Cape Canaveral
cityCape Canaveral is a coastal city in Brevard County, Florida, situated on a barrier island along the Atlantic coast. Known as "The Space Between" or "Space City", it's part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city had a population of approximately 9,972 residents as of the 2020 Census, and recent estimates suggest a population around 10,014 in 2024. Cape Canaveral offers a mix of residential options, hotels, and timeshares, contributing to its appeal as both a home and a tourist destination. Cape Canaveral's economy is diverse, with key industries including accommodation and food services, healthcare and social assistance, and public administration. Many residents are employed in the service industry, engineering firms, and at the nearby Kennedy Space Center. The city's proximity to major space industry players like SpaceX and Boeing, along with Port Canaveral, a major cruise port, significantly influences its economic landscape. Cape Canaveral is distinctive for its rich history tied to space exploration and its coastal environment. It's home to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and is near the Kennedy Space Center, making it a central hub for U.S. space missions. The city also boasts a range of recreational opportunities, from beaches and parks to cultural and community events, enhancing its quality of life.
Cape Canaveral, Florida
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 12-10250
- Country
- United States
- County
- Brevard County
- Region
- Space Coast
- Elevation
- 10 ft
- Total Area
- 2.26 sq mi
- Land Area
- 2.22 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.04 sq mi
- Latitude
- 28.38833
- Longitude
- -80.60361
- Climate
- Temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters
- Notable Features
- Banana River · Atlantic Ocean · Port Canaveral · Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Neighboring Areas
- Merritt Island · Cocoa Beach
- Population (2020)
- 9,972
- Est. Population (2024)
- 10,014
- Median Age
- 59.5
- Median Income
- $67,276
- Poverty Rate
- 9.64%
- Family Households
- 42.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 61%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the city is 85.9% White, 9.1% Hispanic, and 2.5% Two or More Races.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Brevard Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Community Affairs





























- Unemployment Rate
- 4.5%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Commercial · Tourism
- Employment Sectors
- Accommodation & Food Services · Health Care & Social Assistance · Public Administration
- Major Employers
- Harris Corporation · Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
- Schools
- 1
- Students
- 293
- School Districts
- Brevard Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Eastern Florida State College (nearby)
- Transportation
- SR A1A · SR 528 · Access to Interstate
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Power · Broadband
- Major Facilities
- Port Canaveral (nearby) · Cape Canaveral Hospital (in Cocoa Beach) · Space Coast Regional Airport (in Titusville)
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Cherie Down Park · Jetty Park (at Port Canaveral) · Manatee Sanctuary Park
- Parks & Trails
- City parks · Beaches
- Founded
- 1963
- Incorporated
- 1963
- Named After
- Canebrake (Cañaveral in Spanish)
- Historical Significance
- Significant site for U.S. space exploration and missile development.
- Key Events
- First discovered by Ponce de León in 1513 · Became missile testing site in 1950 · Played a central role in the Mercury and Apollo space programs · City incorporated in 1963 · Briefly renamed Cape Kennedy (1963-1973)
