Is El Cajon or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Cajon is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 42/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 38% lower. El Cajon has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where El Cajon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 16.3x 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
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Cajon, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | El Cajon | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,934.6 | 3,125.4 | -1,190.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 434.4 | 800.0 | -365.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 64.3 | -37.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 105.9 | 181.6 | -75.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 302.0 | 545.3 | -243.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,500.3 | 2,325.3 | -825.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.0 | 317.2 | -163.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,083.5 | 1,582.1 | -498.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 262.8 | 426.0 | -163.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Cajon or Phoenix safer?
El Cajon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
El Cajon has a violent crime rate of 434.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.