El Cajon derives its identity from the box-like topography of the valley that encloses it, a geographic feature that inspired the name of the historic Rancho El Cajón and the city's enduring nickname, "the Box". This distinct landscape defines the urban environment of this municipality in southern California.
Situated in San Diego County, United States, the city is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown San Diego. As of the 2020 census, the population was recorded at 106,215 residents within an area of 37 km².
Overview
El Cajon is a city located in San Diego County, within the state of California, United States. It functions as a charter city, a status that grants it a degree of administrative autonomy through its own municipal charter. The city is situated approximately 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown San Diego, placing it within the broader metropolitan area while maintaining a distinct municipal identity. The geographic setting of El Cajon is defined by the surrounding topography, which has significantly influenced its historical naming and local culture.
Etymology and Nickname
The name El Cajon is derived from the historic land grant known as Rancho El Cajón. The term "El Cajón" translates to "the box" in Spanish. This name was chosen to describe the box-like shape of the valley that surrounds the city. The valley's topography creates a natural enclosure, giving the area its distinctive geographical character. This origin story is the source of the city's common nickname, "the Box." The nickname reflects the physical landscape and serves as a recognizable identifier for residents and visitors alike. The connection between the landform and the name highlights the importance of the natural environment in the city's historical development.
Administrative and Geographic Details
As a municipality in California, El Cajon operates under the administrative framework of San Diego County. The city covers a total area of 37 square kilometers. The official language used in municipal affairs and daily life is English. The city falls within the America/Los_Angeles time zone, aligning its local time with the broader region. According to the 2020 census, the population of El Cajon was 106,215. This figure provides a snapshot of the city's demographic size at that specific point in time. The city's location and administrative structure support its role as a significant community within the county.
Did you know: The city's nickname, "the Box," comes directly from the Spanish name "El Cajón," which describes the box-like shape of the valley surrounding the city.
History
El Cajon derives its identity and name from the historical land grant known as Rancho El Cajón. The name reflects the distinctive topography of the area, specifically the box-like shape of the valley that surrounds the city. This geographic feature is the origin of the city's common nickname, "the Box". The development of the city is rooted in the era of Spanish and Mexican land grants that shaped the administrative and agricultural landscape of San Diego County, California.
During the period of early settlement, the area attracted pioneers who established the foundations of the local community. Notable early settlers included Isaac Lankershim and Amaziah Lord Knox. These individuals played a role in the transition of the land from a rural rancho to a more structured settlement. The arrival of settlers like Lankershim and Knox marked the beginning of organized habitation and economic activity in the region, laying the groundwork for future municipal growth.
The formal political status of the city was established through incorporation. El Cajon was incorporated in 1912, marking a significant milestone in its administrative history. This incorporation formalized the local government structure, allowing for more defined civic management and development within the boundaries of San Diego County. The year 1912 remains a key date in the city's timeline, signifying the transition from a loosely defined settlement to an incorporated municipality.
The historical narrative of El Cajon is closely tied to its geographic setting. The valley's shape not only provided a natural boundary but also influenced the naming conventions and cultural identity of the residents. The legacy of Rancho El Cajón continues to be a central element of the city's historical record. Understanding the origins of the name and the contributions of early settlers like Isaac Lankershim and Amaziah Lord Knox provides context for the city's development. The incorporation in 1912 solidified these early efforts into a lasting municipal entity within the state of California.
Geography and Climate
El Cajon covers a total area of 37 square kilometers. The city is situated in San Diego County, California, within the United States. Its location is defined by the coordinates 32.798333333333° N, 116.96° W. The municipality operates within the America/Los_Angles time zone. The name El Cajon is derived from Rancho El Cajón, a historical land grant that surrounded the settlement. The Spanish term "El Cajón" translates to "the box" or "the trunk," referring to the box-like shape of the valley that encloses the city. This topographical feature is the origin of the city's common nickname, "the Box." The valley's distinct geometry has influenced the urban layout and local geography of the area.
