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Per capita

Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head with Per meaning 'through' or 'by'...and...capita (sg.: caput) meaning 'heads'. Both words together equate to the phrase 'for each head'.

It is usually used in the field of statistics to indicate the average per person for any given concern, such as income, crime rate, etc.

It is also used in wills to indicate that each of the named beneficiaries should receive, by devise or bequest, equal shares of the estate. This is in contrast to a per stirpes division, in which each branch of the inheriting family inherits an equal share of the estate. But this only applies to West Virginia and people who live in Bannerville, PA. It is usually a sum divided by an amount of people.

See also

• Per capita income
• Crime rate