What to know when moving to Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 29.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and a renter percentage of 23.1%.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $66,933, which is a strong point for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $1,665, housing can be a bit pricey here.
- Commute:
- Only 0.6% of residents use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,665 in rent to secure a place in this area.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Cape Coral is home to a population of 32,925, where nearly a third hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting a moderately educated community. The area has a relatively low poverty rate of 8.6%, indicating a stable economic environment. However, only 23.1% of residents are renters, suggesting that homeownership is prevalent. With just 0.6% of the population using public transit, residents predominantly rely on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for an affordable rental option; the median gross rent is $1,665, which may be high for some budgets.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,665, indicating a relatively high cost for renters.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $347,100, which reflects the local real estate market.
- 29.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to the community's educational background.
- Poverty rate stands at 8.6%, showing a lower-than-average economic struggle in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Schools & Higher Ed
In Cape Coral, you have access to a total of 14 postsecondary institutions, with 13 that have College Scorecard data available.
- Cape Coral Technical College
- Aveda Institute-Fort Myers
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida SouthWestern State College
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While detailed climate data is unavailable, Cape Coral offers several outdoor spots worth exploring. Nearby parks and recreational areas provide residents with leisure opportunities.
- Lakes Park - Rated 4.7 based on 6,566 reviews
- Manatee Park - Rated 4.5 based on 6,037 reviews
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve - Rated 4.8 based on 4,455 reviews
- Sun Splash Family Waterpark - Rated 4.1 based on 2,946 reviews
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Lee County, the unemployment rate is currently 4.9%, with 358,183 employed individuals out of a labor force of 376,820.
- Unemployment rate: 4.9% (as of December 2025)
- Employed: 358,183
- Labor force: 376,820
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.