C-
49%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
32%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
65%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCapitola/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime298n/a (estimate)3,1502,5642,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape5n/a52.936.637.5
Robbery6n/a63.4119.160.6
Assault12n/a126.9325.8256.1
Violent crime23n/a (estimate)243486359
Burglary14n/a148.0305.8229.2
Theft247n/a2,611.31,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft14n/a148.0427.5258.8
Property crime275n/a (estimate)2,9072,0781,760

Capitola crime map

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The Capitola crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Capitola as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Capitola crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Capitola crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Capitola, CA

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 Locals Say About Crime in Capitola?

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?

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.

Has Crime in Capitola Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime 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.

Compare Capitola, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Capitola crime rates are 49% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Capitola are 32% lower than the national average
      • In Capitola you have a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Capitola is safer than 25% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Capitola has increased by 33%

      Capitola, CA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Capitola (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Capitola, CA per 100,000 people. In Capitola, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.23 times more than the California average and 1.49 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Capitola is 2.00 times less than the California average and 1.48 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Capitola has a daily crime rate that is 1.40 times more than the California average and 1.65 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Capitola (higher is better)

        Is Capitola safe in comparison to other cities in the state of California as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Capitola to other cities in the state and across the country, Capitola is 45% safer than other cities of California and 25% safer than other cities in the nation. Capitola has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Capitola

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Capitola is 1 in 412
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Capitola is 1 in 35
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Capitola is 1 in 32
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Capitola, California you have a 1 in 412 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 35 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Capitola.

        Year Over Year Crime In Capitola (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Capitola is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Capitola has decreased by 11%, while the property crime rate in Capitola has increased by 39% year over year. The number of total crimes in Capitola has increased by 33% year over year.

        Capitola police department

        Item Capitola California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2951,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.93.63.3
        There are a total of 29 Capitola police officers. This results in 2.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 20.4% less than the California average and 11.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Mount Hermon, CA1,42768292360
        Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, CA1,43368292360
        Pasatiempo, CA1,26068292360
        Brookdale, CA1,34572309381
        Lexington Hills, CA2,74576326402
        Bonny Doon, CA3,04276326402
        Corralitos, CA2,31976326402
        Capitola, CA10,4922432,9073,150

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Panthersville, GA10,4943441,7702,114
        Elgin, TX10,4901731,4691,642
        Struthers, OH10,4982831,0731,357
        Rotonda, FL10,500149793942
        Mapleton, UT10,50682343425
        Capitola, CA10,4922432,9073,150
        Source: The Capitola, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.