CaliforniaPop. 104,449Mid-size cities
Is El Cajon a Good Place to Live? El Cajon, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
El Cajon ranks #1223 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #235 of 256 mid-size cities and #168 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-1.1%, #235 of 241) and expensive homes ($681,700, #217 of 256).
El Cajon by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with El Cajon's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in El Cajon?
El Cajon's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,856/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $817,309, 7% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | El Cajon | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $817,309#1060 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,275/mo#830 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $681,700#1136 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,856/mo#1006 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 10.1x#1285 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 33%#1284 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
El Cajon housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. El Cajon is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is El Cajon safe?
El Cajon recorded 457 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 373 and 4% above California's 440. That ranks #790 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #157 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by El Cajon Police Department. Property crime runs 1,227 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | El Cajon | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 457#790 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,227#319 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in El Cajon?
The median household in El Cajon earns $67,511, 12% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | El Cajon | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $67,511#865 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 20.5%#1127 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -1.1%#1095 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in El Cajon?
The median resident of El Cajon is 36.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1062 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | El Cajon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 23%#1062 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 41.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are El Cajon's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for El Cajon; its public schools have 24.1 students per teacher and spend $16,727 per pupil. 30% of adults are obese and 11.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | El Cajon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 24.1#1142 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,727#427 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 30%#391 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.8%#759 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.1%#1183 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.1%#788 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 14,586 students are enrolled in El Cajon's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in El Cajon?
The average commute in El Cajon is 24.8 minutes (California 25.2); 2.3% of workers take transit and 11.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index El Cajon scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.8°F and winters 55.9°F, with 11.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | El Cajon | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.8 min#766 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.6% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.3% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.3% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.4% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.5#243 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 69.3 | 42.5 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 69.2 | 44.4 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 71.3 | 48 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 74.5 | 50.7 | 0.8 |
| May | 76.2 | 55.9 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 80.8 | 59.4 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 86.1 | 63.3 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 88.6 | 64.7 | 0 |
| Sep | 87.3 | 62.1 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 81 | 55.6 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 75.2 | 47.1 | 1 |
| Dec | 68.5 | 41.7 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at El Cajon.
| Measure | El Cajon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 73.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 11.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at El Cajon.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in El Cajon?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | El Cajon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.24%#1033 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for San Diego County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Diego County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.073% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.051% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does El Cajon compare with similar-size cities?
El Cajon is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #235 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 104,449.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Cajon, CAPop. 104,449 | #1223 | 44.0 | $67,511 | $1,856/mo | 457 | 24.8 min |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #859 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 | 31.5 min |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #442 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 | 29.7 min |
| Buckeye, AZPop. 104,923 | #478 | 58.4 | $99,486 | $1,963/mo | 159 | 33.3 min |
| Edinburg, TXPop. 104,550 | #1013 | 49.8 | $59,466 | $996/mo | 213 | 21.8 min |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #35 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #178 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #287 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #863 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 | 20.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does El Cajon compare with the rest of California?
El Cajon ranks #168 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 44 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 27% below the California median. Violent crime is 4% above the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | … #164 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 |
| Vallejo, CAPop. 124,268 | #165 | 45.3 | $90,171 | $2,073/mo | 778 |
| Watsonville, CAPop. 51,712 | #166 | 44.9 | $78,393 | $1,889/mo | 415 |
| Salinas, CAPop. 161,761 | #167 | 44.7 | $91,908 | $1,991/mo | 516 |
| El Cajon, CAPop. 104,449 | #168 | 44.0 | $67,511 | $1,856/mo | 457 |
| Antioch, CAPop. 116,477 | #169 | 43.8 | $97,465 | $2,278/mo | 762 |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #170 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 |
| Delano, CAPop. 51,679 | #171 | 43.4 | $67,010 | $1,199/mo | 331 |
| Hesperia, CAPop. 100,775 | #172 | 43.3 | $72,160 | $1,590/mo | 463 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of El Cajon among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is El Cajon's score calculated?
El Cajon scores 44 out of 100, #1223 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in El Cajon. Similar-size median 52.9.
43.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by El Cajon's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
69.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in El Cajon. Similar-size median 53.8.
52.9 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in El Cajon's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
28.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
El Cajon's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
39.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in El Cajon. Similar-size median 51.2.
31.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in El Cajon. Similar-size median 42.1.
26.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in El Cajon. Similar-size median 50.1.
48.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across El Cajon's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
65.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
12.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: El Cajon's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories El Cajon has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in El Cajon
Is El Cajon, CA a good place to live?
El Cajon ranks #1223 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #235 of 256 mid-size cities and #168 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-1.1%, #235 of 241) and expensive homes ($681,700, #217 of 256).
What is the cost of living in El Cajon?
El Cajon's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,856/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $817,309, 7% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in El Cajon?
El Cajon recorded 457 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 373 and 4% above California's 440. That ranks #790 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #157 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by El Cajon Police Department. Property crime runs 1,227 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in El Cajon?
The median household in El Cajon earns $67,511, 12% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in El Cajon?
Median rent in El Cajon is $1,856/mo (Census), #1006 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,275/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 33% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in El Cajon?
Zillow's typical home value in El Cajon is $817,309, down 0.5% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $681,700.
How are the public schools in El Cajon?
There is no city graduation rate for El Cajon; its public schools have 24.1 students per teacher and spend $16,727 per pupil.
How long is the commute in El Cajon?
The average commute is 24.8 minutes, #766 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in El Cajon?
El Cajon averages 65.1°F over the year, 73.8°F in summer and 55.9°F in winter, with 11.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is El Cajon walkable?
El Cajon scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is El Cajon at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in El Cajon?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in El Cajon?
El Cajon has 104,449 residents. The median resident of El Cajon is 36.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1062 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does El Cajon compare with the rest of California?
El Cajon ranks #168 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 44 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 27% below the California median. Violent crime is 4% above the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to El Cajon?
The tracked cities in other states closest to El Cajon's population of 104,449 are Brockton, MA (#859 overall), Renton, WA (#442 overall), Buckeye, AZ (#478 overall), Edinburg, TX (#1013 overall), and Columbia, MD (#35 overall). El Cajon is #1223.