Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cape Girardeau, MO
Thinking about moving to Cape Girardeau, MO? With a welcoming population of just under 40,000 and a low median home price of $180,000, the city is known for its affordable cost of living and quick average commutes of just 15 minutes. Residents enjoy a vibrant college town atmosphere, solid healthcare options, and four distinct seasons with 59% sunny days per year. While property crime rates are above average, Cape Girardeau stands out for its educational opportunities and strong community feel—making it a great choice for families, students, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Cape Girardeau, MO
Demographics - Cape Girardeau, MO
Cape Girardeau is home to nearly 40,000 residents, with a median age of 33 and a diverse community that is predominantly White, alongside significant Black and Asian populations. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting its welcoming and accessible environment.
Population:
39,820
Density:
1,620 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.0
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.4%
Black:
8.6%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cape Girardeau, MO?
Cape Girardeau offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $180,000 and average rent around $890. The cost of living index is below the national average, making daily expenses, housing, and utilities particularly budget-friendly for residents.
Median House Value:
$180,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.3
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
73.0
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
91.6
Miscellaneous:
93.1
Crime
Is Cape Girardeau, MO a safe place to live?
While Cape Girardeau experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with a 1 in 31 chance, violent crime remains relatively moderate. Residents benefit from community-focused policing but should remain mindful of property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,200
Crime Index:
3,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Cape Girardeau, MO year-round?
The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and mild winters averaging 43°F. With 59% sunny days and about 46 inches of annual rainfall, Cape Girardeau offers a pleasant climate for year-round outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Residents typically enjoy quick 15-minute commutes and a close-knit atmosphere, with median household incomes around $47,800. A strong educational background, with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher, complements the city’s moderate cost of living and low unemployment.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$47,800
Family Income:
$67,300
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$30,100
Poverty Rate:
17.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.1%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
15.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.6%
Bachelors or More:
31.2%
Education
How are the schools in Cape Girardeau, MO?
The city boasts a variety of educational options, including public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and the presence of Southeast Missouri State University serving nearly 10,000 students. Families also have access to respected private schools, supporting a strong learning environment across all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Central High School
Street:
1000 South Silver Springs Road
Phone:
573-335-8228
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Name:
Franklin Elementary School
Street:
1138 South Sprigg Street
Phone:
573-334-5640
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
Notre Dame Regional High School
Street:
265 Notre Dame Dr
Phone:
573-335-6772
Students:
490

Colleges
Name:
Southeast Missouri State University
City:
Cape Girardeau
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
9,500
Healthcare
Cape Girardeau is served by two major hospitals offering comprehensive general and emergency care, and a robust network of physicians. Over 91% of residents have health insurance, ensuring widespread access to quality medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Saint Francis Medical Center
Address:
211 Saint Francis Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
Phone:
(573) 331-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Southeast Hospital
Address:
1701 Lacey St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone:
(573) 334-4822
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cape Girardeau, MO?
With a median home price of $180,000 and a homeownership rate above 50%, Cape Girardeau's housing market is stable and accessible. The city sees modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Cape Girardeau residents can access Missouri DMV services locally at the Blattner Drive office, providing convenient vehicle registration and licensing. The Missouri Department of Revenue offers additional resources online and by phone.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing
Address:
3102 Blattner Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone:
573-290-6890
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.