| City: | El Cajon, California |
| Names to Avoid: | Bostonia, Crest |
| County: | San Diego County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:22:33 PM |
| Population: | 70,584 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 619 / 858 |
| Classification: | Standard [Normal Street Delivery] |
| Coordinates: | 32.8428, -116.8765 |
| Land Area: | 28.039 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 92021 has 70,584 residents and 23,634 households (average 2.94 persons per household). The median age is 36.8 years, about the same as the state (37.5) and slightly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.0% male and 51.0% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (59.4%, much higher than the state average of 41.2%) and Hispanic or Latino (30.7%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 30.7%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 70,584Source: Census DHC |
| 2023 ACS Population Estimate: | 69,306Source: Census ACS |
| 2025 ZC Population Estimate: | 70,727Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 2,517.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $69,979Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 23,634Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $572,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.94Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.21Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 63,397 | 64,441 | 65,175 | 66,854 | 67,608 | 69,552 | 71,127 | 71,321 | 70,148 | 71,183 | 71,006 | 69,638 | 69,306 |
| Decennial Census | 65,068 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 70,584 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 36.8
Male Median Age: 35.7
Female Median Age: 38
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,201 | 2,470 | 2,543 | 2,375 | 2,347 | 2,489 | 2,501 | 2,360 | 2,096 | 2,022 | 2,104 | 2,379 | 2,166 | 1,703 | 1,290 | 742 | 407 | 356 |
| Female | 2,213 | 2,389 | 2,477 | 2,202 | 2,211 | 2,401 | 2,613 | 2,456 | 2,130 | 2,185 | 2,210 | 2,509 | 2,402 | 1,874 | 1,512 | 1,006 | 609 | 634 |
| Total | 4,414 | 4,859 | 5,020 | 4,577 | 4,558 | 4,890 | 5,114 | 4,816 | 4,226 | 4,207 | 4,314 | 4,888 | 4,568 | 3,577 | 2,802 | 1,748 | 1,016 | 990 |
| White: | 41,906 | 51.37% |
| Black: | 3,995 | 4.90% |
| Hispanic:* | 21,636 | 26.52% |
| Asian: | 2,939 | 3.60% |
| American Indian: | 745 | 0.91% |
| Hawaiian: | 312 | 0.38% |
| Other: | 10,042 | 12.31% |
| Total: | 81,575 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 34,551 | 48.95% | 35.7 years |
| Females: | 36,033 | 51.05% | 38.0 years |
| Total: | 70,584 | 100% | 36.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 52,049 | 75.10% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 1,785 | 2.58% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 8,547 | 12.33% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 6,925 | 22.32% |
| Total Population: | 69,306 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 53,834 | 77.68% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 15,472 | 22.32% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $69,979, which is far less than the state median ($96,334), is up $17,070 (32.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $11,565. Family households earn a median of $80,568 versus $44,033 for nonfamily households (a difference of $36,535). By gender, male median income is $60,774 and female is $51,730, which is much lower than the state female median ($61,569), with a current gap of $9,044 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 62.9%, which is comparable to the state rate (63.9%). The unemployment rate is 7.8%, which is far worse than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (31.5%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $52,909 | $50,481 | $49,521 | $50,035 | $48,281 | $48,569 | $54,154 | $56,863 | $58,414 | $60,510 | $63,395 | $68,093 | $69,979 |
| Median Family Income | $60,707 | $58,472 | $58,352 | $57,660 | $54,485 | $55,646 | $60,193 | $62,700 | $64,711 | $68,929 | $69,964 | $78,491 | $80,568 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $33,307 | $33,146 | $33,348 | $33,532 | $31,085 | $31,873 | $34,608 | $34,665 | $36,627 | $35,340 | $37,545 | $40,469 | $44,033 |
| Median Male Income | $43,004 | $42,258 | $41,680 | $41,594 | $41,771 | $41,715 | $43,361 | $44,943 | $46,200 | $51,920 | $54,052 | $59,059 | $60,774 |
| Median Female Income | $32,505 | $33,548 | $32,892 | $35,732 | $35,587 | $36,523 | $38,559 | $40,912 | $42,238 | $43,614 | $45,230 | $52,544 | $51,730 |
| Employed: | 30,442 | 56.99% |
| Unemployed: | 2,636 | 4.93% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 20,338 | 38.07% |
| Total: | 53,416 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 9,584 | 31.48% |
| Service: | 6,356 | 20.88% |
| Sales and Office: | 6,915 | 22.72% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 2,863 | 9.40% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 4,724 | 15.52% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 30,442 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $572,000, which is far above the national median ($303,400), is up $233,600 (69.03%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $153,600. The median gross rent is $1,818, which is far above the national median ($1,348), is up $752 (70.54%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $428. Of occupied housing, owners make up 52.75% (61.97% with a mortgage, 38.03% free-and-clear) and renters 47.25% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 3.37%, which is far lower than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $338,400 | $319,900 | $299,000 | $300,900 | $305,800 | $328,300 | $363,500 | $401,400 | $418,400 | $440,600 | $469,100 | $545,600 | $572,000 |
