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Cape Town, South Africa

Western Cape · 🇿🇦 South Africa

Cape Town is a major city in Western Cape, South Africa with a population of 4,772,846. Elevation: 82 ft (25 m). Average temperature: 61°F (16°C).

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
4,772,846 Population 5,036/sq mi density
82 ft Elevation 25 meters
61°F Avg Temperature 16°C
28.0 in Annual Rain
Africa / Johannesburg Timezone
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Education
2.9 / 5.0
23.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 30.8%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment 32.4%
800% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 31.2%
152% higher than US avg

People

Population4,772,846
Median Age28.0 yrs
Density5,036/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$6,034
Unemployment32.4%
Poverty31.2%

Health

Obesity30.8%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking24.1%
Depression21.1%

Climate

Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI136 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation82 ft (25 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+90.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband75.7%
Population4,772,846
Population Density5,036 / sq mi
Elevation82 ft (25 m)
Coordinates-33.9258°, 18.4232°
TimezoneAfrica/Johannesburg
Country🇿🇦 South Africa
State / ProvinceWestern Cape
Average Temperature61°F (16°C)
January Average70°F (21°C)
July Average52°F (11°C)
Annual Precipitation28.0 inches (711 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age28.0 years

Is Cape Town a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Cape Town receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Cape Town has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

At 32.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 31.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Education

23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Cape Town enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 70°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with a median AQI of 136.

Cape Town has a population of 4,772,846 with a density of 5,036 people per square mile, spread across 947.8 square miles. The median age is 28.0 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 74.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

4,772,846
Total Population
5,036
People / sq mi
28.0yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
947.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.7%
Female 51.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Cape Town vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Cape Town vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Cape Town is N/A. Per capita income is $6,034 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 32.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 40.5, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Cape Town vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$6,034

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment32.4%
800% above US avg
Poverty Rate31.2%
152% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living40.50 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Cape Town, 30.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. 44.1% have high blood pressure. 24.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 7.8% report binge drinking. 21.1% report depression.

Health Metrics: Cape Town vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity30.8%
4% below US avg
Diabetes11.3%
High Blood Pressure44.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking24.1%
72% above US avg
Binge Drinking7.8%
Depression21.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate74.0%

Food & Exercise

Cape Town enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 70°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 323 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with a median AQI of 136 — residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 28% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 82 feet.

Temperature

70°F Jan (21°C) 52°F Jul (11°C)
Annual Average61.4°F
14% above US avg
January Average70°F (21°C)
July Average52°F (11°C)
Sunny Days323 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall28.0 inches
26% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median136.0
RatingUnhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Good Days %28.2%

Geography

Elevation82 ft (25 m)
Area947.8 sq mi (2,454.7 km²)
Population Density5,036/sq mi
Coordinates-33.9258°N, 18.4232°W
TimezoneAfrica/Johannesburg

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 70°F (21°C) 0.7 in Warmest, Driest
February 69°F (21°C) 0.7 in
March 67°F (19°C) 0.8 in
April 63°F (17°C) 1.8 in
May 59°F (15°C) 3.4 in
June 56°F (13°C) 3.9 in Wettest
July 52°F (11°C) 3.6 in Coldest
August 55°F (13°C) 3.5 in
September 57°F (14°C) 2.1 in
October 61°F (16°C) 1.3 in
November 64°F (18°C) 0.8 in
December 67°F (19°C) 0.8 in

Cape Town has a seasonal temperature swing of 18°F — from 52°F in July to 70°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 23.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.7").

23.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 30% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 75.7% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+23.5%
30% below US avg
High School+90.0%
C+ Education Grade (2.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density5,036/sq mi
Total Area947.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access75.7%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Town

What is the population of Cape Town?

Cape Town has a population of 4,772,846 residents and is located in South Africa. The population density is 5,036 people per square mile, spread across 947.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.

Is Cape Town expensive to live in?

Cape Town is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 40.5 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Cape Town?

Cape Town enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 70°F in January, while summers reach an average of 52°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 136.

How is the job market in Cape Town?

The job market in Cape Town faces challenges, with unemployment at 32.4% — significantly above the national rate of 3.6%.

How are the schools in Cape Town?

23.5% of adults in Cape Town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Cape Town?

The obesity rate in Cape Town is 30.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 24.1% of adults are smokers. 21.1% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Rosebank 10,000 pop · 3.6 mi Newlands 5,343 pop · 3.9 mi Rondebosch 15,158 pop · 4.0 mi Claremont 14,531 pop · 4.5 mi Athlone 237,414 pop · 5.4 mi Century City 4,239 pop · 5.7 mi Lansdowne 17,399 pop · 6.0 mi Sunset Beach 2,000 pop · 6.4 mi Constantia 6,922 pop · 7.3 mi Bergvliet 3,902 pop · 8.6 mi Retreat 25,745 pop · 9.4 mi Muizenberg 36,857 pop · 12.3 mi Melkbosstrand 13,542 pop · 13.8 mi Durbanville 54,286 pop · 14.5 mi
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