Is El Cajon or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Cajon is safer than New York City (Safety Score 42/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 36% lower. El Cajon has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where El Cajon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 81.4x 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
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Cajon, CA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | El Cajon | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,934.6 | 3,039.7 | -1,105.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 434.4 | 671.4 | -237.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 23.4 | +3.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 105.9 | 187.5 | -81.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 302.0 | 456.2 | -154.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,500.3 | 2,368.3 | -868.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.0 | 154.7 | -0.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,083.5 | 2,015.0 | -931.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 262.8 | 198.5 | +64.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Cajon or New York City safer?
El Cajon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
El Cajon has a violent crime rate of 434.4 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. 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 New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.