Cape Girardeau County, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
82,735
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,464/yr
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
36,086
0.5% year-over-year change

Cape Girardeau County population

How many people live in Cape Girardeau County

Cape Girardeau County is home to 82,735 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Cape Girardeau County locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
82,735
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
40,414
Female
51.2%
42,321
Value Percent YoY change
Male 40,414 48.8% 0.7%
Female 42,321 51.2% 0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Cape Girardeau County is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 17.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 22.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
17.3%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
22.7%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 14,535 17.6% 0.2%
15 to 24 14,286 17.3% -2.4%
25 to 44 20,334 24.6% 2.8%
45 to 64 18,814 22.7% -1.5%
Over 65 14,766 17.8% 4.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Cape Girardeau County, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.6% of locals are Caucasian, 7.4% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 80,268 97% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,110 1.3% -10.5%
Non-citizens 1,357 1.6% 25.2%
Racial breakdown
White
84.6%
Black or African American
7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 69,959 84.6%
Black or African American 6,109 7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 255 0.3%
Asian 1,361 1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 88 0.1%
Two or more races 4,342 5.2%
Other 621 0.8%

Households in Cape Girardeau County

A peek inside Cape Girardeau County households

Cape Girardeau County has 32,454 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.5% are families, while the remaining 39.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
32,454
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,809
Family households
19,645
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,809 39.5% 0.9%
Family households 19,645 60.5% -1.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Cape Girardeau County

The housing landscape of Cape Girardeau County

Cape Girardeau County's housing consists of 36,086 units, with 71.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
36,086
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 25,698 71.2%
1 unit, attached 880 2.4%
2 units 1,818 5%
3 or 4 units 1,495 4.1%
5 to 9 units 1,953 5.4%
10 to 19 units 1,263 3.5%
20 to 49 units 752 2.1%
50 or more units 360 1%
Mobile home 1,832 5.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 35 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
731
59.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cape Girardeau County

In Cape Girardeau County, the median construction year is 1982. About 9.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,311 9.2% -4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,512 4.2% 24.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,645 7.3% -0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,821 10.6% 5.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,966 16.5% -2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,192 11.6% -6.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,466 15.2% -8.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,698 13% 4.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,744 10.4% 9.0%
Built in 2020 or later 731 2% 59.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Cape Girardeau County occupancy rates

Out of the 32,454 occupied housing units in Cape Girardeau County, 66.8% are owner-occupied, while 33.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
32,454
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,788
Owner occupied
21,666
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,788 33.2% -2.6%
Owner occupied 21,666 66.8% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
10.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Cape Girardeau County housing costs

Housing costs in Cape Girardeau County come to a median of $945 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $881.

Median housing costs per month
$945/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Cape Girardeau County
$881/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Cape Girardeau County

Cape Girardeau County education at a glance

About 37.6% of the population in Cape Girardeau County went to high school, while 25.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.5% earned an associate degree and 19.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,054 1.6% 2.3%
High school diploma 24,459 37.6% 3.4%
College diploma 16,341 25.1% -1.4%
Associate degree 4,203 6.5% 6.4%
Bachelor's degree 12,518 19.2% -2.5%
Graduate degree 6,503 10% 0.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Cape Girardeau County

How much people earn in Cape Girardeau County

The average annual household income in Cape Girardeau County was $89,147 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,464, reflecting a -0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cape Girardeau County
$89,147/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cape Girardeau County
$68,464/year
-0.7% year-over-year change

Cape Girardeau County income by age

In Cape Girardeau County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,240. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,865 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,335, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,089 in earnings. Overall, 86.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,335 21.9%
25 - 44 $78,240 -3.0%
45 - 64 $91,865 3.0%
Over 65 $49,089 -3.0%
Above poverty level
67,352
Below poverty level
10,908
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 67,352 86.1% 1.2%
Below poverty level 10,908 13.9% -0.3%

Employment in Cape Girardeau County

Workforce and job types in Cape Girardeau County

The job market in Cape Girardeau County is powered by 42,382 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
42,382
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
33,595
Blue collar
8,787
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 33,595 79.3% 0.5%
Blue collar 8,787 20.7% 3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,637 8.6% 3.4%
Private companies 27,416 64.7% 0.8%
Governmental workers 6,138 14.5% 0.4%
Not for profit companies 5,191 12.2% 0.8%
Unemployment rate
2.3%
-20.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cape Girardeau County stands at 2.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Cape Girardeau County

How people get around in Cape Girardeau County

In Cape Girardeau County, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 36,777 88.1% 0.1%
Taxicab 129 0.3% -18.9%
Bus or trolleybus 101 0.2% 42.2%
Motorcycle 57 0.1% -36.0%
Bicycle 101 0.2% 288.5%
Walk 691 1.6% 14.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Cape Girardeau County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
63701 39,345 15,985 $66,654 $89,075
63703 8,201 3,404 $38,695 $56,699
63730 3,397 1,440 $70,707 $84,578
63732 863 304 $76,250 $88,237
63739 508 126 $62,500 $77,676
63740 5,165 2,182 $54,364 $71,368
63743 64 17 $122,750 $118,818
63744 198 84 $36,250 $52,620
63745 136 29 $0 $119,266
63747 972 304 $106,425 $123,280

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FAQs about Cape Girardeau County demographics 

What is the total population of Cape Girardeau County?

Cape Girardeau County has a total population of 82,735 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cape Girardeau County?

The gender ratio in Cape Girardeau County is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (40,414 residents)
  • 51.2% females (42,321 residents)

What is the median age in Cape Girardeau County?

The median age in Cape Girardeau County is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cape Girardeau County?

The age distribution in Cape Girardeau County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (14,535 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.3% (14,286 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (20,334 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.7% (18,814 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (14,766 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Girardeau County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Girardeau County is as follows:
  • White: 84.6% (69,959 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.4% (6,109 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (255 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (1,361 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (88 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (4,342 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (621 residents)

What percentage of the population in Cape Girardeau County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Cape Girardeau County.

How many housing units are there in Cape Girardeau County?

There are 36,086 housing units in Cape Girardeau County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Cape Girardeau County and what is the average household size?

Cape Girardeau County has a total of 32,454 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cape Girardeau County?

Cape Girardeau County has a median household income of $68,464, representing a -0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cape Girardeau County?

The employment rate is 97.7% in Cape Girardeau County, with a workforce of 42,382 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.3% (33,595 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.7% (8,787 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (3,637 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (27,416 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (6,138 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.2% (5,191 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025