El Cajon, CA town hall & government
El Cajon spent $169.8 million in the year to June 30, 2022, about $1,658 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach El Cajon's government.
Who runs El Cajon
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where El Cajon's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Sales taxes 42%
- Fees & charges 25%
- Property taxes 16%
- From the state 5%
- From the federal government 5%
- Interest, fines & other 4%
- Other taxes & licenses 3%
- From other local governments 1%
Who works for El Cajon
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Grossmont Union High School District
El Cajon's high school district, shared with La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Santee. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from California districts overall: 36% local, 52% state, 11% federal
- Local 53%
- State 37%
- Federal 10%
Of the $20,908 per pupil, $12,015 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving El Cajon: Cajon Valley Union Elementary School District ($19,663 per pupil) · La Mesa-Spring Valley School District ($18,879 per pupil) · Santee School District ($16,142 per pupil).
Which schools El Cajon kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in El Cajon pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact El Cajon's government
Who represents El Cajon
El Cajon is represented in Congress by Senators Alex Padilla and Adam B. Schiff and Representative Sara Jacobs. Gavin Newsom is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.