Capitola, CA
Population 9,813 · California
About Capitola, CA
Capitola is a small town located in California with a population of 9,813 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $96,412 per year, which is 28% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Capitola features a median home value of $746,000, which is 205% above the national median of $244,900. This places Capitola in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,376, 104% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,086 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (2,265 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (2,241 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Capitola shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Capitola have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.6% of Capitola residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 21.8% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 8.0% Asian residents, with 14.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Capitola, CA
Compared to national averages, Capitola has a median household income of $96,412 (28% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $746,000, which is 205% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,376 is 104% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Capitola's income is 1% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 14% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Capitola, CA?
Capitola offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $96,412, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 45.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $746,000. However, Capitola’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Capitola has a population of 9,813 with a median age of 46.3 years. Compare Capitola with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Capitola
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Pendleton Mainside | 9,801 | $56,250 | $0 | Compare |
| Madera Acres | 9,758 | $76,033 | $319,700 | Compare |
| Rio Vista | 10,002 | $86,970 | $480,300 | Compare |
| Country Club | 10,017 | $79,506 | $349,700 | Compare |
| Orange Cove | 9,607 | $38,447 | $232,900 | Compare |
| Fairview | 10,033 | $148,801 | $915,100 | Compare |
| East Whittier | 10,061 | $105,104 | $750,700 | Compare |
| Spring Valley Lake | 10,098 | $93,040 | $439,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Capitola With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Capitola
What is the population of Capitola, CA?
The population of Capitola, CA is 9,813 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Capitola?
The median household income in Capitola, CA is $96,412 per year, which is 28% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Capitola?
The median home value in Capitola, CA is $746,000, which is 205% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Capitola?
The median monthly rent in Capitola, CA is $2,376, which is 104% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Capitola?
The unemployment rate in Capitola, CA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Capitola, CA a good place to live?
Capitola offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,813 and a median age of 46.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Capitola, CA?
45.6% of residents in Capitola aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Capitola?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Capitola, CA: median home value is $746,000 (205% above national), median rent is $2,376/month, and median household income is $96,412. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Capitola?
The poverty rate in Capitola, CA is 13.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Capitola, CA?
Capitola's population is 21.8% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 8.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 14.5% of residents are foreign-born.