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El Cajon, CA, located in San Diego County, is a southern city in California. Situated approximately 17 miles northeast of San Diego and 55 miles southeast of Camp Pendleton, El Cajon’s name translates to “the box” in Spanish, which is the origin of its city nickname.
Incorporated as a city in 1912, El Cajon was historically known for its grape, tomato, and citrus agriculture during the first half of the 20th century.
Population & Demographics
As of 2019, El Cajon had a population of 103,186. The city boasts a diverse population, with a demographic breakdown of 58.5% White, 27.8% Hispanic, 5.4% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents.
In terms of household makeup, married couples comprise 47.4% of households, while 69.2% of homes in El Cajon are inhabited by families.
Concerned about safety? You’ll be glad to know that El Cajon’s total crime rate is 5.2% lower than the national average, making it a relatively safe place to live.
El Cajon, CA Cost of Living
If you’re considering a move to El Cajon, you might be curious about the cost of living. El Cajon is generally considered to be affordable, but this can vary depending on your income and lifestyle. Overall, El Cajon is 28% more expensive than the national average.
Housing costs in El Cajon are particularly high, with prices around 78% higher than the national average. Transportation costs are also above average, about 29% higher, and groceries are roughly 13% more expensive compared to the national average.
In El Cajon, the rate of homeownership is below the national average, at 39.8% compared to the national average of 64.1%. The estimated median sale price for a home in El Cajon is $660,000, which marks a notable increase of 10.2% from the previous year. Homes in El Cajon are also selling quickly, with an average of just 16 days on the market.
Click to see what’s going on with the El Cajon real estate market.
In El Cajon, about 58% of residents rent their homes. The average monthly rent in El Cajon is $1772, which is higher than the national average of $1302.
El Cajon, CA Weather
El Cajon experiences a climate that is a blend of Mediterranean and semi-arid characteristics. Summers in El Cajon are warm, while winters are cool. The city receives an average of about 19 inches of precipitation annually.
In January, the average temperature in El Cajon is around 55.8°F, while in July, it averages around 75.2°F.
Things to Do in El Cajon, CA
Residents of El Cajon have a variety of recreational options to enjoy. Some of the favorite places among residents include:
- Grossmont Summit: A popular spot for hiking and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Sycuan Casino Resort: Offers gaming, dining, and entertainment options for a fun night out.
- Gillespie Field: A public airport that also features a variety of aviation-related activities and events.
- Lake Jennings: A scenic lake with opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
- Cajon Speedway: A local racetrack where residents can enjoy watching races and other events.
- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park: A beautiful park with hiking trails, camping sites, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Knox House Museum: A historic house museum that offers a glimpse into El Cajon’s past.
These are just a few examples of the many recreational options available to residents of El Cajon. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or entertainment, El Cajon has something for everyone.
The Water Conservation Garden
With six acres of gardens that showcase water conservation, The Water Conservation Garden has native plants and vegetables growing there, as well as how-to displays and exhibits. They offer workshops and youth education programs, and can be rented to host events like weddings and fundraisers.
12122 Cuyamaca College Dr West, El Cajon, CA 92019
Summers Past Farm
A small family business with a year-long growing season, Summers Past Farm holds events such as crafts fairs and wine tastings and has a pumpkin patch in the fall and a holiday open house in December. You can visit shops and gardens on the premises, even visit some animals! Summers Past Farms is a Certified Wildlife Habitat, too.
15602 Olde Highway 80, Flinn Springs, CA 92021
Additional Things to Do in and around El Cajon
El Cajon Restaurants
There are many great restaurant options living in El Cajon. Here are a few of the best rated places El Cajon residents love to dine:
Marechiaro’s Italian Restaurant
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Great pizza and Italian specialties abound at Marechiaro’s Italian Restaurant. Consistently great menu offerings made with top quality ingredients makes this an El Cajon favorite!
14120 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon, CA 92021
Hacienda Casa Blanca
With huge margaritas and excellent, authentic Mexican food, Hacienda Casa Blanca offers meat and vegetarian dishes with great service. The colorful atmosphere adds to the fun, making this restaurant a true dining experience.
700 N. Johnson Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
El Cajon, CA Map
See what El Cajon has to offer by checking out the map below.
El Cajon, CA Statistics & Information
El Cajon is located in San Diego County. El Cajon’s zip codes are 92071, 92019, 92020, 92021 and 92022. The elevation of El Cajon, CA is 435 feet. El Cajon is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone. The area of El Cajon is 14.6 square miles.
Jobs in El Cajon, CA
The median household income in El Cajon is $55,309 per year. Great news – salaries in El Cajon increased by 5.16% from 2018 to 2019. The most popular jobs in El Cajon are office and administrative support, sales and management occupations. The biggest industries that employ El Cajon residents are health care and social assistance, retail trade and accommodations& food service. About 19.3% of El Cajon residents live below the poverty line, which is above the national average of 12.3%. The demographic most affected by poverty in El Cajon is women between the ages of 25 and 34.
The average commute time in El Cajon is about 26.2 minutes, which is just over the national average of 25.5 minutes. About 77% of El Cajon residents choose to drive alone to work rather than carpool, and nearly all El Cajon households own two cars. Will you be working in San Diego and living in El Cajon? Your commute will be a breeze! Click here to see what the 16.1 mile drive from San Diego to El Cajon will be like.
Looking for employment in the El Cajon area? Click here to check out what is currently listed in El Cajon on Indeed.com. Would you prefer to work for a municipality? If you would rather be employed by the City of El Cajon, they are hiring! Click here to see what positions are currently available.
Schools in El Cajon, CA
El Cajon is served by the Cajon Valley Union School District. The top-rated schools in El Cajon are Literacy First Charter School, Fuerte Elementary and Valhalla High School. If parents prefer to send their children to private or parochial school, there are 59 in the El Cajon to choose from. Students will also have access to the El Cajon Public Library, part of the San Diego County Library System.
Living in El Cajon Pros & Cons
- Pro: Good Schools
- Pro: Low Crime Rate
- Con: High Poverty Rate
Moving to El Cajon? Hire El Cajon’s best rated professional moving company to ensure an easy transition! Give McCarthy Transfer & Storage a call today at 619-596-2594 to discuss your move!
