countyscore
42.6
County Score
Soil Quality 73Water Quality 69Property Tax 66.1

County Report Card

About Cape Girardeau County, Missouri

Below the National Median

Cape Girardeau County earns a 42.6 composite score, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it serves as a regional economic hub, its score is pulled down by safety and risk factors.

Under the State Average

The county's 42.6 score is several points below the Missouri average of 50.3. Despite high income levels, the county faces higher-than-average costs and safety challenges for the region.

Robust Incomes and Utilities

The county features an Income Score of 64.0 with a median household income of $68,912. It also maintains good infrastructure with a Water Score of 69.0 and a solid Tax Score of 66.1.

Risk and Safety Hurdles

A low Risk Score of 14.3 and a Safety Score of 21.7 are the primary detractors from its overall rank. Additionally, a Cost Score of 38.8 reflects housing prices that are relatively high for the area's profile.

Best for Career Professionals

This county is ideal for those seeking work in a regional city with solid incomes and manageable taxes. It suits residents who prioritize economic activity and urban amenities over rural safety and lower housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax66.1Cost38.8Safety21.7Health49.8Schools37.9Income64Risk14.3Water69Weather53.8
🏛66.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Union County
Illinois
57.4
Alexander County
Illinois
62.2
Perry County
Missouri
47.2
Scott County
Missouri
54
Jackson County
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36
Bollinger County
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Pulaski County
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Ballard County
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56.1

Deep Dives

Cape Girardeau County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cape Girardeau County

via TaxByCounty

Cape Girardeau taxes slightly below national

At 0.674%, Cape Girardeau County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 0.733%, placing it in the middle-lower range of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay $1,404 annually on a median home of $208,300—48% below the national median property tax of $2,690.

Slightly below Missouri's average

Cape Girardeau's 0.674% rate runs 8% below Missouri's 0.733% state average, ranking it among the lower-taxed counties statewide. The median annual tax of $1,404 is 17% above Missouri's median of $1,199, reflecting the county's higher median home values.

Southeast Missouri's tax comparison

Cape Girardeau (0.674%) sits between Butler County (0.673%) and Bollinger County (0.614%), making it one of the region's more moderately taxed counties. Its larger population and higher home values distinguish it from surrounding rural areas.

Cape Girardeau homeowners' annual taxes

On a median home valued at $208,300, Cape Girardeau residents pay $1,404 per year in property taxes—roughly $117 monthly. Those with mortgages average $1,467 annually when escrow is included.

Cape Girardeau residents: Appeal assessments

Even in reasonably tax-friendly counties like Cape Girardeau, incorrect property valuations can add hundreds to annual bills. Filing an appeal with the county assessor based on recent comparable sales is a simple way to reclaim potential tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau County

via CostByCounty

Cape Girardeau near national affordability norm

Cape Girardeau County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 15.6% and approaches the national norm. With median household income of $68,912 and rent at $881, the county offers solid affordability for a mid-sized regional hub.

Average affordability, above-average income

Cape Girardeau County ranks fifth in this group with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, benefiting from above-average household income of $68,912. This income advantage keeps housing burdens manageable despite rents above the state average.

Regional balance with good earnings

Cape Girardeau County's $881 rent and 15.3% ratio sit in the middle band of the region—above affordable Caldwell (12.1%) and Callaway (14.0%), below tight Boone (18.2%). Its $68,912 income ranks third, supporting reasonable housing costs.

Strong earnings, balanced housing share

Cape Girardeau County households earn $68,912 annually and allocate 15.3% to rent ($881) or $980 for ownership on median homes valued at $208,300. Income levels support both rental and ownership pathways comfortably.

Cape Girardeau: solid middle ground

Relocating to Cape Girardeau County offers above-average income ($68,912), manageable rent at 15.3% of earnings, and home values ($208,300) that balance affordability with appreciation potential. It's an ideal choice for those seeking regional balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cape Girardeau County

via IncomeByCounty

Cape Girardeau approaches national income

Cape Girardeau County's median household income of $68,912 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $5,800, representing an 8% gap. The county ranks in the upper-middle range nationally, performing better than most U.S. communities.

Missouri's higher-income counties

Cape Girardeau's median household income of $68,912 exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by more than $9,400, positioning the county among the state's stronger earners. The county's per capita income of $35,924 also outperforms the state average of $31,011.