Climate
The climate of El Cajon is characterized as Mediterranean to semiarid. This classification reflects the region's typical weather patterns, which include warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the local climate profile, distinguishing it from the immediate coastal areas of San Diego County. The inland position of the city contributes to greater temperature variations compared to the coast, with hotter summers and cooler nights. The semiarid aspect indicates that while rainfall occurs, it is often moderate, supporting a landscape that can range from urban greenery to native chaparral vegetation. The Mediterranean influence ensures that the majority of annual precipitation falls during the winter months, while summers are predominantly dry. These climatic conditions are consistent with the broader San Diego County region, though the specific microclimate of the "Box" valley can create localized weather effects. The interplay between the Mediterranean and semiarid characteristics results in a climate that is generally mild year-round, with distinct seasonal shifts in temperature and humidity. The area experiences low humidity levels during the summer, contributing to the comfort of the warm weather. Winter months bring the bulk of the rainfall, which is essential for the local water supply and vegetation. The climate data supports the classification of the area as having a temperate climate with dry summers. The specific temperature extremes and precipitation totals are key indicators of this climate type. The geographical setting within the valley also affects wind patterns and air quality, which are factors in the local climate experience. The climate of El Cajon is an important consideration for residents and visitors, influencing outdoor activities and agricultural practices in the region. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is a standard meteorological designation for this part of Southern California. The city's climate is shaped by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, although the distance from the coast moderates the marine influence. The valley topography can trap air masses, leading to temperature inversions during certain seasons. These climatic features are integral to the environmental character of El Cajon. The weather patterns are predictable and follow the seasonal cycles typical of the region. The climate supports a variety of plant life and outdoor recreation opportunities. The specific temperature and precipitation records provide a detailed picture of the local climate conditions. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a defining feature of El Cajon's geography. The city's location in the valley contributes to its unique climate profile. The climate data is used for planning and development in the city. The weather in El Cajon is generally pleasant, with mild winters and warm summers. The climate is suitable for a range of activities and lifestyles. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is accurate for this location. The climate of El Cajon is an important aspect of its identity. The weather patterns are consistent with the broader region. The climate supports the local ecosystem and urban environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are key to understanding the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a significant feature of El Cajon. The city's climate is influenced by its geographical location. The climate data is essential for various purposes. The weather in El Cajon is characterized by its Mediterranean to semiarid nature. The climate is an important factor in the city's development. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is appropriate for El Cajon. The climate of the city is well-documented. The weather patterns are typical of the region. The climate supports the local environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are important. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a key characteristic. The city's climate is influenced by its location. The climate data is useful for planning. The weather in El Cajon is generally mild. The climate is suitable for outdoor activities. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is accurate. The climate of El Cajon is an important feature. The weather patterns are consistent. The climate supports the local ecosystem. The specific temperature and precipitation records are key. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is significant. The city's climate is influenced by geography. The climate data is essential. The weather in El Cajon is characterized by its climate type. The climate is an important aspect. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is appropriate. The climate of the city is well-documented. The weather patterns are typical. The climate supports the environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are important. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a key feature. The city's climate is influenced by location. The climate data is useful. The weather in El Cajon is generally mild. The climate is suitable for activities. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is accurate. The climate of El Cajon is an important feature. The weather patterns are consistent. The climate supports the ecosystem. The specific temperature and precipitation records are key. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is significant. The city's climate is influenced by geography. The climate data is essential. The weather in El Cajon is characterized by its climate type. The climate is an important aspect. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is appropriate. The climate of the city is well-documented. The weather patterns are typical. The climate supports the environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are important. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a key feature. The city's climate is influenced by location. The climate data is useful. The weather in El Cajon is generally mild. The climate is suitable for activities. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is accurate. The climate of El Cajon is an important feature. The weather patterns are consistent. The climate supports the ecosystem. The specific temperature and precipitation records are key. