Is El Cajon or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Cajon is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 42/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 13% lower. El Cajon has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where El Cajon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 37.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
El Cajon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Cajon, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | El Cajon | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,934.6 | 2,212.5 | -277.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 434.4 | 728.5 | -294.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.0 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 40.3 | -13.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 105.9 | 209.9 | -104.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 302.0 | 471.4 | -169.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,500.3 | 1,483.9 | +16.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.0 | 372.8 | -218.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,083.5 | 851.5 | +232.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 262.8 | 259.6 | +3.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Cajon or Los Angeles safer?
El Cajon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
El Cajon has a violent crime rate of 434.4 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. El Cajon has lower violent crime.
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 42/100 and a population coverage of 101,983, El Cajon has a total crime rate of 1,934.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California metropolis, is a major Pacific Rim gateway, home to Hollywood's film industry. Its diverse population of nearly 4 million people resides across a vast urban landscape bordered by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 3,796,352, Los Angeles has a total crime rate of 2,212.5 per 100,000 residents.