El Cajon, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of El Cajon, California is 104,909 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 70th-largest city in California. The median household income is $66,478, the median home value is $632,800, and the median age is 35.5.
The population has grown 3.5% since 2010 (99,823 → 103,291).
104,909
Population
7230
People / sq mi
$66,478
Median Income
$632,800
Median Home Value
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El Cajon covers 14.5 sq mi of land at 7230 people per square mile.
About El Cajon, CA
Homeownership is the standout figure in El Cajon: 41.1% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. El Cajon is a city in California with a population of 104,909.
The typical household here earns about $66,478, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.1%, above the national 12.4%. The median home value is $632,800, with typical rent around $1,790.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 22.2%, below the national 35.0%. About 10.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
El Cajon city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of El Cajon city had a population of 99,823 in 2010 and 103,291 in 2024, a 3.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 106,087 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.25%.
103,291
Population (2024)
99,823
Population (2010)
106,087
Peak (2020)
0.25%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 99,823 |
| 2011 | 100,795 |
| 2012 | 101,537 |
| 2013 | 102,303 |
| 2014 | 102,789 |
| 2015 | 103,230 |
| 2016 | 103,527 |
| 2017 | 103,468 |
| 2018 | 103,041 |
| 2019 | 102,708 |
| 2020 | 106,087 |
| 2021 | 105,095 |
| 2022 | 104,184 |
| 2023 | 103,522 |
| 2024 | 103,291 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 60.8% |
| Black or African American | 6.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$66,478
Median Household Income
$29,968
Per Capita Income
16.1%
Poverty Rate
5.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$632,800
Median Home Value
$1,790
Median Rent
41.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
84.4%
High School+
22.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.6%
Drive Alone
72.8%
Public Transit
10.2%
Work From Home
24.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
16.5%
Foreign Born
55.8%
Non-English at Home
6.4%
Veterans
14.9%
With Disability
93.5%
Health Insurance
96.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.4% |
| Manufacturing | 8.8% |
| Construction | 8.1% |
| Retail Trade | 6.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.8% |
| Information | 5.2% |
| Public Administration | 4.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
El Cajon, California has a population of 104,909 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 70th-largest city in California.
The median household income in El Cajon, California is $66,478, with 16.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in El Cajon, California is $632,800, with median monthly rent at $1,790 and a homeownership rate of 41.1%.
The median age in El Cajon, California is 35.5 years. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The population has grown 3.5% since 2010 (99,823 → 103,291).
Where to stay in El Cajon
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.