| Less than $500: | 339 | 3.18% |
| $500 to $999: | 531 | 4.98% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 1,888 | 17.70% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 3,775 | 35.39% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 2,244 | 21.04% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 808 | 7.58% |
| $3,000 or more: | 729 | 6.83% |
| No Rent: | 352 | 3.30% |
| Total: | 10,666 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,066 | $1,088 | $1,116 | $1,135 | $1,159 | $1,190 | $1,266 | $1,331 | $1,390 | $1,428 | $1,557 | $1,721 | $1,818 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 7,379 | 32.69% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 4,528 | 20.06% |
| Renter Occupied: | 10,666 | 47.25% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 22,573 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 22,573 | 96.63% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 787 | 3.37% |
| Total Housing Units: | 23,360 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 11,542 | 49.41% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 8,043 | 34.43% |
| Other Units: | 3,775 | 16.16% |
| Total Housing Units: | 23,360 | 100% |
In 2023, 22.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (36.50%). High school or higher is 86.40%, which is falls below the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 7.10%, which is modestly below the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 49.90%, which is well above the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 14.60%, which is markedly above the state rate (8.40%), up 1.80 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.50 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (39.52%). College enrollment is 28.62%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 2,866 | 6.20% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 3,429 | 7.42% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 13,609 | 29.45% |
| Some college, no degree: | 12,149 | 26.29% |
| Associate's degree: | 3,955 | 8.56% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 7,354 | 15.91% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 2,852 | 6.17% |
| Total: | 46,214 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 39,919 | 86.38% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 10,206 | 22.08% |
| Private Insurance: | 36,869 | 48.66% |
| Public Insurance: | 34,038 | 44.92% |
| No Insurance: | 4,861 | 6.42% |
| Total: | 75,768 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 70,907 | 93.58% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 12.8% | 14.3% | 15.6% | 16.1% | 16.3% | 17.0% | 15.9% | 15.2% | 14.1% | 14.8% | 14.1% | 13.9% | 14.6% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 974 | 5.11% |
| Kindergarten: | 1,063 | 5.58% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 7,527 | 39.52% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 4,033 | 21.17% |
| College or graduate school: | 5,451 | 28.62% |
| Total: | 19,048 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 2,037 | 10.69% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 12,623 | 66.27% |
ZIP Code 92021 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 1,315 business establishments, employing about 12,986 people with an annual payroll of $631,163,000. USPS data shows 24,057 residential mailboxes and 1,237 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 24,057Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 1,237Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 30,967Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 11,477Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 4,032Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 1,315Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $147,091,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $631,163,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 12,986Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 92021 is located in San Diego County, California, within the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 41740) and California's 48th and 51st Congressional Districts. This Metro area has a population of 3,282,782 people, about 2.15% of whom live in ZIP Code 92021. It covers 28.039 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.175 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 41740Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 3,282,782Source: Census |
| MSA: | San Diego, CA MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 28.039 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.175 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 48,51Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 145.47, 4791.61 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0621712Source: Census |
| Place Name: | El Cajon city; CaliforniaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 92021 is part of 2 school districts, including: Cajon Valley Union Elementary School District (Grades KG thru 08) and Grossmont Union High School District (Grades 9th thru 12th). There are 14 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.