MissouriPop. 40,344Small cities
Is Cape Girardeau a Good Place to Live? Cape Girardeau, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cape Girardeau ranks #1034 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #163 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($876/mo, #20 of 208) and short commutes (15.9 min, #25 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (73.3%, #179 of 191) and high poverty (20.8%, #169 of 208).
Cape Girardeau by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cape Girardeau's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Cape Girardeau?
Cape Girardeau's cost of living index is 86.1, 14% below the US level of 100 and #69 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $876/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,854, 17% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
| Measure | Cape Girardeau | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 86.1#69 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $221,854#176 of 1,187 | $267,879 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,049/mo#37 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $196,300#214 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $876/mo#70 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.9%#332 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Cape Girardeau housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Cape Girardeau is in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL metro.
Missouri housing market →Is Cape Girardeau safe?
Cape Girardeau recorded 467 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% above the US rate of 328 and 12% above Missouri's 418. That ranks #802 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #135 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cape Girardeau Police Department. Property crime runs 1,743 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cape Girardeau | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 467#802 of 1,085 | 418 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,743#597 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Cape Girardeau?
The median household in Cape Girardeau earns $55,658, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cape Girardeau | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $55,658#1137 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 20.8%#1138 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Cape Girardeau?
The median resident of Cape Girardeau is 34.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cape Girardeau | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 34.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 34.9%#615 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 54% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Cape Girardeau's schools and health?
Cape Girardeau's 9 public schools graduate 73.3% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $12,129 spent per pupil. 35.5% of adults are obese and 11.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Cape Girardeau | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 73.3%#1004 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.3#112 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,129#926 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.5%#815 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.5%#702 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9.5%#589 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,328 students are enrolled in Cape Girardeau's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cape Girardeau?
The average commute in Cape Girardeau is 15.9 minutes (Missouri 24); 0.2% of workers take transit and 7.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cape Girardeau scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.6°F and winters 37.2°F, with 47.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cape Girardeau | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 15.9 min#93 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 79.9% | 74.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 1% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.8% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.9% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8#1058 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43 | 26.2 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 48.2 | 29.7 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 58.1 | 37.3 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 69 | 46.8 | 5.2 |
| May | 78.1 | 57.5 | 5.3 |
| Jun | 86.6 | 65.9 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 89.2 | 69.3 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 88.3 | 66.4 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 81.8 | 57.7 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 70.9 | 46.3 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 56.8 | 36.7 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 46.3 | 29.8 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cape Girardeau Muni Airport.
| Measure | Cape Girardeau | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 57.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 77.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 37.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 47.9 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cape Girardeau Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cape Girardeau?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Cape Girardeau's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cape Girardeau County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Cape Girardeau | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.25%#1048 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cape Girardeau County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cape Girardeau County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.084% | 96% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.002% | 93% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0081% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 73% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0038% | 68% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0038% | 64% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 63% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Cape Girardeau compare with similar-size cities?
Cape Girardeau is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #163 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 40,344.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #1034 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 | 15.9 min |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #703 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 | 15.2 min |
| Waipahu, HIPop. 40,482 | #472 | 58.6 | $103,895 | $1,658/mo | no data | 32.5 min |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #1178 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 | 18.7 min |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #92 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 | 21.6 min |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #152 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 | 21.7 min |
| Hobbs, NMPop. 40,252 | #1077 | 48.4 | $64,021 | $1,112/mo | 709 | 23.8 min |
| Owasso, OKPop. 40,151 | #360 | 60.8 | $79,036 | $1,270/mo | 123 | 21.7 min |
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #73 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 | 17.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Cape Girardeau compare with the rest of Missouri?
Cape Girardeau ranks #16 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 49.4 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 22% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Missouri home.
| City | Rank in MO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #1 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #2 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #3 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #4 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #5 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #6 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #7 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #8 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #9 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #10 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #11 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #12 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #13 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #14 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #15 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #16 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #17 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #18 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #19 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #20 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 |
All 20 Missouri cities we track, by overall score. Missouri statewide: median income $71,589, violent crime 417.8 per 100,000.
How is Cape Girardeau's score calculated?
Cape Girardeau scores 49.4 out of 100, #1034 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Missouri's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Cape Girardeau. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cape Girardeau's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
64.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cape Girardeau. Similar-size median 52.2.
47.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cape Girardeau's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
46.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cape Girardeau's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
87.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cape Girardeau. Similar-size median 46.7.
26.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cape Girardeau. Similar-size median 44.2.
47.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cape Girardeau. Similar-size median 47.3.
48.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cape Girardeau's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
36.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
17.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cape Girardeau's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Cape Girardeau has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Cape Girardeau
Is Cape Girardeau, MO a good place to live?
Cape Girardeau ranks #1034 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #163 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($876/mo, #20 of 208) and short commutes (15.9 min, #25 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (73.3%, #179 of 191) and high poverty (20.8%, #169 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Cape Girardeau?
Cape Girardeau's cost of living index is 86.1, 14% below the US level of 100 and #69 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $876/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,854, 17% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
What is the crime rate in Cape Girardeau?
Cape Girardeau recorded 467 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% above the US rate of 328 and 12% above Missouri's 418. That ranks #802 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #135 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cape Girardeau Police Department. Property crime runs 1,743 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cape Girardeau?
The median household in Cape Girardeau earns $55,658, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cape Girardeau?
Median rent in Cape Girardeau is $876/mo (Census), #70 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,049/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cape Girardeau?
The typical home value in Cape Girardeau is $221,854, up 4.3% in a year, against $267,879 for Missouri and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $196,300.
How are the public schools in Cape Girardeau?
Cape Girardeau's 9 public schools graduate 73.3% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $12,129 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cape Girardeau?
The average commute is 15.9 minutes, #93 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cape Girardeau?
Cape Girardeau averages 57.7°F over the year, 77.6°F in summer and 37.2°F in winter, with 47.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cape Girardeau walkable?
Cape Girardeau scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Cape Girardeau at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cape Girardeau County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
Who lives in Cape Girardeau?
Cape Girardeau has 40,344 residents. The median resident of Cape Girardeau is 34.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cape Girardeau compare with the rest of Missouri?
Cape Girardeau ranks #16 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 49.4 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 22% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Missouri home.
What cities are similar in size to Cape Girardeau?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cape Girardeau's population of 40,344 are Rexburg, ID (#703 overall), Waipahu, HI (#472 overall), Florence, SC (#1178 overall), Lake Oswego, OR (#92 overall), and New Berlin, WI (#152 overall). Cape Girardeau is #1034.