El Cajon, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
104,449
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,511/yr
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
35,185
-0.2% year-over-year change

El Cajon population

How many people live in El Cajon

El Cajon is home to 104,449 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of El Cajon locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
104,449
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
51,710
Female
50.5%
52,739
Value Percent YoY change
Male 51,710 49.5% 0.4%
Female 52,739 50.5% -1.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in El Cajon is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.4% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.6% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.4%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
28.6%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
14.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 22,339 21.4% -3.2%
15 to 24 13,516 12.9% 3.2%
25 to 44 29,891 28.6% -1.0%
45 to 64 23,542 22.5% -2.7%
Over 65 15,161 14.5% 5.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In El Cajon, 68.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56.4% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 5.5% have Asian roots. Another 1.5% are Indigenous American, 0.9% are Pacific Islanders, while 11.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.5%
Non-citizens
12%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 71,584 68.5% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 20,385 19.5% 2.4%
Non-citizens 12,480 12% 1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
56.4%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.9%
Two or more races
18%
Other
11.3%
Value Percent
White 58,901 56.4%
Black or African American 6,737 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,521 1.5%
Asian 5,779 5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 945 0.9%
Two or more races 18,807 18%
Other 11,759 11.3%

Households in El Cajon

A peek inside El Cajon households

El Cajon has 33,890 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.2% are families, while the remaining 27.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
33,890
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
9,409
Family households
24,481
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,409 27.8% -0.2%
Family households 24,481 72.2% -0.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in El Cajon

The housing landscape of El Cajon

El Cajon's housing consists of 35,185 units, with 39.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
35,185
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,804 39.2%
1 unit, attached 2,333 6.6%
2 units 606 1.7%
3 or 4 units 2,120 6%
5 to 9 units 1,940 5.5%
10 to 19 units 3,736 10.6%
20 to 49 units 5,120 14.6%
50 or more units 3,771 10.7%
Mobile home 1,584 4.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 171 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
187
120.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in El Cajon

In El Cajon, the median construction year is 1974. About 1.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 620 1.8% -6.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 967 2.8% 9.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,356 18.1% -1.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,785 16.4% -3.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,018 28.5% -0.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,948 16.9% -4.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,563 7.3% -0.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,618 4.6% 11.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,123 3.2% 26.3%
Built in 2020 or later 187 0.5% 120.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

El Cajon occupancy rates

Out of the 33,890 occupied housing units in El Cajon, 41.5% are owner-occupied, while 58.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
33,890
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
19,824
Owner occupied
14,066
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 19,824 58.5% -1.0%
Owner occupied 14,066 41.5% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
3.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

El Cajon housing costs

Housing costs in El Cajon come to a median of $1,911 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,856.

Median housing costs per month
$1,911/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in El Cajon
$1,856/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in El Cajon

El Cajon education at a glance

About 37.7% of the population in El Cajon went to high school, while 24.9% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 14.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5,943 7.6% -7.6%
High school diploma 29,321 37.7% 1.5%
College diploma 19,378 24.9% -1.1%
Associate degree 6,356 8.2% -7.7%
Bachelor's degree 11,586 14.9% 3.6%
Graduate degree 5,149 6.6% 8.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in El Cajon

How much people earn in El Cajon

The average annual household income in El Cajon was $90,201 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,511, reflecting a +1.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in El Cajon
$90,201/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in El Cajon
$67,511/year
1.6% year-over-year change

El Cajon income by age

In El Cajon, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,987. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,688 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,089, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $55,038 in earnings. Overall, 79.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,089 -2.5%
25 - 44 $67,987 -0.5%
45 - 64 $77,688 5.1%
Over 65 $55,038 6.0%
Above poverty level
80,598
Below poverty level
20,478
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 80,598 79.7% -1.1%
Below poverty level 20,478 20.3% 2.7%

Average renter income in El Cajon

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in El Cajon, their median household income was $48,927 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,927
Rent-to-income ratio
45.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in El Cajon

Workforce and job types in El Cajon

The job market in El Cajon is powered by 44,063 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 67.3% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
44,063
-2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
33,945
Blue collar
10,118
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 33,945 77% -1.5%
Blue collar 10,118 23% -6.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
67.3%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,643 10.5% 12.7%
Private companies 29,638 67.3% -4.6%
Governmental workers 5,646 12.8% -2.1%
Not for profit companies 4,136 9.4% -3.5%
Unemployment rate
9.6%
2.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in El Cajon stands at 9.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in El Cajon

How people get around in El Cajon

Commuting methods vary: 82% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 35,538 82% -3.2%
Taxicab 179 0.4% -1.6%
Bus or trolleybus 607 1.4% -14.4%
Subway or elevated 81 0.2% N/A
Ferryboat 16 0% -42.9%
Motorcycle 87 0.2% -44.6%
Bicycle 176 0.4% -29.9%
Walk 983 2.3% -10.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in El Cajon by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92019 45,351 14,995 $101,973 $129,482
92020 57,842 19,586 $76,032 $101,312
92021 70,501 22,953 $74,013 $103,016

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FAQs about El Cajon demographics 

What is the total population of El Cajon?

El Cajon has a total population of 104,449 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in El Cajon?

The gender ratio in El Cajon is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (51,710 residents)
  • 50.5% females (52,739 residents)

What is the median age in El Cajon?

The median age in El Cajon is 36.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in El Cajon?

The age distribution in El Cajon is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.4% (22,339 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (13,516 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.6% (29,891 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (23,542 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.5% (15,161 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of El Cajon?

The racial and ethnic makeup of El Cajon is as follows:
  • White: 56.4% (58,901 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (6,737 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (1,521 residents)
  • Asian: 5.5% (5,779 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.9% (945 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18% (18,807 residents)
  • Other: 11.3% (11,759 residents)

What percentage of the population in El Cajon are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.5% of the population in El Cajon.

How many housing units are there in El Cajon?

There are 35,185 housing units in El Cajon, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in El Cajon and what is the average household size?

El Cajon has a total of 33,890 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in El Cajon?

El Cajon has a median household income of $67,511, representing a +1.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for El Cajon?

The employment rate is 90.4% in El Cajon, with a workforce of 44,063 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77% (33,945 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23% (10,118 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (4,643 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.3% (29,638 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (5,646 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (4,136 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025