Is Cape Girardeau Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and growing economic opportunities. Nestled along the Mississippi River, the city provides a scenic backdrop with a rich history that has evolved into a modern community. Its strategic location makes it a hub for commerce and a desirable place for those seeking a balance between urban amenities and a more relaxed pace of life.
The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive destination for families and individuals alike. With a focus on development and a welcoming environment, Cape Girardeau continues to draw attention as a place with potential for both personal and professional growth.
Is it Safe to Live in Cape Girardeau?
Cape Girardeau has a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, which is considered high compared to national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Cape Girardeau is one in 32 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Within Missouri, over 91% of communities have lower crime rates than Cape Girardeau (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
When compared to communities of similar population size, Cape Girardeau’s crime rate per thousand residents stands out as higher than most (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of a property crime is one in 40, which translates to a rate of 25 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Violent offenses, including rape, murder, robbery, and aggravated assault, present a one in 160 chance of victimization in Cape Girardeau (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Cape Girardeau presents a mix of affordability and steady appreciation. The average home value in Cape Girardeau is approximately $219,807, showing a 5.1% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). For those considering renting, the average rent in Cape Girardeau is around $1,095 per month, which is notably lower than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zillow).
The median sale price for homes in Cape Girardeau was $248,633 as of February 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Renters can expect a range of prices, with the average rent for all property types being $1,025 per month (as reported by Zillow). The median property value in Cape Girardeau was $196,300 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with a homeownership rate of 54% (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Major Employers
Cape Girardeau boasts a diverse economy with several key industries and employers driving its growth. The healthcare sector is a significant contributor, with Saint Francis Healthcare System employing approximately 3,143 individuals and Mercy Southeast employing around 2,950 (as reported by SEMO REDI). Manufacturing also plays a vital role, with Procter & Gamble employing about 1,200 people (as reported by SEMO REDI).
Southeast Missouri State University is a major institution, employing approximately 1,107 individuals and serving as a cornerstone of higher education in the region (as reported by SEMO REDI). Cape Girardeau Public Schools also contributes substantially to the job market, with around 713 employees (as reported by SEMO REDI). Other significant employers include Century Casino Cape Girardeau and Mondi Jackson, contributing to the diverse employment landscape.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Cape Girardeau is considered affordable, with expenses generally lower than the national average. Living costs are approximately 3% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are particularly favorable, being about 18.2% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated around $2,403, and for a family of four, approximately $5,291 (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends to utilities, which are about 4% less pricey than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com), and transportation costs are also relatively lower.
Climate and Weather
Cape Girardeau experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons. The average maximum temperature in Cape Girardeau County was 69.0°F for the period September 2021-August 2025 (as reported by NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information). Summers are generally warm, with average high temperatures reaching into the upper 80s Fahrenheit.
Winters are typically cold, with average temperatures often below freezing. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with variations in snowfall during winter months and rainfall during warmer seasons. The region experiences a full range of seasonal weather patterns.
Education and School Ratings
The Cape Girardeau School District is rated as above average, with an overall Niche Grade of B (as reported by Niche). The district serves PK-12 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 34% of students are proficient in math and 39% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Within Missouri, the Cape Girardeau School District is recognized for its diversity, ranking 7th out of 460 districts (as reported by Niche). While the district provides many opportunities, some feedback suggests a need for more challenging educational content for high-achieving students (as reported by Niche). Notre Dame Regional High School stands out with a strong rating of 4.37 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Population
Cape Girardeau has a population of approximately 40,300 residents, with the majority being U.S. citizens (97.3%) (as reported by Data USA). The city’s demographic makeup is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for about 76.44% of the population (as reported by World Population Review). Black or African American residents constitute the second-largest group, making up around 13.17% (as reported by World Population Review).
The median age in Cape Girardeau is 34.5 years (as reported by World Population Review). The median household income was reported at $55,658 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with a poverty rate of 20.82% (as reported by World Population Review). The city’s population has been growing modestly, with an annual growth rate of approximately 0.63% (as reported by World Population Review).
Economic Landscape and Employment
The Cape Girardeau region is characterized by a diversified, service-sector economy, with healthcare and education playing prominent roles. Saint Francis Healthcare System and SoutheastHEALTH are major employers, underscoring the importance of the medical field in the area (as reported by Rooted Web). Southeast Missouri State University is another significant economic driver, contributing to both employment and the local economy through its student population and staff (as reported by Rooted Web).
Manufacturing, though a smaller percentage of the overall employment, remains important, with companies like Procter & Gamble being key contributors (as reported by Rooted Web). The region benefits from a strategic location with access to transportation networks, including river ports, highways, and rail, which supports various industries such as retail, manufacturing, and wholesale trade (as reported by SEMO REDI).
Average Salary and Unemployment
The average hourly wage in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area was $26.23 in May 2024, which is lower than the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The average annual salary in Cape Girardeau is approximately $54,582, though salaries can vary widely by occupation (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate for Cape Girardeau County was not seasonally adjusted, with recent data available through October 2025 (as reported by FRED). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides monthly data on unemployment rates for the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL (MSA) (as reported by FRED).