
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri is a medium-sized city with a population of 41,479 residents. The majority of Cape Girardeau residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Cape Girardeau is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 46% married, this city falls well below the national average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Cape Girardeau offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Cape Girardeau is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Missouri, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Cape Girardeau and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Missouri and national averages.
Cape Girardeau, MO receives 63/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #307 in Missouri and #14,155 in the USA. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Cape Girardeau ranks well for cost of living (A) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Cape Girardeau ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Cape Girardeau market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Cape Girardeau real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Cape Girardeau. The median home price for Cape Girardeau homes is $277,009, which is 11% higher than the Missouri average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Cape Girardeau, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 17.6% higher than the Missouri average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Cape Girardeau | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.0% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.2% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.4% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 4.6% | 4.6% |