FloridaPop. 215,536Mid-size cities
Is Cape Coral a Good Place to Live? Cape Coral, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cape Coral ranks #967 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 256 mid-size cities and #53 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.4%, #31 of 241), and trails on long commutes (29.9 min, #204 of 256).
Cape Coral by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cape Coral's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Cape Coral: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Cape Coral safe?
What is the cost of living in Cape Coral?
Cape Coral's cost of living index is 102.3, 2% above the US level of 100 and #806 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,858/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $335,825, 11% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Cape Coral | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 102.3#806 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $335,825#483 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,949/mo#680 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $373,500#721 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,858/mo#1008 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 28.5%#1211 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Cape Coral housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Cape Coral is in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Cape Coral safe?
Cape Coral Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Cape Coral and we don't rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Cape Coral?
The median household in Cape Coral earns $78,104, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and in line with Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cape Coral | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $78,104#652 of 1,312 | $77,735 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 10.7%#553 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.4%#173 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Cape Coral?
The median resident of Cape Coral is 48.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #909 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 77.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cape Coral | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 48.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 26.9%#909 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 77.2% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Cape Coral's schools and health?
Cape Coral's 22 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 22 students per teacher and $12,108 spent per pupil. 30.6% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Cape Coral | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 87.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22#1022 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,108#946 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 30.6%#428 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.4%#1042 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 23,824 students are enrolled in Cape Coral's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cape Coral?
The average commute in Cape Coral is 29.9 minutes (Florida 28.9); 0.3% of workers take transit and 15% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cape Coral scores 9.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83°F and winters 66.4°F, with 57.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cape Coral | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 29.9 min#1100 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.7%#1042 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73.6% | 69% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 15% | 15.5% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 9.3#777 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 75 | 54.3 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 78 | 56.6 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 81.1 | 59.6 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 85.3 | 64.3 | 2.4 |
| May | 89.5 | 69.1 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 91 | 73.6 | 9.7 |
| Jul | 91.6 | 74.7 | 9.4 |
| Aug | 91.7 | 75.1 | 10.4 |
| Sep | 90 | 74.3 | 9 |
| Oct | 86.6 | 69.4 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 81.3 | 61.8 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 77.3 | 57.3 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Myers Page Fld Airport.
| Measure | Cape Coral | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 75.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 83°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 66.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 57.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Myers Page Fld Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cape Coral?
Lee County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.32% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Cape Coral | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.32%#1125 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lee County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lee County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.2% | 93% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0089% | 81% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0031% | 72% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 33% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 24% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Cape Coral compare with similar-size cities?
Cape Coral is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #180 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 215,536.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #967 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year | 29.9 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #1110 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 | 28.8 min |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Fontana, CAPop. 214,169 | #674 | 55.5 | $102,821 | $1,839/mo | 244 | 33.4 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 min |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #1144 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 | 19.1 min |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #262 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 | 35.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Cape Coral compare with the rest of Florida?
Cape Coral ranks #53 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 50.6 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn in line with the Florida median. Homes are 11% below the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Sunrise, FLPop. 97,918 | … #49 | 51.0 | $77,652 | $2,140/mo | part year |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #50 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 |
| Coconut Creek, FLPop. 58,330 | #51 | 50.9 | $75,014 | $2,102/mo | part year |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #52 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #53 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year |
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #54 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #55 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #56 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 |
| The Hammocks, FLPop. 58,838 | #57 | 49.7 | $85,628 | $2,187/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Cape Coral among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is Cape Coral's score calculated?
Cape Coral scores 50.6 out of 100, #967 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Florida's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Cape Coral. Similar-size median 52.9.
53.4 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cape Coral. Similar-size median 53.8.
58.1 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cape Coral's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
42.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Cape Coral's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
58.2 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cape Coral. Similar-size median 51.2.
54.5 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cape Coral. Similar-size median 42.1.
54.8 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cape Coral. Similar-size median 50.1.
42.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cape Coral's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
43.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
35.3 - SafetyNot scored
Cape Coral's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cape Coral's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Cape Coral has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Cape Coral
Is Cape Coral, FL a good place to live?
Cape Coral ranks #967 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 256 mid-size cities and #53 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.4%, #31 of 241), and trails on long commutes (29.9 min, #204 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Cape Coral?
Cape Coral's cost of living index is 102.3, 2% above the US level of 100 and #806 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,858/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $335,825, 11% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
Is Cape Coral safe?
Cape Coral Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Cape Coral and we don't rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Cape Coral?
The median household in Cape Coral earns $78,104, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and in line with Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cape Coral?
Median rent in Cape Coral is $1,858/mo (Census), #1008 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,949/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cape Coral?
The typical home value in Cape Coral is $335,825, down 3.9% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $373,500.
How are the public schools in Cape Coral?
Cape Coral's 22 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 22 students per teacher and $12,108 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cape Coral?
The average commute is 29.9 minutes, #1100 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 9.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cape Coral?
Cape Coral averages 75.4°F over the year, 83°F in summer and 66.4°F in winter, with 57.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cape Coral walkable?
Cape Coral scores 9.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Cape Coral at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.32% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Cape Coral?
Lee County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Cape Coral?
Cape Coral has 215,536 residents. The median resident of Cape Coral is 48.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #909 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 77.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cape Coral compare with the rest of Florida?
Cape Coral ranks #53 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 50.6 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn in line with the Florida median. Homes are 11% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Cape Coral?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cape Coral's population of 215,536 are Baton Rouge, LA (#1234 overall), Tacoma, WA (#1110 overall), Frisco, TX (#141 overall), Spring Valley, NV (#959 overall), and Fontana, CA (#674 overall). Cape Coral is #967.