Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Capitola, CA
Considering a move to Capitola, CA? This charming coastal city of 10,200 residents offers a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful weather with 72% sunny days, and easy access to beaches. While the median home price is on the higher end at $995,000 and average rents are around $2,400, Capitola boasts a welcoming community, solid schools, and short 27-minute commutes. Crime rates are moderate, and residents enjoy proximity to quality healthcare and higher education options. Discover more about living in this scenic beachside community below.
Demographics - Capitola, CA
Demographics - Capitola, CA
Capitola is a small coastal city with a population of about 10,200, featuring a moderate population density and a median age of 44.1 years, reflecting a blend of retirees and working professionals. The community is predominantly White (about 76%), with a notable Hispanic and diverse presence and around 16% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The gender balance is fairly even, making the city welcoming for all ages and backgrounds.
Population:
10,200
Density:
4,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.8%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
3.7%
Others:
19.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Capitola, CA?
Living in Capitola comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a median home value nearing $1 million and average rents around $2,400 per month. Utilities and daily expenses are above the national average, with a cost of living index of 183.2, making it important for prospective residents to budget accordingly. State taxes are variable, and housing costs are the primary driver of the area's overall expenses.
Median House Value:
$995,000
Gross Rent:
$2,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$930
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
183.2
Grocery:
122.0
Housing:
322.5
Utilities:
112.4
Transportation:
138.0
Health Care:
124.0
Miscellaneous:
121.0
Crime
Is Capitola, CA a safe place to live?
Capitola experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 211 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,410 per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 474, while property crimes are more common at 1 in 42. Overall, residents generally feel safe, though it’s wise to take standard precautions, especially regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
211
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,410
Crime Index:
2,621
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 474
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Capitola, CA year-round?
Capitola enjoys a mild coastal climate, with summer highs averaging in the low 70s and winter lows in the low 40s. The city receives about 32 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 72% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. The pleasant weather is a major draw for those seeking a relaxed beachside lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
73°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Residents of Capitola benefit from a friendly, educated community, with over 92% having completed high school and nearly 40% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Median household income is approximately $77,200, and the poverty rate is below the national average at 10.8%. Commute times average 27 minutes, and most locals rely on cars for transportation.
Median Income:
$48,500
Household Income:
$77,200
Family Income:
$101,400
Per Capita Income:
$49,500
Income Male:
$55,800
Income Female:
$45,700
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
16.1%
Rent:
$2,400
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
3.4%
Commute Time:
27.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
39.6%
Education
How are the schools in Capitola, CA?
Capitola offers access to quality public and private schools, such as Soquel Elementary and New Brighton Middle, both known for supportive learning environments. Families benefit from nearby higher education options, including Cabrillo College just 2 miles away and UC Santa Cruz within an 8-mile drive. The city's strong educational infrastructure makes it appealing for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Soquel Elementary School
Street:
2700 Porter St
Phone:
831-464-5655
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Name:
New Brighton Middle School
Street:
250 Washburn Ave
Phone:
831-464-5660
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Private Schools
Name:
Twin Lakes Christian School
Street:
2701 Cabrillo College Dr
Phone:
831-465-3302
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Cabrillo College
City:
Aptos
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
11,500
Name:
UC Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
19,000
Healthcare
Capitola is served by several reputable hospitals, including Dominican Hospital and Watsonville Community Hospital, both offering emergency services. The area boasts a strong healthcare network, with 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of the population insured. Access to quality medical care is a key benefit for those living in this coastal community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Dominican Hospital
Address:
1555 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone:
(831) 462-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Watsonville Community Hospital
Address:
75 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone:
(831) 724-4741
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Capitola, CA?
The housing market in Capitola is competitive, with a median home price around $995,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $2,400. Owner-occupancy rates are below half at 44.7%, reflecting a strong rental market, while home values have appreciated by 3.4% over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating stable demand.
Median Home Price:
$995,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Capitola residents are served locally by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at 4200 Capitola Rd, making vehicle registration and licensing convenient. The DMV provides full services and can be reached at 1-800-777-0133 or online. Proximity to a local branch streamlines essential transportation needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4200 Capitola Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.