Strong earner in southeast region

Cape Girardeau's $68,912 income ranks second among comparison counties, surpassed only by Callaway County ($72,645) and significantly outpacing Bollinger County ($57,286) and Butler County ($49,213). The county's position as a regional economic hub supports stronger household earnings.

Balanced housing affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.3%, Cape Girardeau demonstrates solid rental affordability, leaving ample room in budgets for savings and discretionary spending. The median home value of $208,300 aligns reasonably with local incomes, supporting accessible homeownership.

Build wealth through strategic investing

Cape Girardeau's strong income position enables meaningful contributions to diverse investments—stocks, bonds, real estate, and retirement vehicles. Residents should develop a long-term financial plan that balances near-term security with decades of compounding investment growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cape Girardeau County

via CrimeByCounty

Cape Girardeau Maintains a Solid Safety Score

Cape Girardeau County earns a safety score of 96.8, closely following national trends. The total crime rate of 2019.5 per 100,000 is lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Consistent with Missouri State Averages

The county's safety score of 96.8 is nearly identical to the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 2019.5 is just slightly above the state average of 1926.2.

Higher Activity than Bollinger County

Cape Girardeau County sees more crime than neighboring Bollinger County, which has a lower rate of 1369.9. This difference is largely driven by the higher population density and commerce in the city of Cape Girardeau.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

The violent crime rate is 386.8, sitting slightly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more common at 1632.7, though it remains below the national average of 2,015.7.

Prioritizing Local Property Safety

With property crime as the most common incident type, residents should ensure vehicles are locked and valuables are out of sight. Home security cameras provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cape Girardeau County

via HealthByCounty

Cape Girardeau approaches national standards

At 75.8 years, Cape Girardeau's life expectancy sits 3.2 years below the U.S. average of 79 yet ranks among Missouri's healthier counties. With 19.4% reporting poor or fair health, Cape Girardeau slightly exceeds the national average but remains competitive regionally.

Above-average lifespan with strong coverage

Cape Girardeau's 75.8-year life expectancy exceeds Missouri's 74.3-year average by 1.5 years, and its 9.8% uninsured rate ranks among Missouri's lowest—2.7 points below the state average. This southeast Missouri county leads on coverage access.

Balanced health profile with good resources

Cape Girardeau's 75.8-year life expectancy falls between Callaway (76.0) and Buchanan (73.4), reflecting solid mid-tier county health. With 90 primary care providers per 100K and 304 mental health providers per 100K, Cape Girardeau offers robust provider access across specialties.

Strong coverage and provider infrastructure

Cape Girardeau's 9.8% uninsured rate ensures most residents access routine care, while 90 primary care and 304 mental health providers per 100K support diverse healthcare needs. This combination creates one of Missouri's more accessible healthcare environments.

Keep coverage seamless and continuous

With Cape Girardeau's strong coverage rate, the focus shifts to maintaining protection through life changes and job transitions. Check Healthcare.gov during annual enrollment or after qualifying events to ensure uninterrupted coverage for you and your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cape Girardeau County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Regional Education Hub

Cape Girardeau County hosts 10,967 students in 27 public schools managed by five school districts. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 15 elementary schools, four middle schools, and seven high schools.

Steady Growth and Consistent Results

The county maintains a graduation rate of 91.4%, effectively matching the Missouri state average. Schools spend an average of $6,017 per pupil, providing a solid return on investment compared to the national average of $13,000.

Jackson and Cape Girardeau Lead

Jackson R-II is the largest district with 5,713 students, followed closely by Cape Girardeau 63 with 4,380 learners. Jackson Senior High is the largest school in the county, educating 1,764 students across its campus.

A Dynamic Mix of Urban and Suburban

The county offers the most diverse school settings in the region, with 11 city schools, 7 suburban schools, and 9 rural schools. This variety leads to a healthy average school size of 439 students, ranging from large high schools to smaller rural elementary campuses.

Secure Your Future in Top-Tier Districts

Homebuyers have diverse options in Cape Girardeau County, from the urban schools of Cape Girardeau 63 to the suburban feel of Jackson R-II. Both major districts offer strong academic performance and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities for students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cape Girardeau County

via RiskByCounty

Cape Girardeau faces high disaster risk

Cape Girardeau County's composite risk score of 85.69 substantially exceeds the national average with a Relatively Moderate rating. The county encounters significant natural disaster exposure, particularly from earthquakes and tornadoes.

