The town of Calipatria is located 184 feet below sea level. Several years ago, Calipatria City boasted the slogan, "The Lowest Down City in the Western Hemisphere." Officials in the town grimace when asked about this slogan. But, the town is not without charm. Despite its low-lying location, the town still boasts a number of attractions.
The population of Calipatria City was approximately 7,705 at the time of the 2010 Census. It has a population density of 801 per square mile. The city was incorporated in 1919 and is home to a newspaper and a bank branch. During the 1920s, the population grew to around 2900. Calipatria's population density is expected to reach 200,000 by 2020.
The median property value in Calipatria, CA was $145,700. The city's homeownership rate was 51.2%, and 88.5% of residents are hispanic. This figure was lower than the national average of 64.1%, but higher than neighboring geographies like San Bernardino and Orange. There are 7 races in Calipatria, CA, according to Census Bureau data.
The main street of Calipatria is two blocks long, and roadside stands dot the main road. Buildings range in quality from decent to falling down. Empty shelves stand in for failed businesses. The closest thing to a grocery store in Calipatria is a dark office building. The last newspaper was published there in the mid-1980s. It's difficult to imagine what the future holds for this small town.