');
US City Data

El Cajon, CA

Population 104,909 · California

Population
104,909
Median Income
$66,478
Median Home Value
$632,800
Median Rent
$1,790/mo

About El Cajon, CA

El Cajon is a major city in California with a population of 104,909 residents. The median household income is $66,478 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in El Cajon is 35.5 years.

Housing in El Cajon has a median home value of $632,800 and median monthly rent of $1,790. Of the 35,264 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 13,965 owner-occupied and 20,021 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in El Cajon is 9.2% and the poverty rate is 20.0%. 22.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.7 minutes.

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.

Income vs National
$66,478
National: $75,149
California: $97,829
Home Value vs National
$632,800
National: $244,900
California: $653,874
Rent vs National
$1,790
National: $1,163
California: $1,808
Unemployment vs National
9.2%
National: 3.7%
California: 9.2%

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.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Inglewood105,575$71,029$744,300Compare
Rialto103,866$85,521$454,400Compare
Jurupa Valley106,244$96,190$538,700Compare
San Mateo103,555$152,669$1,563,200Compare
Menifee107,020$89,183$487,200Compare
El Monte107,066$64,484$626,000Compare
Daly City102,560$119,570$1,092,700Compare
West Covina107,436$98,570$712,300Compare

Demographics

35.5
Median Age
51,515
Male
53,394
Female
28.7%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White25.6Hispanic/Latino2.7Black0.6Asian2.9Two or More6

Economy & Education

9.2%
Unemployment Rate
20%
Poverty Rate
22.2%
Bachelor's Degree+
24.7 min
Avg Commute

Housing

35,264
Total Housing Units
13,965
Owner Occupied
20,021
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in California

Alta Sierra Cdp Kern County CaliforniaAlta Sierra Cdp Nevada County CaliforniaBayview Cdp Contra Costa County CaliforniaBayview Cdp Humboldt County CaliforniaBear Valley Cdp Alpine County CaliforniaBear Valley Cdp Mariposa County California

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare El Cajon With Other Cities

El Cajon vs Alta Sierra Cdp Kern County CaliforniaEl Cajon vs Alta Sierra Cdp Nevada County CaliforniaEl Cajon vs Bayview Cdp Contra Costa County CaliforniaEl Cajon vs Bayview Cdp Humboldt County California

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 Census data.

What is the median household income in El Cajon?

The median household income in El Cajon, CA is $66,478 per year.

What is the median home value in El Cajon?

The median home value in El Cajon, CA is $632,800.

What is the average rent in El Cajon?

The median monthly rent in El Cajon, CA is $1,790.

What is the unemployment rate in El Cajon?

The unemployment rate in El Cajon, CA is 9.2%.

Explore More

Cost of Living in CaliforniaMost Populated Cities in CaliforniaCheapest Cities in CaliforniaHighest Income Cities in CaliforniaLowest Rent in CaliforniaBest Cities for FamiliesBest Cities for Young ProfessionalsBest Cities for RetireesGuide: Cost Of LivingGuide: Moving GuideEl Cajon vs Acalanes RidgeEl Cajon vs AcampoEl Cajon vs Acton