Is El Cajon or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Cajon is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 42/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 63% 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: San Antonio is 14.9x 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
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Cajon, CA
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | El Cajon | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,934.6 | 5,219.0 | -3,284.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 434.4 | 595.3 | -160.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 83.7 | -57.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 105.9 | 108.4 | -2.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 302.0 | 393.7 | -91.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,500.3 | 4,623.6 | -3,123.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.0 | 495.6 | -341.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,083.5 | 3,291.8 | -2,208.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 262.8 | 836.3 | -573.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Cajon or San Antonio safer?
El Cajon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
El Cajon has a violent crime rate of 434.4 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.