Median Income
$34,710
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,400
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
937/100K
147% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.8%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Capitola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population306
Median Age51.4 yrs
Density130/mi²
Male / Female33% / 67%
Largest GroupWhite 59%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$34,710
Per Capita$43,860
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$23,568M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,400
Rent$775
Ownership87.7%
Zillow$286,955
Housing Units167
Rent Burden34.5%
Crime
F
Violent937/100K
Property4,841/100K
Health
Obesity31.8%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking10.8%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (20°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain58.8 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation105 ft (32 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute23 min
Broadband83.9%
EV Stations53
Libraries7
Is Capitola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Capitola receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Capitola has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Capitola is $34,710, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Capitola is $117,400, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 937 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,841 per 100,000, 147% above the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Capitola enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 58.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Capitola has a population of 306 with a density of 130 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 51.4 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 67% female and 33% male. The city is predominantly White (59.2%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 36.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.4yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Capitola is $34,710, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,860 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,191, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 11,134 business establishments, including 735 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,710 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,860 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,191 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.506 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 11,134 |
| County GDP | $23,568M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 735 |
| Healthcare | 876 |
| Retail | 977 |
| Manufacturing | 100 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,835 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Capitola is $117,400, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,955, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 167 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $5,835 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,400 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $286,955 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.3% |
| Housing Units | 167 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,835 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.97% |
In Capitola, 31.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 10.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 18.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 17.7% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,131. The dentist ratio is 1:1,836. 83.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Capitola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.8% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.1% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,131 |
| Dentists | 1:1,836 |
| Mental Health | 1:337 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,452/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 876 |
Capitola has a violent crime rate of 937 per 100,000 residents, 147% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,841 per 100,000, 147% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 37 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Capitola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Capitola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 937.2/100K |
| 147% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,840.8/100K |
| 147% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 37 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Capitola enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 306 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 58.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 105 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.5°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 105 ft (32 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 130/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.4424°N, 84.0792°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Leon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tallahassee International (TLH) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.8"
55% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.52"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0389 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
89 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
74 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
18 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
278 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
160 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
267 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
183 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 3 |
50 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
382 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 54 fatalities, 631 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
78 km |
11 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
84 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
83 km |
11 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
65 km |
7 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
63 km |
4 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 1968 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
39 km |
2 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2023 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2014 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: EAST FORK (26,251 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
EAST FORK |
26,251 |
56 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
BU 360 361 362 363 |
24,747 |
55 km |
| 1998 |
HOLIDAY |
24,666 |
55 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
24,574 |
55 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
18,704 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
11,747 |
41 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
11,539 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
11,445 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
BU 83/84/85 |
10,582 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
10,261 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,132 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,098 |
19 km |
| 2008 |
GUM BAY |
9,965 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,352 |
50 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,252 |
50 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
9,117 |
20 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,688 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
8,424 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
BURN UNIT 057 |
8,381 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.7 in |
|
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Capitola has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 52°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.5") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Capitola. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $779 |
| Toddler | $684 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $595 |
| Preschool | $585 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Capitola
What is the population of Capitola?
Capitola has a population of 306 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 130 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 67% female and 33% male.
Is Capitola expensive to live in?
Capitola has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $34,710, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,400 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Capitola safe?
Public safety is a concern in Capitola, with a violent crime rate of 937 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,841 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Capitola receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Capitola?
Capitola enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 58.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Capitola?
The unemployment rate in Capitola is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,191. There are 11,134 business establishments in the area, including 735 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Capitola?
The median home value in Capitola is $117,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,955. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,835.
How are the schools in Capitola?
Schools in Capitola score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Capitola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Capitola?
The obesity rate in Capitola is 31.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.8% of adults are smokers. 18.1% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 83.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,131.
What is transportation like in Capitola?
The average commute in Capitola is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Capitola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Capitola is 59.2% White, 36.9% Black or African American, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.