| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Capitola/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 298 | n/a (estimate) | 3,150 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 52.9 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 63.4 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 126.9 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 243 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 14 | n/a | 148.0 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 247 | n/a | 2,611.3 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 148.0 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 275 | n/a (estimate) | 2,907 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Capitola crime rate is higher than the national average by 48.7%. Specifically, there were 23 violent crimes in Capitola, equivalent to 243 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 32.3%. Furthermore, Capitola recorded 275 property crimes, amounting to 2907 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 65.2%.
In the most recently reported crime year, Capitola registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
What do the local residents think about crime in Capitola? Well, based on a recent survey of 7 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 71% of Capitola residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 29% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Capitola a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Capitola has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 49%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.82 daily incidents, encompassing 0.06 violent crimes and 0.75 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Capitola as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Capitola. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Capitola has decreased by 27.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 4.6%, while property crime has decreased by 28.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Capitola.
Capitola has a poverty rate that stands at 13, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Capitola crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Capitola has a population density of 6585.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Capitola crime rates.
In Capitola, 91.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
| Item | Capitola | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 29 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mount Hermon, CA | 1,427 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, CA | 1,433 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Pasatiempo, CA | 1,260 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Brookdale, CA | 1,345 | 72 | 309 | 381 |
| Lexington Hills, CA | 2,745 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Bonny Doon, CA | 3,042 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Corralitos, CA | 2,319 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Capitola, CA | 10,492 | 243 | 2,907 | 3,150 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Panthersville, GA | 10,494 | 344 | 1,770 | 2,114 |
| Elgin, TX | 10,490 | 173 | 1,469 | 1,642 |
| Struthers, OH | 10,498 | 283 | 1,073 | 1,357 |
| Rotonda, FL | 10,500 | 149 | 793 | 942 |
| Mapleton, UT | 10,506 | 82 | 343 | 425 |
| Capitola, CA | 10,492 | 243 | 2,907 | 3,150 |