Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in Missouri
The population of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri is 82,180 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $68,912, the median home value is $208,300, and the median age is 37.0.
The population of Cape Girardeau County has grown 10.2% since 2010 (75,905 → 83,658), a +0.70% annualized rate.
82,180
Population
+0.70%
Annual growth
142
People / sq mi
$68,912
Median Income
$208,300
Median Home Value
Cape Girardeau County covers 579 sq mi of land at 142.1 people per square mile.
About Cape Girardeau County, MO
Cape Girardeau County is defined demographically by education — 33.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, near the national average. Cape Girardeau County is a county in Missouri with a population of 82,180. It ranks #15 among counties in Missouri by population.
Median household income is $68,912, below the US median of $78,538. Only 7.0% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $208,300, with typical rent around $881.
College attainment is above the local norm at 33.9%, near the national 35.0%. Around 8.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Cape Girardeau County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Cape Girardeau County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cape Girardeau County had a population of 75,905 in 2010 and 83,658 in 2024, a 10.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 83,658 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.70%.
83,658
Population (2024)
75,905
Population (2010)
83,658
Peak (2024)
0.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 75,905 |
| 2011 | 76,627 |
| 2012 | 77,076 |
| 2013 | 77,495 |
| 2014 | 77,950 |
| 2015 | 78,297 |
| 2016 | 78,540 |
| 2017 | 78,338 |
| 2018 | 78,810 |
| 2019 | 78,971 |
| 2020 | 81,824 |
| 2021 | 82,144 |
| 2022 | 82,940 |
| 2023 | 83,110 |
| 2024 | 83,658 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.4% |
| Black or African American | 8.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
37.0
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
17.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 17.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,912$-8 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,767 |
| Per-capita income | $35,924 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cape Girardeau County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
81.2%
Public transit
8.0%
Work from home
19.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$208,300$-7,300 vs state
Median home value
$881
Median rent
66.0%
Homeownership rate
35,892
Total housing units
90.7%
Occupied
9.3%
Vacant
34.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.9%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
26.4%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
14.2%
With a disability
96.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.8%
High School+
33.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri has a population of 82,180 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 142 people per square mile.
The population of Cape Girardeau County has grown 10.2% since 2010 (75,905 → 83,658), a +0.70% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri is $68,912, with mean (average) household income of $88,767 and per-capita income of $35,924. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cape Girardeau County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.4%), Black or African American (8.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri is 37.0 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Cape Girardeau County is $208,300 and median monthly rent is $881. 66.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 35,892 total housing units, 9.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Cape Girardeau County, MO Climate
Cape Girardeau County, MO has an average annual temperature of 13.5°C (56°F) and receives about 1183 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.5°C
Avg Temp
1183
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 73 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 79 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 121 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 111 mm |
| May | 19° / 65° | 122 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 98 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 96 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 95 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 91 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 79 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 111 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 107 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Cape Girardeau County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Cape Girardeau County, MO are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cape Girardeau County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.