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 a county in Missouri with a population of 82,180. It ranks #15 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 37.0, younger than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Cape Girardeau County is $68,912, below the US median of $74,580. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $208,300, with monthly rent averaging $881. The homeownership rate of 66.0% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cape Girardeau County reflects 33.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.5 minutes each way.
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.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.