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Cape Girardeau, MO

Missouri

Cape Girardeau is a mid-size city in Missouri with a population of 40,047. Residents earn $54,870 per year, which is 27% below the national average.

3.4 /5.0
B Good
40,047 Population 1,369/sq mi density
$54,870 Median Income $33,295 per capita
$186,100 Home Value $215,152 Zillow
$855 Median Rent 29.4% income on rent
57°F Avg Temperature 251 sunny days/yr
579 Violent Crime/100K 4,596 property/100K
B
Overall
3.4 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.8 / 5.0
$54,870 median income, 2.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.8 / 5.0
$186,100 home value, $855/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
579 violent crimes/100K (52% above avg)
B+
Education
3.9 / 5.0
36.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $54,870
27% lower than US avg
Home Value $186,100
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 579/100K
52% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 36.6%
9% higher than US avg
Median Rent $855
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment 2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 9.9%
20% lower than US avg

How Cape Girardeau Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population40,047
Median Age34.2 yrs
Density1,369/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans6.3%

Economy

B+
Median Income$54,870
Per Capita$33,295
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty9.9%
Commute16 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$186,100
Rent$855
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$215,152
Housing Units18,284
Rent Burden29.4%

Crime

F
Violent579/100K
Property4,596/100K
Murder10.3/100K
Assault372/100K
Burglary861/100K

Health

Obesity38.0%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking17.8%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease6.0%

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.0 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation367 ft (112 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+36.6%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+13.6%
School Score5.71

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute16 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations12

Is Cape Girardeau a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Cape Girardeau receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Cape Girardeau offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Cape Girardeau is $54,870, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Cape Girardeau is $186,100, 34% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $855 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 579 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,596 per 100,000, 134% above the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 36.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.

Climate & Weather

Cape Girardeau enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Cape Girardeau has a population of 40,047 with a density of 1,369 people per square mile, spread across 29.3 square miles. The median age is 34.2 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (76.5%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 15% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.

Population

40,047
Total Population
1,369
People / sq mi
34.2yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
29.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48%
Female 52%

Race & Ethnicity

Cape Girardeau vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only94.1%
20% above US avg
Spanish5.9%
56% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Cape Girardeau vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Cape Girardeau is $54,870, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,295 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Cape Girardeau vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$54,870
27% below US avg
Per Capita Income$33,295

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.1%
42% below US avg
Poverty Rate9.9%
20% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time15.8 min
Drive Alone79.9%
Public Transit0.2%
Work from Home7.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Cape Girardeau is $186,100, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,152, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $855 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $807 for a one-bedroom to $992 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 18,284 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$186,100
34% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$215,152
Median List Price$234,950

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$234,950
$/Sq Ft$128
Homes Sold29
Sale-to-List Ratio96.9%
Price Drops18.1%
Inventory94

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$855
26% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$1,148
Rent Burden29.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$763
1 Bedroom$807
2 Bedrooms$992
3 Bedrooms$1,380
4 Bedrooms$1,664

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied52.2%
Housing Units18,284
Median Year Built1975

Property Tax

In Cape Girardeau, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Cape Girardeau vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity38.0%
18% above US avg
Diabetes11.4%
Heart Disease6.0%
High Blood Pressure35.3%
Asthma11.1%
COPD8.0%
Cancer7.2%
Stroke3.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking17.8%
27% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.7%
Physical Inactivity30.8%
Depression25.3%
Mental Distress19.5%
Physical Distress14.7%
Short Sleep40.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate91.5%
Uninsured9.6%
12% above US avg
Checkup Rate77.9%
Dental Visits54.9%

Food & Exercise

Cape Girardeau has a violent crime rate of 579 per 100,000 residents, 52% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 371.7 per 100,000, robbery at 169.2, rape at 28.2. The murder rate is 10.3 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,596 per 100,000, 134% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,560, burglary at 861, vehicle theft at 174 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Cape Girardeau receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Cape Girardeau vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent579.3/100K
52% above US avg
Murder10.3/100K
63% above US avg
Rape28.2/100K
Robbery169.2/100K
Assault371.7/100K

Property Crime

Total Property4,596.0/100K
134% above US avg
Burglary861.3/100K
Theft3,560.4/100K
Vehicle Theft174.3/100K
Arson10.3/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Cape Girardeau enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 367 feet.

Temperature

32°F Jan (-0°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average56.9°F
5% above US avg
January Average32°F (-0°C)
July Average79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days251 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall47.0 inches
24% above US avg
Snowfall3.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation367 ft (112 m)
Area29.3 sq mi (75.8 km²)
Population Density1,369/sq mi
Coordinates37.3059°N, 89.5182°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 32°F (-0°C) 3.0 in Coldest, Driest
February 37°F (3°C) 3.3 in
March 47°F (8°C) 4.8 in
April 57°F (14°C) 4.5 in
May 66°F (19°C) 5.0 in Wettest
June 75°F (24°C) 3.7 in
July 79°F (26°C) 3.7 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.6 in
September 71°F (21°C) 3.7 in
October 59°F (15°C) 3.1 in
November 47°F (8°C) 4.3 in
December 37°F (3°C) 4.3 in

Cape Girardeau has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F — from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (3.0").

36.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 9% above the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 13.6% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 87.2% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 12 EV charging stations. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+36.6%
9% above US avg
High School+91.6%
Graduate Degree+13.6%
School Test Score5.71
B+ Education Grade (3.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,369/sq mi
Total Area29.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access87.2%
EV Charging Stations12
Alt Fuel Stations15

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute15.8 min
Drive Alone79.9%
Public Transit0.2%
Work from Home7.1%

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Girardeau

What is the population of Cape Girardeau?

Cape Girardeau has a population of 40,047 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,369 people per square mile, spread across 29.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.

Is Cape Girardeau expensive to live in?

Cape Girardeau is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,870, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $186,100 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $855 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Cape Girardeau safe?

The violent crime rate in Cape Girardeau is 579 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,596 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cape Girardeau receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Cape Girardeau?

Cape Girardeau enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.0 inches, with 3.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Cape Girardeau?

The job market in Cape Girardeau is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Cape Girardeau?

The median home value in Cape Girardeau is $186,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,152. For renters, the median monthly rent is $855. Fair market rent is $807 for a 1-bedroom and $992 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Cape Girardeau?

Schools in Cape Girardeau score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.6% of adults in Cape Girardeau hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 13.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Cape Girardeau?

The obesity rate in Cape Girardeau is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Cape Girardeau?

The average commute in Cape Girardeau is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Cape Girardeau?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Girardeau is 76.5% White, 15% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Scott City, MO 4,354 pop · 6.2 mi Jackson, MO 15,532 pop · 9.7 mi Chaffee, MO 3,039 pop · 11.5 mi Oran, MO 1,137 pop · 17.0 mi Jonesboro, IL 1,912 pop · 17.1 mi Anna, IL 4,222 pop · 18.8 mi Cobden, IL 1,064 pop · 21.4 mi Marble Hill, MO 1,781 pop · 24.9 mi Advance, MO 1,549 pop · 25.7 mi Cairo, IL 1,699 pop · 27.7 mi Charleston, MO 4,565 pop · 28.2 mi Sikeston, MO 16,231 pop · 29.9 mi Carbondale, IL 21,813 pop · 33.0 mi Murphysboro, IL 6,804 pop · 33.5 mi
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