| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cape Girardeau/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,255 | n/a (estimate) | 3,080 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 7.4 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 21 | n/a | 51.5 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 13 | n/a | 31.9 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 217 | n/a | 532.5 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 254 | n/a (estimate) | 623 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 121 | n/a | 296.9 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 787 | n/a | 1,931.2 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 93 | n/a | 228.2 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,001 | n/a (estimate) | 2,456 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Cape Girardeau is 45.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 254 violent crimes reported in Cape Girardeau, equivalent to 623 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 73.6%. Additionally, Cape Girardeau recorded 1001 property crimes, amounting to 2456 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 39.6%.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Cape Girardeau residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 57 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 11% of Cape Girardeau residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 89% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Cape Girardeau is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Cape Girardeau has a total crime rate that is 45% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.44 daily crimes (0.7 violent daily crimes and 2.74 daily property crimes) in Cape Girardeau.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Cape Girardeau. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Cape Girardeau has decreased by 15.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 4.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 18%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Cape Girardeau, 85.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
In Cape Girardeau, the cost of living is 9.58% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Cape Girardeau stands at $277,009, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Cape Girardeau | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 91 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jonesboro, IL | 1,825 | 139 | 825 | 964 |
| Scott City, MO | 4,716 | 299 | 805 | 1,103 |
| Jackson, MO | 15,346 | 82 | 1,035 | 1,117 |
| Chaffee, MO | 2,998 | 216 | 907 | 1,122 |
| Benton, MO | 904 | 285 | 1,199 | 1,485 |
| Gordonville, MO | 487 | 376 | 1,579 | 1,954 |
| Kelso, MO | 592 | 382 | 1,603 | 1,985 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | 41,479 | 623 | 2,456 | 3,080 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Spanish Fork, UT | 41,496 | 75 | 705 | 780 |
| Holyoke, MA | 41,439 | 1,041 | 4,232 | 5,273 |
| The Acreage, FL | 41,413 | 120 | 641 | 761 |
| Streamwood, IL | 41,397 | 129 | 706 | 835 |
| Hollister, CA | 41,570 | 333 | 831 | 1,164 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | 41,479 | 623 | 2,456 | 3,080 |
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