Among Missouri's riskiest counties

Cape Girardeau's score of 85.69 ranks it well above the state average of 50.56, placing it in the upper tier of Missouri counties for disaster risk. This elevated standing demands homeowner awareness and preparation.

Highest risk with slight variations

Cape Girardeau's score of 85.69 edges just below Camden County (88.39) to the north and substantially exceeds Bollinger County (26.27) to the west. It sits among the riskiest in its region.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate threats

Cape Girardeau residents face an extraordinarily high earthquake risk of 96.56, the county's most urgent concern, combined with tornado risk of 77.64. Flood risk (78.05) completes a trio of major hazards.

Earthquake and flood policies critical

An earthquake risk score of 96.56 makes dedicated earthquake insurance absolutely essential for Cape Girardeau homeowners, despite being excluded from standard policies. Pair this with flood coverage given the 78.05 score and review all policies annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cape Girardeau County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Wet River Climate

At 56.9°F, Cape Girardeau is warmer than the U.S. median. This southeastern county experiences a wetter and more humid climate than the national average.

A Missouri Precipitation Leader

The county surpasses the Missouri rainfall average by nearly 7 inches, totaling 50.5 inches annually. It is also 2 degrees warmer than the state average of 54.9°F.

Intense Regional Summer Heat

It shares a hot profile with Butler County but sees even more extreme heat with 57 days over 90°F. This makes it one of the warmest counties in the region.

Two Months of Extreme Heat

Summers are defined by 57 extreme heat days and a 79.6°F July average. Winters remain relatively mild with only 7.5 inches of annual snow.

Prepare for Humidity and Rain

Robust air conditioning is required to handle the nearly two months of 90-degree weather. Yard maintenance must account for the heavy 50.5-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cape Girardeau County

via SoilByCounty

Cape Girardeau's Classic Alfisols

This county is characterized by Alfisols with a silt loam texture. The average pH of 6.08 almost exactly matches the Missouri state average, providing a standard baseline for local agriculture.

Silt Loam for Prime Farming

With a high silt content of 62.2% and 18.9% clay, these soils are famously fertile and easy to till. The 17.0% sand content provides enough aeration to prevent the earth from becoming too dense.

Top-Tier Water Retention

The available water capacity of 0.204 is among the best in the state, far exceeding the Missouri average. This high capacity, paired with a soil score of 73.0, indicates exceptional growing potential.

Efficient Drainage for Active Use

Classified as well drained and falling into hydrologic group C, the soil manages water effectively. This makes the land suitable for both large-scale farming and residential landscaping projects.

Sun-Loving Plants in Zone 7a

Being in the warmer zone 7a allows for a long, productive growing season for peppers and tomatoes. Take advantage of the superior water capacity to grow a lush, high-yielding vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cape Girardeau County

via LawnByCounty

Cape Girardeau's Warm-Season Challenge

Cape Girardeau County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.3, indicating a more challenging environment than the state average of 63.7. The 7a hardiness zone introduces more heat and a longer growing season than northern Missouri counties.

Confronting Intense Summer Heat

The county faces 57 extreme heat days annually, nearly 20 more than the state average. While 50.5 inches of rain provides moisture, the high temperatures and 4,418 growing degree days can lead to rapid turf dehydration.

Productive Silt Loam Foundation

Silt loam soil offers a great texture for roots, and the 6.08 pH falls just within the ideal range. The soil is well-drained, which is helpful given the county's high annual precipitation, though it requires careful nutrient management.

Navigating Severe Drought Periods

About 16.5% of the county is currently in severe drought, and homeowners have navigated 20 weeks of drought over the past year. Efficient irrigation is vital to combat high evaporation during the county's frequent 90°F days.

Selecting Hardy Grass Varieties

Warm-season grasses like Zoysia or heat-tolerant tall fescues are best for this 7a zone. Plan your planting around the spring frost on April 7 or the first fall frost on October 29 to ensure successful establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cape Girardeau County's county score?
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri has a composite county score of 42.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Cape Girardeau County rank among counties in Missouri?
Cape Girardeau County ranks #91 among all counties in Missouri on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Cape Girardeau County is $1,404, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Cape Girardeau County a tax score of 66.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cape Girardeau County?
The median household income in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri is $68,912 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cape Girardeau County earns an income score of 64/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cape Girardeau County, Missouri a good place to live?
Cape Girardeau County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Cape Girardeau County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Cape Girardeau County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.