers can provide insight into the local job market. Major employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Calexico is around $39,340 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, the median household income has been reported as $49,783 (as reported by Point2Homes), and another source lists the median household income at $50,021 (as reported by City Affordability). Salaries at the City of Calexico itself can range from $68,050 to $88,289 annually (as reported by 6figr.com).

Climate in Calexico

Calexico experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by extreme summer heat and mild winters. The area receives minimal rainfall, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year due to stable atmospheric conditions.

Temperatures

Summers in Calexico are very hot, with many days exceeding 100°F (as reported by Wikipedia). July is typically the warmest month, with an average high temperature of 107.2°F and a low of 84.7°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hot season lasts for about 3.6 months, from June to September. Winters are cooler, with December being the coldest month, featuring an average low temperature of 44°F and a high of 69°F (as reported by Calexico Climate).

Rainfall and Sunshine

Calexico receives a scant amount of rainfall annually, averaging around 3 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Rainfall typically occurs during the winter months of December, January, and February. July is noted as the month with the most rainfall, averaging 0.43 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Despite occasional summer thunderstorms, the area is generally very dry during the summer months.

Education in Calexico

The public school system in Calexico faces challenges, with test scores and rankings generally falling below state averages. Calexico Unified School District serves a large student population, with a student-teacher ratio that is higher than the state average. Efforts are ongoing to improve educational outcomes for students in the area.

School Ratings and Performance

Public schools in Calexico have an average math proficiency score of 17%, compared to the California average of 34%. Reading proficiency scores average 25%, while the state average is 47% (as reported by Calexico, CA Public Schools). Schools in Calexico have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of California public schools (as reported by Calexico, CA Public Schools). Calexico High School, a prominent institution, has a Niche grade of C+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10 (as reported by Homes.com).

Student Demographics

The student body in Calexico is overwhelmingly Hispanic, making up 99% of the student population, which is higher than the California state average of 80% (as reported by Calexico, CA Public Schools). The district has a total of 8,146 students in grades K-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 24 to 1 (as reported by Calexico Unified School District). This demographic composition highlights the predominantly Hispanic community served by the local school district.

Demographics of Calexico

Calexico is a city with a predominantly Hispanic population, reflecting its unique cultural and geographical position. The city’s demographics show a younger median age compared to the state average, with a significant portion of the population being foreign-born. These demographic characteristics shape the community’s identity and social fabric.

Population and Age Distribution

Calexico has a population of approximately 38,633 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Calexico is 34.6 years (as reported by Data USA). This median age is slightly lower than the California state median age. The population is distributed with 25.7% of residents under the age of 18 and 15.9% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia).

Race and Ethnicity

The racial and ethnic makeup of Calexico is overwhelmingly Hispanic. Approximately 97.4% of the population identifies as Hispanic (as reported by Data USA), with other racial groups representing smaller percentages. This strong Hispanic presence influences the city’s culture, language, and community life.

Citizenship and Foreign-Born Population

A notable portion of Calexico’s residents are foreign-born. As of a recent report, 47% of Calexico residents were born outside of the United States, which is similar to the national average (as reported by Data USA). Citizenship rates are lower than the national average, with 77.1% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).