El Cajon city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, El Cajon city, California has a total population of 104,909, the 70th largest city in California, with a median household income of $66,478, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 9.5x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 9.2% is notably above the national average.
El Cajon city Quick Facts
How El Cajon city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
El Cajon city Rankings in California
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Cities Similar to El Cajon city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Monte city | 107,066 | $64,484 | $626,000 | 14.7% | 17.2% |
| Chico city | 102,032 | $67,929 | $455,300 | 41.3% | 22.1% |
| Inglewood city | 105,575 | $71,029 | $744,300 | 24.2% | 14.9% |
| Hesperia city | 100,141 | $68,971 | $366,800 | 12.3% | 17.4% |
| East Los Angeles CDP | 114,617 | $68,378 | $613,600 | 10.6% | 16.6% |
Population Overview
El Cajon city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 104,909. It ranks as the 70th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in El Cajon city is 35.5 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in El Cajon city is $66,478. This is 31% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 15% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.0%. This is 67% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 9.2%. This is 43% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $632,800. Housing costs are 9% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 9.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 41.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in El Cajon city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 53.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 29.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (53.3% vs 34.6%). The Asian population (4.5%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.
Education
22.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 39% lower than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for El Cajon city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of El Cajon city, California?
El Cajon city, California has a population of 104,909 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in El Cajon city, CA?
The median household income in El Cajon city is $66,478, which is 15% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in El Cajon city, CA?
The poverty rate in El Cajon city is 20.0%. This means approximately 20,603 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of El Cajon city, California?
El Cajon city's population is 53.3% White, 5.9% Black, 29.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in El Cajon city, CA?
The median home value in El Cajon city is $632,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.5x.
How educated is El Cajon city, California?
22.2% of adults (25+) in El Cajon city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.