Cape Girardeau, MO
Population 40,047 · Missouri
About Cape Girardeau, MO
Cape Girardeau is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 40,047 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,870 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cape Girardeau features a median home value of $186,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Cape Girardeau in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $855, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 18,590 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (8,619 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (7,902 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cape Girardeau shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cape Girardeau have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.6% of Cape Girardeau residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cape Girardeau Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau, MO
Compared to national averages, Cape Girardeau has a median household income of $54,870 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,100, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $855 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Cape Girardeau's income is 10% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 23% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Cape Girardeau, MO?
Cape Girardeau offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $855/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 36.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,870) that falls below the national average. However, Cape Girardeau’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cape Girardeau has a population of 40,047 with a median age of 34.2 years. Compare Cape Girardeau with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Cape Girardeau
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City | 42,565 | $67,205 | $208,000 | Compare |
| Wildwood | 35,168 | $157,750 | $472,800 | Compare |
| Oakville | 35,166 | $103,125 | $292,500 | Compare |
| University City | 34,655 | $76,466 | $285,100 | Compare |
| Wentzville | 45,734 | $111,409 | $302,700 | Compare |
| Ballwin | 30,835 | $121,170 | $353,400 | Compare |
| Chesterfield | 49,591 | $133,380 | $458,000 | Compare |
| Liberty | 30,446 | $95,425 | $267,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cape Girardeau With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Girardeau
What is the population of Cape Girardeau, MO?
The population of Cape Girardeau, MO is 40,047 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Cape Girardeau?
The median household income in Cape Girardeau, MO is $54,870 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cape Girardeau?
The median home value in Cape Girardeau, MO is $186,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cape Girardeau?
The median monthly rent in Cape Girardeau, MO is $855, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cape Girardeau?
The unemployment rate in Cape Girardeau, MO is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cape Girardeau, MO a good place to live?
Cape Girardeau offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 40,047 and a median age of 34.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cape Girardeau, MO?
36.6% of residents in Cape Girardeau aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Cape Girardeau?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cape Girardeau, MO: median home value is $186,100 (24% below national), median rent is $855/month, and median household income is $54,870. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cape Girardeau?
The poverty rate in Cape Girardeau, MO is 20.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Cape Girardeau, MO?
Cape Girardeau's population is 2.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 15.0% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.