per capita

adverb or adjective

per cap·​i·​ta (ˌ)pər-ˈka-pə-tə 

1

: per unit of population : by or for each person

the highest income per capita of any state in the union

2

: equally to each individual

Synonyms of per capita

• a shot
• each
• per
• a pop

Examples of per capita in a Sentence

we expect the students to receive less funding per capita this year due to a marked increase in the school-age population

Recent Examples on the Web

The segment’s average per capita ticket revenue still rose 5%. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

It was promised a billion dollars, the most money per capita of any state. — Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026

Chicago’s homicide rate has been declining for several years, however, and the city does not lead the nation in killings per capita. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Connecticut still carries more than $30 billion in unfunded pension obligations, one of the highest burdens per capita of any state. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, by heads

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

per capita

adverb or adjective

per cap·​i·​ta (ˌ)pər-ˈkap-ət-ə 

: by or for each person

per capita income

Legal Definition

per capita

adverb or adjective

per cap·​i·​ta pər-ˈka-pə-tə 

1

: equally to each individual

all property to pass to the descendants per capita

—used of a method of distributing an especially intestate estate compare per stirpes

Note: Per capita distribution of an estate provides each descendant with an equal share of the estate's assets regardless of the degree of his or her kinship. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc., all receive equal shares.

2

: per unit of population : by or for each individual

a high per capita tax burden

Etymology

Medieval Latin, by heads