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

Total population
40,344
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,658/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
18,745
0.8% year-over-year change

Cape Girardeau population

How many people live in Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau is home to 40,344 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Cape Girardeau locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
40,344
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
19,074
Female
52.7%
21,270
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,074 47.3% -0.8%
Female 21,270 52.7% 2.2%
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 is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.7% are children under 15, then 23.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 18.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.7%
15 to 24
23.3%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
18.7%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,942 14.7% 0.2%
15 to 24 9,387 23.3% -1.5%
25 to 44 9,507 23.6% 3.8%
45 to 64 7,561 18.7% -3.3%
Over 65 7,947 19.7% 4.5%
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, 95.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.4% of locals are Caucasian, 13.2% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 38,631 95.8% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 641 1.6% -22.9%
Non-citizens 1,072 2.7% 24.8%
Racial breakdown
White
76.4%
Black or African American
13.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 30,840 76.4%
Black or African American 5,313 13.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 149 0.4%
Asian 1,057 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 88 0.2%
Two or more races 2,480 6.2%
Other 417 1%

Households in Cape Girardeau

A peek inside Cape Girardeau households

Cape Girardeau has 16,364 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.4% are families, while the remaining 50.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,364
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,286
Family households
8,078
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,286 50.6% -1.4%
Family households 8,078 49.4% -0.5%
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

The housing landscape of Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau's housing consists of 18,745 units, with 64.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% 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 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
18,745
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,025 64.2%
1 unit, attached 487 2.6%
2 units 1,286 6.9%
3 or 4 units 996 5.3%
5 to 9 units 1,489 7.9%
10 to 19 units 1,124 6%
20 to 49 units 519 2.8%
50 or more units 341 1.8%
Mobile home 478 2.6%
Homes built since 2020
267
25.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cape Girardeau

In Cape Girardeau, the median construction year is 1975. About 11.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,199 11.7% -8.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,129 6% 29.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,818 9.7% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,646 14.1% 11.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,377 18% -1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,181 11.6% -18.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,098 11.2% -6.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,848 9.9% 16.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,182 6.3% 17.0%
Built in 2020 or later 267 1.4% 25.9%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 16,364 occupied housing units in Cape Girardeau, 54% are owner-occupied, while 46% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,364
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,521
Owner occupied
8,843
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,521 46% -4.8%
Owner occupied 8,843 54% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
12.7%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Cape Girardeau come to a median of $907 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $876.

Median housing costs per month
$907/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
$876/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

Cape Girardeau education at a glance

About 34.8% of the population in Cape Girardeau went to high school, while 27.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.5% earned an associate degree and 18.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 650 2% 13.4%
High school diploma 11,616 34.8% 3.9%
College diploma 9,288 27.9% -0.8%
Associate degree 2,161 6.5% 9.8%
Bachelor's degree 6,130 18.4% -3.9%
Graduate degree 3,499 10.5% -5.2%
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

How much people earn in Cape Girardeau

The average annual household income in Cape Girardeau was $78,915 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,658, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cape Girardeau
$78,915/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cape Girardeau
$55,658/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Cape Girardeau income by age

In Cape Girardeau, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $57,445. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,188 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,721, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,405 in earnings. Overall, 79.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,721 18.4%
25 - 44 $57,445 -15.9%
45 - 64 $72,188 0.7%
Over 65 $47,405 1.1%
Above poverty level
29,025
Below poverty level
7,656
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 29,025 79.1% 1.2%
Below poverty level 7,656 20.9% 1.4%

Average renter income in Cape Girardeau

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cape Girardeau, their median household income was $31,202 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,202
Rent-to-income ratio
33.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Cape Girardeau

Workforce and job types in Cape Girardeau

The job market in Cape Girardeau is powered by 20,630 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 65.5% are employed by private companies, and 14.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
20,630
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
17,450
Blue collar
3,180
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,450 84.6% 2.3%
Blue collar 3,180 15.4% -0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
65.5%
Governmental workers
14.9%
Not for profit companies
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,463 7.1% 2.2%
Private companies 13,509 65.5% 0.9%
Governmental workers 3,082 14.9% 4.4%
Not for profit companies 2,576 12.5% 3.2%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-22.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cape Girardeau stands at 2.6%, 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

How people get around in Cape Girardeau

In Cape Girardeau, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
0.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,663 87.5% 1.6%
Taxicab 107 0.5% -16.4%
Bus or trolleybus 42 0.2% -4.5%
Motorcycle 42 0.2% -17.6%
Bicycle 101 0.5% 288.5%
Walk 559 2.8% 19.7%
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 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

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Cape Girardeau demographics 

What is the total population of Cape Girardeau?

Cape Girardeau has a total population of 40,344 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?

The gender ratio in Cape Girardeau is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (19,074 residents)
  • 52.7% females (21,270 residents)

What is the median age in Cape Girardeau?

The median age in Cape Girardeau is 34.5.

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

The age distribution in Cape Girardeau is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.7% (5,942 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23.3% (9,387 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (9,507 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.7% (7,561 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (7,947 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Girardeau?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Girardeau is as follows:
  • White: 76.4% (30,840 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.2% (5,313 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (149 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (1,057 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (88 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (2,480 residents)
  • Other: 1% (417 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.8% of the population in Cape Girardeau.

How many housing units are there in Cape Girardeau?

There are 18,745 housing units in Cape Girardeau, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cape Girardeau has a total of 16,364 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cape Girardeau?

Cape Girardeau has a median household income of $55,658, representing a +1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.4% in Cape Girardeau, with a workforce of 20,630 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.6% (17,450 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.4% (3,180 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (1,463 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.5% (13,509 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.9% (3,082 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.5% (2,576 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