El Cajon, CA Census Data
The 70th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
El Cajon is the 70th largest city in California by population and ranks 177th of 188 for median household income. With 104,909 residents, its poverty rate of 20.0% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
104,909
49.1% male · 50.9% female
Median Age
35.5
3.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$66,478
$12,060 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
22.2%
12.8% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 84.4%
Poverty Rate
20.0%
7.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.5%
Broadband Access
96.3%
6.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$632,800
Median rent: $1,790 · 41% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
9.2%
Labor force participation: 56.2%
Per Capita Income
$36,161
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.4%
Disability rate: 14.9%
How El Cajon Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 70th of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 177th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 182nd of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 139th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 113th of 188 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
El Cajon, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of El Cajon, CA?
The population of El Cajon, CA is 104,909 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.5 years.
What is the median household income in El Cajon?
The median household income in El Cajon, CA is $66,478, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $36,161.
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%. About 6.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of El Cajon residents have a college degree?
22.2% of adults (25+) in El Cajon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 84.4% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in El Cajon?
The median home value in El Cajon, CA is $632,800. Median rent is $1,790 per month, with 41% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of El Cajon?
El Cajon's population is 60.8% White, 6.5% Black, 29.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does El Cajon rank among California cities?
El Cajon is the 70th largest city in California by population, the 177th highest for median household income, the 182nd lowest for poverty rate, the 139th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in El Cajon?
The unemployment rate in El Cajon, CA is 9.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 56.2%. Per capita income is $36,161.
Cities Similar to El Cajon
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.