Everything You Should Know Before Moving to El Cajon, CA
Thinking of moving to El Cajon, CA? With a population just over 106,000, El Cajon offers sunny weather year-round (over 80% sunny days), a moderate commute time of about 26 minutes, and a thriving multicultural community. Median home prices are around $675,000, while average rent for a two-bedroom is about $2,050. The city features a higher property crime rate but access to quality healthcare, nearby colleges, and solid public schools. If you’re seeking a lively, diverse city with warm weather and a suburban feel near San Diego, El Cajon is worth considering.
Demographics - El Cajon, CA
Demographics - El Cajon, CA
El Cajon is home to about 106,215 residents, with a median age of 35.1 and a nearly even gender split. The city is diverse, with nearly half identifying as White and significant representation from Black, Asian, and other backgrounds, and 44.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its population density and multicultural environment create a vibrant urban-suburban mix.
Population:
106,215
Density:
7,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.1
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
44.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
49.8%
Black:
6.3%
Asian:
6.6%
Others:
37.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in El Cajon, CA?
The cost of living in El Cajon is noticeably higher than the national average, with a median home value of $675,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom around $2,050. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are all elevated, reflecting the city’s desirable location in Southern California. State income taxes can range widely, and overall expenses may be a consideration for new residents.
Median House Value:
$675,000
Gross Rent:
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$760
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
142.1
Grocery:
116.5
Housing:
183.2
Utilities:
107.9
Transportation:
128.4
Health Care:
110.2
Miscellaneous:
109.6
Crime
Is El Cajon, CA a safe place to live?
El Cajon experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 2,410 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains moderate at 380 per 100,000. The chance of encountering a property crime is roughly 1 in 41, making awareness and prevention important for residents. Despite these figures, many residents enjoy a sense of community and neighborhood involvement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,410
Crime Index:
2,790
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in El Cajon, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, warm summers, and over 80% sunny days each year. Average rainfall is low at around 13.5 inches, making outdoor activities popular most months. The weather is a major draw for those seeking year-round warmth and sunshine.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
82%
Neighbors
El Cajon's neighborhoods are characterized by a mix of families and individuals, with a median household income of about $64,600 and a poverty rate of 18.1%. Educational attainment varies, with roughly 21% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and average commute times just under 26 minutes. The city’s diverse population and strong sense of community are reflected in its vibrant local culture.
Median Income:
$31,700
Household Income:
$64,600
Family Income:
$71,500
Per Capita Income:
$27,150
Income Male:
$37,600
Income Female:
$30,300
Poverty Rate:
18.1%
Non English Speakers:
44.5%
Rent:
$2,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
25.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.5%
Bachelors or More:
20.8%
Education
How are the schools in El Cajon, CA?
El Cajon offers a range of educational opportunities, including well-attended public schools like El Cajon Valley High and access to private institutions. Grossmont College, located just three miles away, and nearby San Diego State University provide higher education options to local students. The city's educational landscape supports both families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Cajon Valley Middle School
Street:
550 E Park Ave
Phone:
619-588-3097
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Name:
El Cajon Valley High School
Street:
1035 E Madison Ave
Phone:
619-401-4700
Students:
1,750
Student Teacher Ratio:
25.1
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Trinity School
Street:
509 Ballard St
Phone:
619-444-7529
Students:
290
Colleges
Name:
Grossmont College
City:
El Cajon
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
16,500
Name:
San Diego State University
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
35,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in El Cajon is robust, with major facilities like Sharp Grossmont Hospital nearby and a physician availability of 2.7 per 1,000 residents. Over 88% of the population has health insurance coverage, and the city scores well on health care access and services. Residents benefit from both emergency and primary care options close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
Address:
5555 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone:
(619) 740-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
El Cajon Family Health Center
Address:
525 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone:
(619) 515-2499
Type:
Primary Care & Community Health
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.1%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in El Cajon, CA?
El Cajon's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $675,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $2,050. Home appreciation rates have seen steady growth, and rental vacancies are low at 3.7%, making both buying and renting viable but in-demand options. The mix of owner-occupied and rental housing supports a diverse community.
Median Home Price:
$675,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents in El Cajon are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles branch located at 1450 Graves Ave. This local DMV offers services for licensing, registration, and other vehicle needs, with additional resources available online through the state’s website. Access to DMV services is convenient for both new arrivals and long-time residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1450 Graves Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.