Capitola, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,689
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$102,976/yr
6.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,160
1.4% year-over-year change

Capitola population

How many people live in Capitola

Capitola is home to 9,689 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Capitola locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
9,689
-1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
5,014
Female
48.2%
4,675
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,014 51.8% 2.2%
Female 4,675 48.2% -4.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Capitola is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.5% are children under 15, then 8.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.5%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
24.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,215 12.5% -9.2%
15 to 24 865 8.9% -3.9%
25 to 44 2,537 26.2% -2.0%
45 to 64 2,671 27.6% 3.5%
Over 65 2,401 24.8% -0.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Capitola, 84.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 4.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.5%
Non-citizens
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,145 84.1% -1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 724 7.5% 12.1%
Non-citizens 820 8.5% -6.7%
Racial breakdown
White
69.6%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12%
Other
12.6%
Value Percent
White 6,746 69.6%
Black or African American 118 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.3%
Asian 407 4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 3 0%
Two or more races 1,167 12%
Other 1,221 12.6%

Households in Capitola

A peek inside Capitola households

Capitola has 4,564 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.5% are families, while the remaining 51.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,564
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,352
Family households
2,212
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,352 51.5% 5.8%
Family households 2,212 48.5% -3.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Capitola

The housing landscape of Capitola

Capitola's housing consists of 5,160 units, with 37.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 11% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,160
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,927 37.3%
1 unit, attached 393 7.6%
2 units 367 7.1%
3 or 4 units 915 17.7%
5 to 9 units 319 6.2%
10 to 19 units 277 5.4%
20 to 49 units 154 3%
50 or more units 242 4.7%
Mobile home 566 11%
Homes built since 2020
20
150.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Capitola

In Capitola, the median construction year is 1975. About 7.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 386 7.5% -5.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 255 4.9% 41.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 366 7.1% -9.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 991 19.2% 4.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,264 24.5% 1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 678 13.1% 1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 488 9.5% -6.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 441 8.6% -6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 271 5.2% 15.8%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.4% 150.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Capitola occupancy rates

Out of the 4,564 occupied housing units in Capitola, 52.2% are owner-occupied, while 47.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,564
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,183
Owner occupied
2,381
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,183 47.8% -2.6%
Owner occupied 2,381 52.2% 5.1%
Unoccupied housing units
11.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Capitola housing costs

Housing costs in Capitola come to a median of $2,387 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,512.

Median housing costs per month
$2,387/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Capitola
$2,512/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Capitola

Capitola education at a glance

About 17.5% of the population in Capitola went to high school, while 22.1% pursued college studies. Another 11.8% earned an associate degree and 27.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 275 3.3% -0.4%
High school diploma 1,439 17.5% -9.8%
College diploma 1,818 22.1% -0.1%
Associate degree 971 11.8% -1.4%
Bachelor's degree 2,259 27.4% -0.6%
Graduate degree 1,473 17.9% 18.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Capitola

How much people earn in Capitola

The average annual household income in Capitola was $149,015 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $102,976, reflecting a +6.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Capitola
$149,015/year
11.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Capitola
$102,976/year
6.8% year-over-year change

Capitola income by age

In Capitola, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $113,833. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $129,331 overall. Overall, 87% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $113,833 10.4%
45 - 64 $129,331 8.5%
Over 65 $77,000 15.2%
Above poverty level
8,223
Below poverty level
1,223
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,223 87% -0.1%
Below poverty level 1,223 13% -8.9%

Average renter income in Capitola

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Capitola, their median household income was $90,913 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$90,913
Rent-to-income ratio
33.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Capitola

Workforce and job types in Capitola

The job market in Capitola is powered by 5,078 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.2% run their own businesses, 57.4% are employed by private companies, and 16.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,078
-1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
4,555
Blue collar
523
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,555 89.7% -0.1%
Blue collar 523 10.3% -15.4%
Employer type
Self employees
18.2%
Private companies
57.4%
Governmental workers
16.4%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 923 18.2% -6.8%
Private companies 2,916 57.4% -3.1%
Governmental workers 831 16.4% 4.3%
Not for profit companies 408 8% 7.7%
Unemployment rate
2.7%
7.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Capitola stands at 2.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Capitola

How people get around in Capitola

In Capitola, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 59.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,907 59.9% -4.3%
Taxicab 23 0.5% -17.9%
Bus or trolleybus 53 1.1% -7.0%
Motorcycle 65 1.3% 47.7%
Bicycle 91 1.9% 51.7%
Walk 226 4.7% -25.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Capitola by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95003 24,951 9,905 $148,412 $193,251
95010 8,707 4,242 $105,236 $148,269

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FAQs about Capitola demographics 

What is the total population of Capitola?

Capitola has a total population of 9,689 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Capitola?

The gender ratio in Capitola is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (5,014 residents)
  • 48.2% females (4,675 residents)

What is the median age in Capitola?

The median age in Capitola is 47.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Capitola?

The age distribution in Capitola is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.5% (1,215 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.9% (865 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (2,537 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (2,671 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.8% (2,401 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Capitola?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Capitola is as follows:
  • White: 69.6% (6,746 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (118 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 4.2% (407 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (3 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12% (1,167 residents)
  • Other: 12.6% (1,221 residents)

What percentage of the population in Capitola are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.1% of the population in Capitola.

How many housing units are there in Capitola?

There are 5,160 housing units in Capitola, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Capitola and what is the average household size?

Capitola has a total of 4,564 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Capitola?

Capitola has a median household income of $102,976, representing a +6.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Capitola?

The employment rate is 97.3% in Capitola, with a workforce of 5,078 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.7% (4,555 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.3% (523 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.2% (923 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.4% (2,916 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.4% (831 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (408 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025