Moving from Chicago, IL to El Cajon, CA?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Chicago or El Cajon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, El Cajon is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 43/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 52% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where El Cajon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 25.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Cajon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
El Cajon, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | El Cajon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 1,934.6 | +2,077.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 434.4 | +105.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 26.5 | +32.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 105.9 | +229.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 302.0 | -173.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 1,500.3 | +1,972.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 154.0 | +140.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,083.5 | +1,235.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 262.8 | +596.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Chicago, IL to El Cajon, CA?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or El Cajon safer?
El Cajon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while El Cajon has 434.4. El Cajon has lower violent crime.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.
About El Cajon, CA
Nestled in a valley east of San Diego, El Cajon boasts a rich history as a stop along the old wagon trails. Today, it's a diverse community with a significant Chaldean American population, reflecting its unique cultural tapestry. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 101,983, El Cajon has a total crime rate of 1,934.6 per 100,000 residents.