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Cape Canaveral

city

Cape 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

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
12-10250
Country
United States
County
Brevard County
Geography
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
Demographics
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.
Governance
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
Economy
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
Education
Schools
1
Students
293
School Districts
Brevard Public Schools
Colleges & Universities
Eastern Florida State College (nearby)
Infrastructure
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)
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Cherie Down Park · Jetty Park (at Port Canaveral) · Manatee Sanctuary Park
Parks & Trails
City parks · Beaches
History
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)