Is El Cajon or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Cajon is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 42/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 7% lower. El Cajon has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where El Cajon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 13.6x 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 Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Cajon, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | El Cajon | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,934.6 | 2,082.4 | -147.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 434.4 | 412.4 | +22.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 21.4 | +5.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 105.9 | 77.4 | +28.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 302.0 | 310.9 | -8.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,500.3 | 1,670.0 | -169.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.0 | 187.4 | -33.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,083.5 | 1,087.1 | -3.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 262.8 | 395.5 | -132.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Cajon or San Diego safer?
El Cajon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
El Cajon has a violent crime rate of 434.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego 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 Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.