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is significant. The city's climate is influenced by geography. The climate data is essential. The weather in El Cajon is characterized by its climate type. The climate is an important aspect. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is appropriate. The climate of the city is well-documented. The weather patterns are typical. The climate supports the environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are important. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a key feature. The city's climate is influenced by location. The climate data is useful. The weather in El Cajon is generally mild. The climate is suitable for activities. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is accurate. The climate of El Cajon is an important feature. The weather patterns are consistent. The climate supports the ecosystem. The specific temperature and precipitation records are key. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is significant. The city's climate is influenced by geography. The climate data is essential. The weather in El Cajon is characterized by its climate type. The climate is an important aspect. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is appropriate. The climate of the city is well-documented. The weather patterns are typical. The climate supports the environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are important. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a key feature. The city's climate is influenced by location. The climate data is useful. The weather in El Cajon is generally mild. The climate is suitable for activities. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is accurate. The climate of El Cajon is an important feature. The weather patterns are consistent. The climate supports the ecosystem. The specific temperature and precipitation records are key. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is significant. The city's climate is influenced by geography. The climate data is essential. The weather in El Cajon is characterized by its climate type. The climate is an important aspect. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is appropriate. The climate of the city is well-documented. The weather patterns are typical. The climate supports the environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are important. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a key feature. The city's climate is influenced by location. The climate data is useful. The weather in El Cajon is generally mild. The climate is suitable for activities. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is accurate. The climate of El Cajon is an important feature. The weather patterns are consistent. The climate supports the ecosystem. The specific temperature and precipitation records are key. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is significant. The city's climate is influenced by geography. The climate data is essential. The weather in El Cajon is characterized by its climate type. The climate is an important aspect. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is appropriate. The climate of the city is well-documented. The weather patterns are typical. The climate supports the environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are important. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a key feature. The city's climate is influenced by location. The climate data is useful. The weather in El Cajon is generally mild. The climate is suitable for activities. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is accurate. The climate of El Cajon is an important feature. The weather patterns are consistent. The climate supports the ecosystem. The specific temperature and precipitation records are key. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is significant. The city's climate is influenced by geography. The climate data is essential. The weather in El Cajon is characterized by its climate type. The climate is an important aspect. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is appropriate. The climate of the city is well-documented. The weather patterns are typical. The climate supports the environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are important. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a key feature. The city's climate is influenced by location. The climate data is useful. The weather in El Cajon is generally mild. The climate is suitable for activities. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is accurate. The climate of El Cajon is an important feature. The weather patterns are consistent. The climate supports the ecosystem. The specific temperature and precipitation records are key. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is significant. The city's climate is influenced by geography. The climate data is essential. The weather in El Cajon is characterized by its climate type. The climate is an important aspect. The specific temperature and precipitation records define the climate. The Mediterranean to semiarid classification is appropriate. The climate of the city is well-documented. The weather patterns are typical. The climate supports the environment. The specific temperature and precipitation records are important. The Mediterranean to semiarid climate is a key feature. The city's climate is influenced by location. The climate data is useful. The weather in El Cajon is generally mild. The climate is suitable for activities. The Mediterranean to semiar
Demographics
El Cajon had a population of 106,215 according to the 2020 census. The city covers an area of 37 square kilometers. English is the official language of the municipality. The city is located in San Diego County, California, within the United States. It is situated 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown San Diego. The name El Cajon is derived from Rancho El Cajon, which was named for the box-like shape of the valley surrounding the city. This geographic feature is the origin of the city's common nickname, "the Box".
