Brawley
cityBrawley, California, situated in Imperial County within the Imperial Valley, is a city deeply rooted in agriculture and cattle industries. With a population of approximately 29,027 in 2026, Brawley serves as a central hub for the surrounding agricultural region. The city experiences hot summers, often exceeding 105°F (41°C), and mild winters, reflecting its location in the Colorado Desert. Agriculture is the backbone of Brawley's economy, supported by major employers such as Pioneers Memorial Hospital and other local businesses. The city is known for its significant cattle and feed industry and hosts the annual Cattle Call Rodeo, celebrating its ranching heritage. Efforts are underway to diversify the economy into sectors like renewable energy, particularly geothermal, due to the city's proximity to the Salton Sea, which holds vast geothermal resources. Brawley distinguishes itself with its historical roots in agriculture and its unique location below sea level. The city's layout features a diamond-shaped central plaza, adding to its distinctive character. Brawley's community is dedicated to its agricultural foundation while embracing innovation and cooperation for future growth.
Brawley, California
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 06-08058
- Country
- United States
- County
- Imperial County
- Region
- Colorado Desert and Lower Colorado River Valley
- Elevation
- -112 ft
- Total Area
- 7.7 sq mi
- Land Area
- 7.7 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 32.968784
- Longitude
- -115.53495
- Climate
- Hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, mild winters, and low average annual precipitation.
- Notable Features
- Alamo River · New River
- Neighboring Areas
- El Centro · Westmorland
- Population (2020)
- 26,416
- Est. Population (2026)
- 29,027
- Median Age
- 30.6
- Median Income
- $59,311
- Poverty Rate
- 21.34%
- Owner-Occupied
- 51.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Brawley is 85.6% Hispanic, 11.1% White, 1.9% Asian, and smaller percentages of other races.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Brawley Elementary School District, Brawley Union High School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library


















































- Unemployment Rate
- 16.9%
- Economic Profile
- Agricultural · Cattle Industry · Renewable Energy
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting · Public Administration
- Major Employers
- Pioneers Memorial Hospital · Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo · Spreckels Sugar Company
- Schools
- 7
- Students
- 5,440
- Teachers
- 400
- School Districts
- Brawley Elementary School District · Brawley Union High School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Imperial Valley College · San Diego State University (satellite campus)
- Transportation
- State Routes 78, 86 and 111 · Boley Field Airport (Imperial County Airport) · Union Pacific Railroad
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Pioneers Memorial Hospital · Brawley Municipal Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Plaza Park · Kelley Park · Cattle Call Park
- Parks & Trails
- Various city parks and fields · Trail systems
- Founded
- 1902
- Incorporated
- 1908
- Named After
- A.H. Heber's friend after J.H. Braly refused to allow the town to be named after him
- Historical Significance
- Brawley has been a significant agricultural and commercial center in the Imperial Valley since its founding.
- Key Events
- Townsite platted by Imperial Land Company in 1902 · Imperial & Gulf Railroad reached Brawley in 1903 · City incorporated on April 6, 1908 · Brawley emerged as a central agricultural hub
