El Cajon, CA—92020
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — El Cajon, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in El Cajon, CA is $817,000, with a year-over-year change of -3.2%. This indicates that home prices in El Cajon, CA are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.7%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $817,000 | -3.2% |
| Single Family | $869,000 | -3.0% |
| Condos | $421,000 | -6.9% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $340,000 | -7.1% |
2 Bed | $482,000 | -6.6% |
3 Bed | $795,000 | -3.9% |
4 Bed | $1,036,000 | -1.9% |
| 5 Bed | $1,206,000 | -2.2% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — El Cajon, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in El Cajon, CA is $2,290, with a year-over-year rent change of -0.9%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in El Cajon, CA is studios: $1,850, 1-bedrooms: $1,910, 2-bedrooms: $2,220, 3-bedrooms: $3,530, 4-bedrooms: $3,490. The most common rental property sizes in El Cajon, CA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 50.6% and 25.9% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $2,290 |
| Studio Rent | $1,900 | $1,850 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,850 | $1,910 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $2,250 | $2,220 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $3,500 | $3,530 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $3,800 | $3,490 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — El Cajon, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in El Cajon, CA is 41. This is a increase of 34.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 25.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $795,000 | -8.0% |
Listing Count | 88 | -7.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.2% | -7.0% |
Days on Market | 41 | 34.0% |
Demographics — El Cajon, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, El Cajon, CA has a population of 58,500, which has remained stable by -0.4% over the past 5 years. El Cajon, CA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 24.7% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 26.0% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 11.4% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 58,500 | -0.4% |
% Under 18 | 24.7% | 2.1% |
% Seniors | 14.0% | 5.3% |
% WFH | 11.4% | 147.8% |
% w/ College Degree | 26.0% | 13.5% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, El Cajon, CA is a predominantly white area, with 55.4% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 9.0% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in El Cajon, CA is hispanic, making up 28.2% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 27.9% of the population in El Cajon, CA, and this percentage has decreased by 2.8% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 55.4% | -9.0% |
% Black | 6.5% | 14.0% |
% Hispanic | 28.2% | 13.7% |
% Asian | 4.4% | 2.3% |
% Foreign Born | 27.9% | -2.8% |
Mortgage and Risk — El Cajon, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 501 mortgage originations in El Cajon, CA, of which 83.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 103.0%, with 18.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in El Cajon, CA. Investor activity is low, as 4.0% of loans were by investors. 15.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 501 |
% Conventional Loans | 83.0% |
% Government Loans | 17.0% |
% Investor Loans | 4.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 15.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — El Cajon, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in El Cajon, CA under the Section 8 program is 14.7%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in El Cajon, CA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 3-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,579 |
Total Units Section 8 | 1,547 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 14.7% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 80.9% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $120 | $1,850 | $1,970 |
| 2 Bedroom | $190 | $2,250 | $2,440 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$240 | $3,500 | $3,260 |
| 4 Bedroom | $170 | $3,800 | $3,970 |
Affordability — El Cajon, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 10.2 |
| Median Home Price | $817,000 |
| Median Household Income | $72,800 |