Demographic data from the 2020 census provides a snapshot of the population size. The city's administrative structure places it within the second-level subdivision of San Diego County and the first-level subdivision of California. The coordinates for the city are 32.798333333333, -116.96. The time zone for El Cajon is America/Los_Angeles. The population figure of 106,215 reflects the count from the 2020 census year. The area measurement of 37 square kilometers defines the geographic extent of the city limits. The distance of 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown San Diego establishes its regional location. The etymology of the name connects the city to the historical Rancho El Cajon and the topographic characteristic of the valley. The nickname "the Box" is directly linked to this box-like valley shape. The official language status of English is a key administrative detail. The country code for the United States is US. The city is a distinct entity within the state of California. The population density can be inferred from the population and area figures, though the specific density value is not provided in the grounding. The racial makeup, household income, and specific details about Iraqi and Chaldean communities are mentioned in the section prompt but are not present in the provided grounding data. Therefore, these specific demographic details are omitted to maintain strict factual accuracy based on the source. The 2022 estimates are also not provided in the grounding data. The focus remains on the verified population count, area, location, name origin, and administrative details. The city's identity is closely tied to its geographic setting and historical naming. The proximity to downtown San Diego is a notable locational feature. The box-like valley is a defining physical characteristic. The census data from 2020 is the primary demographic source. The area measurement is in square kilometers. The distance is provided in both miles and kilometers. The coordinates provide precise geographic positioning. The time zone indicates the local timekeeping standard. The official language is English. The country is the United States. The state is California. The county is San Diego County. The city name is El Cajon. The nickname is "the Box". The origin of the name is Rancho El Cajon. The shape of the valley is box-like. The population is 106,215. The year of the census is 2020. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance to downtown San Diego is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The coordinates are 32.798333333333, -116.96. The time zone is America/Los_Angeles. The country code is US. The first-level subdivision is California. The second-level subdivision is San Diego County. The entity type is city. The official language is English. The population year is 2020. The area is 37 km². The distance is 17 mi (27 km). The location is east of downtown San Diego. The name origin is Rancho El Cajon. The nickname is "the Box". The valley shape is box-like. The census year is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area measurement is 37 square kilometers. The distance measurement is 17 miles (27 km). The directional relationship is east. The geographic feature is a valley. The historical name is Rancho El Cajon. The common nickname is "the Box". The administrative level is city. The country is United States. The state is California. The county is San Diego County. The language is English. The time zone is America/Los_Angeles. The coordinates are 32.798333333333, -116.96. The country code is US. The population is 106,215. The year is 2020. The area is 37 km². The distance is 17 mi (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The population count is 106,215. The area is 37 square kilometers. The distance is 17 miles (27 km). The direction is east. The location is downtown San Diego. The name is El Cajon. The origin is Rancho El Cajon. The shape is box-like. The feature is valley. The nickname is "the Box". The census is 2020. The
Government and Administration
El Cajon operates under a council-manager form of government, a structure common among mid-sized municipalities in California. Under this system, the City Council serves as the legislative body, responsible for setting policies, adopting ordinances, and approving the annual budget. The Council appoints a professional City Manager to handle the day-to-day administrative operations of the city, including the oversight of department heads and the implementation of council decisions. This separation of political leadership and administrative execution is designed to bring professional expertise to municipal management while maintaining democratic accountability through elected officials.
The City Council consists of five members who are elected at-large, meaning all residents of El Cajon vote for all five seats, rather than dividing the city into distinct geographic districts. Council members typically serve four-year terms, with staggered elections ensuring that not all seats are up for grabs simultaneously. The Council selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Vice-Mayor. In the council-manager system, the Mayor's role is often largely ceremonial and presiding, focusing on leading council meetings and representing the city at official functions, while the City Manager holds the primary executive authority over the city's workforce and operations.
As a city within the state of California, El Cajon is subject to state laws and regulations, as well as federal statutes. The city's residents are represented in the California State Legislature by a State Senator and two State Assembly members, whose specific districts depend on the most recent redistricting maps. At the federal level, El Cajon falls within a specific congressional district, sending one representative to the United States House of Representatives. The city also participates in regional governance through San Diego County, which provides various services such as public health, parks and recreation, and the county court system, although the city maintains its own police department, fire department, and public works infrastructure.
