El Cajon, CA
Population 104,909 · California
About El Cajon, CA
El Cajon is a major city located in California with a population of 104,909 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in El Cajon features a median home value of $632,800, which is 158% above the national median of $244,900. This places El Cajon in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,790, 54% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 35,264 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (13,965 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (20,021 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Cajon shows an unemployment rate of 9.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Cajon have an average one-way commute time of 24.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.2% of El Cajon residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 25.6% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 28.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in El Cajon, CA
Compared to national averages, El Cajon has a median household income of $66,478 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $632,800, which is 158% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,790 is 54% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, El Cajon's income is 32% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 3% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in El Cajon, CA?
El Cajon offers short commute times averaging just 24.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,478) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $632,800. However, as a major city, El Cajon provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
El Cajon has a population of 104,909 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare El Cajon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near El Cajon
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inglewood | 105,575 | $71,029 | $744,300 | Compare |
| Rialto | 103,866 | $85,521 | $454,400 | Compare |
| Jurupa Valley | 106,244 | $96,190 | $538,700 | Compare |
| San Mateo | 103,555 | $152,669 | $1,563,200 | Compare |
| Menifee | 107,020 | $89,183 | $487,200 | Compare |
| El Monte | 107,066 | $64,484 | $626,000 | Compare |
| Daly City | 102,560 | $119,570 | $1,092,700 | Compare |
| West Covina | 107,436 | $98,570 | $712,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare El Cajon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Cajon
What is the population of El Cajon, CA?
The population of El Cajon, CA is 104,909 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in El Cajon?
The median household income in El Cajon, CA is $66,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Cajon?
The median home value in El Cajon, CA is $632,800, which is 158% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in El Cajon?
The median monthly rent in El Cajon, CA is $1,790, which is 54% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Cajon?
The unemployment rate in El Cajon, CA is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Cajon, CA a good place to live?
El Cajon offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 104,909 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is El Cajon, CA?
22.2% of residents in El Cajon aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in El Cajon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Cajon, CA: median home value is $632,800 (158% above national), median rent is $1,790/month, and median household income is $66,478. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in El Cajon?
The poverty rate in El Cajon, CA is 20.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is El Cajon, CA?
El Cajon's population is 25.6% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 6.0% two or more races. 28.7% of residents are foreign-born.