| City: | Palo Verde, California |
| County: | Imperial County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:18:56 PM |
| Population: | 198 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 442 / 760 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.3580, -114.7108 |
| Land Area: | 1184.95 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Palo Verde sits in California's remote Colorado River valley, about 20 miles from the nearest neighboring community of Ripley. This is a PO Box Only Zone. No street delivery exists across the 319 square miles this post office serves. Everyone picks up mail at the small post office on Ben Hulse Highway.
The median age here is 62.1 years, making it one of the older communities in Imperial County. Of the 198 residents, most live in couples or alone. The household ratio of 2.0 people per home points to retirees and seasonal visitors rather than families. Only 1 resident is under 18.
Seasonal housing dominates. Out of 256 total housing units, just 97 are occupied year-round. The remaining 159 sit vacant, with 132 of those classified as seasonal or recreational. That's 52% seasonal vacancy. Snowbirds and part-time residents make up much of the community during cooler months.
Mobile homes account for half of all housing. With 127 mobile homes in the ZIP, Palo Verde caters to an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle suited to retirees on fixed incomes. Median household income sits at $20,870. Median rent runs about $946 per month.
The post office maintains 137 PO Boxes for 97 occupied homes, a 141% adoption rate. Extra boxes serve seasonal residents who keep them year-round, plus businesses and residents of nearby unincorporated areas with no other mail access. General Delivery is also available for those without a box.
Ben Hulse Highway (State Route 78) is the main thoroughfare; other street names reflect the sparse rural character.
ZIP Code 92266 has 198 residents and 97 households (average 2.04 persons per household). The median age is 62.1 years, significantly older than the state (37.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 52.0% male and 48.0% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (70.7%, much higher than the state average of 41.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (22.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 22.2%, which is much lower than the state average (39.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 198Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 152Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.2 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $20,870Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 97Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.04Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.73Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 144 | 73 | 47 | 62 | 100 | 97 | 103 | 108 | 112 | 119 | 183 | 170 | 152 |
| Decennial Census | 234 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 198 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 62.1
Male Median Age: 62.8
Female Median Age: 60.5
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 9 | 10 | 1 | 6 |
| Female | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 11 |
| Total | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 21 | 13 | 2 | 17 |
| White: | 140 | 68.97% |
| Black: | 4 | 1.97% |
| Hispanic:* | 44 | 21.67% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.49% |
| American Indian: | 3 | 1.48% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 11 | 5.42% |
| Total: | 203 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 103 | 52.02% | 62.8 years |
| Females: | 95 | 47.98% | 60.5 years |
| Total: | 198 | 100% | 62.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 140 | 92.11% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 12 | 7.89% |
| Total Population: | 152 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 140 | 92.11% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 12 | 7.89% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $20,870, which is considerably lower than the state median ($96,334), is down $10,639 (33.8%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,432. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $18,450 for nonfamily households (a difference of $18,450). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($61,569), with a current gap of $0 that has stayed about the same from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 30.3%, which is considerably lower than the state rate (63.9%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the state rate (6.4%). The largest occupation group is Management (52.2%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $31,509 | $30,450 | $0 | $31,296 | $30,529 | $25,119 | $27,663 | $28,125 | $19,438 | $0 | $19,131 | $20,677 | $20,870 |
| Median Family Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $30,345 | $30,450 | $0 | $31,296 | $30,529 | $25,119 | $27,663 | $28,125 | $28,029 | $0 | $18,438 | $18,393 | $18,450 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $35,069 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 46 | 30.26% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 106 | 69.74% |
| Total: | 152 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 24 | 52.17% |
| Service: | 12 | 26.09% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 10 | 21.74% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 46 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $0, which is considerably lower than the state median ($695,400), is down $47,200 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. The median gross rent is $946, which is far less than the state median ($1,956), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $946. Of occupied housing, owners make up 30.39% (0.00% with a mortgage, 100.00% free-and-clear) and renters 69.61% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 54.67%, which is far higher than the state rate (7.55%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $47,200 | $51,100 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 37 | 52.11% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 24 | 33.80% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 10 | 14.08% |
| Total: | 71 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $830 | $939 | $946 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 31 | 30.39% |
| Renter Occupied: | 71 | 69.61% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 102 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 102 | 45.33% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 123 | 54.67% |
| Total Housing Units: | 225 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 86 | 38.22% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 12 | 5.33% |
| Other Units: | 127 | 56.44% |
| Total Housing Units: | 225 | 100% |
In 2023, 15.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (36.50%). High school or higher is 92.10%, which is on par with the state rate (84.60%). The uninsured rate is 6.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Insufficient data for school enrollment.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 12 | 7.89% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 44 | 28.95% |
| Some college, no degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 73 | 48.03% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 23 | 15.13% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 152 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 140 | 92.11% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 23 | 15.13% |
| Private Insurance: | 105 | 65.63% |
| Public Insurance: | 45 | 28.13% |
| No Insurance: | 10 | 6.25% |
| Total: | 160 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 150 | 93.75% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 0 | 0% |
ZIP Code 92266 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 5 business establishments, employing about 32 people with an annual payroll of $1,821,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 7,456Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 5Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $487,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,821,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 32Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 92266 is located in Imperial County, California, within the El Centro, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 20940) and California's 51st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 179,319 people, about 0.11% of whom live in ZIP Code 92266. It covers 1184.95 sq mi of land and a water area of 6.141 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | El Centro, CASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 20940Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 179,319Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 1184.95 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 6.141 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 51Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 4791.61 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0655422Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Palo Verde CDP; CaliforniaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 92266 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on January 1, 2026.