| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | El Cajon/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,973 | n/a (estimate) | 1,935 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 27 | n/a | 26.5 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 108 | n/a | 105.9 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 308 | n/a | 302.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 443 | n/a (estimate) | 434 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 157 | n/a | 153.9 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,105 | n/a | 1,083.5 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 268 | n/a | 262.8 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,530 | n/a (estimate) | 1,500 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in El Cajon is 8.7% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In El Cajon, there were 443 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 434 per 100,000 individuals, 21% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1530 property crimes, amounting to 1500 per 100,000 residents, 14.8% lower than the U.S. average.
When evaluating the El Cajon crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported El Cajon crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
In the latest reported crime year, El Cajon recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
What do the local residents think about crime in El Cajon? Well, based on a recent survey of 37 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 35% of El Cajon residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 65% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether El Cajon is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, El Cajon has an overall crime rate that is 9% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 5.41 daily occurrences, comprising 1.21 violent crimes and 4.19 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of El Cajon as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in El Cajon. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in El Cajon has decreased by 17.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 15.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 17.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
El Cajon has a poverty rate that stands at 19.4, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in El Cajon crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in El Cajon crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. El Cajon has an unemployment rate of 5%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In El Cajon, the cost of living is 53.83% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | El Cajon | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 181 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fairbanks Ranch, CA | 3,019 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Granite Hills, CA | 4,167 | 132 | 565 | 697 |
| Poway, CA | 51,311 | 134 | 584 | 717 |
| Crest, CA | 2,792 | 148 | 633 | 781 |
| Santee, CA | 59,609 | 254 | 571 | 826 |
| Jamul, CA | 5,960 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Bonita, CA | 12,952 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| El Cajon, CA | 105,484 | 434 | 1,500 | 1,935 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Davenport, IA | 105,320 | 581 | 3,541 | 4,122 |
| Renton, WA | 105,173 | 339 | 3,313 | 3,653 |
| Sparks, NV | 105,155 | 394 | 2,584 | 2,978 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 106,024 | 720 | 4,873 | 5,593 |
| San Mateo, CA | 106,097 | 243 | 1,883 | 2,127 |
| El Cajon, CA | 105,484 | 434 | 1,500 | 1,935 |
Here are the best places to live in California
Safest Cities In The US
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in California