RANK #456 / 996 NAT · #13 / 22 MO · POP 81,703
1YR FORECAST: +2.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +25%
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, is often recognized for its position along the Mississippi River and as home to Southeast Missouri State University. The city of Cape Girardeau, the county's largest, is approximately 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, offering a regional hub feel without a lengthy commute to a major metropolis. The county seat, Jackson, provides a smaller community atmosphere. Outdoor recreation is accessible, with parks like Cape County Park and Trail of Tears State Park offering trails, fishing, and views of the Mississippi River.
Life in Cape Girardeau County blends small-town living with regional amenities. The area attracts families and professionals, with public schools in the Cape Girardeau School District generally rated above average. The economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Recent economic developments indicate investment in manufacturing and technology, with local initiatives supporting business expansion and startups.
Contracting economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Delta Bobcat Solar Project (also referred to as Cape Girardeau Solar PV Park and Lutesville Solar Project)
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$297M | Planned |
|
LUTESVILLE Battery Project
N/A
|
$250M | Planned |
|
SEMO Industrial Park Infrastructure
SEMO REDI
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Strip Mall and Restaurants (behind Melaina's Playground)
Mid America Hotels
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cape Girardeau County scores 54/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#456). Median household income is $65,070 and job growth is running at -0.3%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Cape Girardeau County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $194,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $854/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Cape Girardeau County's population is growing — up +0.8% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.3%). Home values shifted +4.3% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
In significant numbers — 5.12% of Cape Girardeau County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.