Cape Elizabeth demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,655
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$146,054/yr
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,994
-0.3% year-over-year change

Cape Elizabeth population

How many people live in Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth is home to 9,655 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.7% of Cape Elizabeth locals are male, and 54.3% are female.

Total population
9,655
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.7%
4,412
Female
54.3%
5,244
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,412 45.7% -2.8%
Female 5,244 54.3% 4.0%
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 Cape Elizabeth is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.2% are children under 15, then 7.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.3% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.2%
15 to 24
7.8%
25 to 44
17.3%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
25.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,044 21.2% 12.7%
15 to 24 752 7.8% -10.1%
25 to 44 1,671 17.3% 10.3%
45 to 64 2,724 28.2% -8.0%
Over 65 2,465 25.5% 0.4%
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 Cape Elizabeth, 91.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.2%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,806 91.2% 2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 596 6.2% -15.2%
Non-citizens 254 2.6% -10.2%
Racial breakdown
White
92.7%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 8,948 92.7%
Black or African American 24 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.1%
Asian 99 1%
Two or more races 540 5.6%
Other 37 0.4%

Households in Cape Elizabeth

A peek inside Cape Elizabeth households

Cape Elizabeth has 3,745 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 76.3% are families, while the remaining 23.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,745
-1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
886
Family households
2,859
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 886 23.7% -6.2%
Family households 2,859 76.3% 0.2%
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 Cape Elizabeth

The housing landscape of Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth's housing consists of 3,994 units, with 90.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,994
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,601 90.2%
1 unit, attached 234 5.9%
2 units 48 1.2%
3 or 4 units 96 2.4%
5 to 9 units 15 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
44
-10.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cape Elizabeth

In Cape Elizabeth, the median construction year is 1967. About 19.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 769 19.2% -8.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 446 11.2% 3.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 354 8.9% 21.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 657 16.4% -6.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 413 10.3% -22.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 518 13% -3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 543 13.6% 51.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 136 3.4% -11.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 114 2.8% 5.6%
Built in 2020 or later 44 1.1% -10.2%
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.

Cape Elizabeth occupancy rates

Out of the 3,745 occupied housing units in Cape Elizabeth, 88.1% are owner-occupied, while 11.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,745
-1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
446
Owner occupied
3,299
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 446 11.9% 2.5%
Owner occupied 3,299 88.1% -1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
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.

Cape Elizabeth housing costs

Housing costs in Cape Elizabeth come to a median of $2,144 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,185.

Median housing costs per month
$2,144/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 Cape Elizabeth
$2,185/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.
From pricing shifts to community dynamics
Get a clearer picture of the rental market in Cape Elizabeth
See average rent

Education in Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth education at a glance

About 11.9% of the population in Cape Elizabeth went to high school, while 9% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 31.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 39.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 22 0.3% 1,000.0%
High school diploma 852 11.9% 1.3%
College diploma 647 9% 9.3%
Associate degree 524 7.3% -0.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,278 31.8% -7.3%
Graduate degree 2,838 39.6% -3.3%
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 Cape Elizabeth

How much people earn in Cape Elizabeth

The average annual household income in Cape Elizabeth was $90,997 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $146,054, reflecting a +0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cape Elizabeth
$90,997/year
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cape Elizabeth
$146,054/year
0.4% year-over-year change

Cape Elizabeth income by age

In Cape Elizabeth, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $147,200. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $186,383 overall. Overall, 95.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $147,200 3.6%
45 - 64 $186,383 -3.3%
Over 65 $101,582 -0.5%
Above poverty level
9,084
Below poverty level
467
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,084 95.1% -0.5%
Below poverty level 467 4.9% 23.9%

Employment in Cape Elizabeth

Workforce and job types in Cape Elizabeth

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, 15.4% run their own businesses, 54.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,248
Blue collar
489
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,248 89.7% -1.8%
Blue collar 489 10.3% -26.2%
Employer type
Self employees
15.4%
Private companies
54.8%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 729 15.4% -22.2%
Private companies 2,594 54.8% -3.2%
Governmental workers 667 14.1% 19.1%
Not for profit companies 747 15.8% -8.0%

Transportation in Cape Elizabeth

How people get around in Cape Elizabeth

In Cape Elizabeth, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
-4.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,991 97.4% -10.5%
Taxicab 18 0.6% -33.3%
Bicycle 10 0.3% 42.9%
Walk 52 1.7% -40.2%
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.

FAQs about Cape Elizabeth demographics 

What is the total population of Cape Elizabeth?

Cape Elizabeth has a total population of 9,655 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cape Elizabeth?

The gender ratio in Cape Elizabeth is as follows:
  • 45.7% males (4,412 residents)
  • 54.3% females (5,244 residents)

What is the median age in Cape Elizabeth?

The median age in Cape Elizabeth is 47.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cape Elizabeth?

The age distribution in Cape Elizabeth is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.2% (2,044 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.8% (752 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.3% (1,671 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (2,724 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.5% (2,465 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Elizabeth?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Elizabeth is as follows:
  • White: 92.7% (8,948 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (24 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (99 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (540 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (37 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.2% of the population in Cape Elizabeth.

How many housing units are there in Cape Elizabeth?

There are 3,994 housing units in Cape Elizabeth, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cape Elizabeth has a total of 3,745 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cape Elizabeth?

Cape Elizabeth has a median household income of $146,054, representing a +0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Cape Elizabeth?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.7% (4,248 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.3% (489 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.4% (729 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.8% (2,594 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (667 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.8% (747 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