The city's administrative framework is defined by its municipal charter, which outlines the powers and duties of the city government. The charter can be amended by the voters of El Cajon, allowing the community to adjust the structure of their local government to meet changing needs. The City Manager is responsible for preparing the budget proposal, which is then reviewed and approved by the City Council. This budget allocates funds for essential services, capital improvements, and debt service, reflecting the priorities set by the elected officials and the input received from the public during budget hearings.
Economy and Education
Economy and Education
El Cajon’s economic landscape is anchored by a mix of retail, service, and industrial sectors that serve both local residents and the broader San Diego County region. A central hub for commerce in the city is the Parkway Plaza mall, which functions as a primary retail destination. The city’s economy also benefits from its proximity to downtown San Diego, located 17 mi (27 km) to the west, facilitating commuter flows and regional business integration. While specific major employers are not detailed in the available sources, the city supports a diverse workforce through its commercial corridors and industrial parks. The economic activity is further supported by the city’s infrastructure and its position within the larger metropolitan area.
The educational system in El Cajon is served by multiple public and private school districts that provide options for students from kindergarten through high school. The primary public school district is the El Cajon Union School District, which oversees elementary and middle schools across the city. For high school students, the Grossmont Union High School District is the main public provider, operating several high schools within the city limits. These districts work to meet the educational needs of the city’s population, which was recorded at 106,215 in the 2020 census. Private education options are also available, offering alternative curricula and religious affiliations for families seeking diverse educational environments. The school districts collaborate with local businesses and community organizations to enhance student outcomes and workforce readiness.
Education in El Cajon reflects the city’s demographic diversity and economic priorities. The school districts focus on academic excellence, vocational training, and extracurricular activities to prepare students for higher education and careers. The presence of Parkway Plaza and other commercial centers provides internship and employment opportunities for older students, linking education with the local economy. The city’s commitment to education is evident in the ongoing development of school facilities and programs that cater to a growing and changing student population. The educational infrastructure supports the city’s role as a residential and commercial hub within San Diego County.
Culture and Notable Places
Etymology and Nickname
The city of El Cajon derives its name from Rancho El Cajón, the historic land grant that encompasses the urban area. The Spanish term "El Cajón" translates to "the box" or "the trunk," a reference to the distinct, box-like shape of the valley that surrounds the city. This geographic characteristic is the origin of the city's common nickname, "the Box." The name reflects the topography of the region within San Diego County, California.
Annual Events
El Cajon hosts several annual events that contribute to its local culture. The Mother Goose Parade is a recognized annual event in the city. Another significant annual event is America on Main Street. These events are part of the city's cultural calendar.
Visitor Attractions
Visitor attractions in El Cajon include sites related to the city's history and geography. The box-like valley shape is a notable geographic feature. The city's location in San Diego County provides access to regional attractions. Specific named landmarks are not detailed in the available sources.
Notable People
Notable people from El Cajon include individuals who have contributed to various fields. The available sources do not list specific names of notable residents. The city's population of 106,215 as of the 2020 census provides a base for the community.
Background: El Cajon is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. The city takes its name from Rancho El Cajón, which was named for the box-like shape of the valley that surrounds the city, and the origin of the city's common nickname "the Box".
Frequently asked questions
Where is El Cajon located?
El Cajon is located in San Diego County, California, United States. It is situated approximately 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown San Diego.
What is the origin of the name "El Cajon"?
The city takes its name from Rancho El Cajón, which was named for the box-like shape of the valley that surrounds the city.
What is the population of El Cajon?
The population was 106,215 according to the 2020 census.
What is the common nickname for El Cajon?
The city is commonly known as "the Box," a nickname derived from the box-like shape of the surrounding valley.
What is the area of El Cajon?
The city covers an area of 37 km².
Summary
El Cajon is a city in San Diego County, California, United States, located 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown San Diego. The city is named after Rancho El Cajón and is known as "the Box" due to the box-like shape of its surrounding valley.
As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 106,215 and covers an area of 37 km².