2023 Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following statistics highlight Cape Girardeau County, Missouri population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 82,180
- Median Age (Total)
- 37.0 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 36.2 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 37.7 years
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Age Distribution Comparison with Missouri 2023
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri age demographics with Missouri to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 37.0 yrs | 39.4 yrs | -2.4 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.67% | 5.49% | +0.2pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 15.79% | 16.39% | -0.6pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 14.00% | 9.21% | +4.8pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 22.62% | 24.61% | -2.0pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 17.25% | 18.72% | -1.5pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 63.14 | 68.37 | -5.2 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 63.14
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 35.00 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 28.13 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 28.47
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri racial and ethnic demographics with Missouri to understand regional diversity patterns.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Diversity
28.47
lowMissouri Diversity
40.25
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 84.07% | 76.21% | +7.9pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 8.09% | 10.38% | -2.3pp |
| Two or More Races | 3.08% | 4.84% | -1.8pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 2.85% | 5.55% | -2.7pp |
| Asian Alone | 1.44% | 2.26% | -0.8pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.30% | 0.40% | -0.1pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.12% | 0.14% | -0.0pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.07% | 0.22% | -0.1pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 28.47 | 40.25 | -11.78 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $68,912 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 32,544
Income Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri household income with Missouri to understand regional economic patterns.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
$68,912
Missouri
$71,589
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 13.51% | 11.83% | +1.7pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 13.56% | 11.26% | +2.3pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 10.23% | 11.38% | -1.2pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 17.14% | 17.55% | -0.4pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 32.26% | 30.65% | +1.6pp |
| $150,000 or more | 13.30% | 17.34% | -4.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Missouri.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $208,300
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 21,463 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri property values with Missouri to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
$208,300
Missouri
$254,400
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 3.94% | 3.58% | +0.4pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 1.53% | 2.57% | -1.0pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 5.27% | 7.76% | -2.5pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 36.85% | 22.47% | +14.4pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 45.48% | 50.46% | -5.0pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 6.76% | 12.42% | -5.7pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.17% | 0.74% | -0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Missouri.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 92.83%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 33.87%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 53,041
Education Level Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri educational attainment with Missouri to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
33.87%
Bachelor's+ in Missouri
33.47%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 7.17% | 7.99% | -0.8pp |
| HS Graduate | 32.07% | 29.47% | +2.6pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 26.88% | 29.07% | -2.2pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 21.67% | 20.13% | +1.5pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 12.20% | 13.34% | -1.1pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 92.83% | 92.01% | +0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Missouri.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 7.1%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 5,765
- Total Civilian Population
- 80,999
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri health insurance coverage with Missouri to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
7.1%
Uninsured in Missouri
7.7%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 3.1% | 3.7% | 6.7% | 6.4% |
| 18-34 years | 17.3% | 13.1% | 15.1% | 11.4% |
| 35-64 years | 7.0% | 7.5% | 9.9% | 8.1% |
| 65+ years | 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 98.7% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 855 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 1,084
Citizenship Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri citizenship and nativity with Missouri to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
98.7%
Citizenship in Missouri
97.6%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 97.2% | 94.2% | +3.0pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.0% | 0.1% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.5% | 0.7% | -0.2pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 1.0% | 2.5% | -1.5pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 1.3% | 2.4% | -1.1pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 98.7% | 97.6% | +1.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Missouri.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 89.2%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.2%
- Work From Home Rate
- 8.0%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 41,165
Transportation Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri commuting patterns with Missouri to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
89.2%
Drove in Missouri
83.8%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 89.2% | 83.8% | +5.4pp |
| Public transportation | 0.2% | 1.0% | -0.8pp |
| Bicycle | 0.1% | 0.2% | -0.1pp |
| Walked | 1.5% | 1.8% | -0.3pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.1% | 1.4% | -0.3pp |
| Worked from home | 8.0% | 11.8% | -3.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Missouri.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 41,972
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri employment patterns with Missouri to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
5.9% (M) / 8.6% (F)
Government Employment in Missouri
5.5% (M) / 7.9% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 36.4% F: 31.2% | M: 38.9% F: 31.0% | M: -2.5pp F: +0.2pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 4.4% F: 7.8% | M: 3.5% F: 7.2% | M: +0.9pp F: +0.6pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 5.9% F: 8.6% | M: 5.5% F: 7.9% | M: +0.4pp F: +0.7pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 3.0% F: 2.4% | M: 3.4% F: 2.3% | M: -0.4pp F: +0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Missouri.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 4,374
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
1,910 veterans (43.7%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri veteran demographics with Missouri to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
4,374
Total Veterans in Missouri
354,505
- Cape Girardeau County, Missouri: Vietnam Era Only (43.7%)
- Missouri: Vietnam Era Only (34.5%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 43.7% (1,910) | 34.5% (122,395) | +9.2pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 11.9% (519) | 14.6% (51,735) | -2.7pp |
| Gulf War Only | 11.5% (503) | 13.5% (47,687) | -2.0pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 11.5% (503) | 16.0% (56,584) | -4.5pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 6.6% (290) | 6.6% (23,371) | 0.0pp |
| Korean War Only | 5.5% (240) | 4.7% (16,749) | +0.8pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 5.1% (221) | 6.4% (22,766) | -1.3pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.9% (84) | 1.5% (5,297) | +0.4pp |
| WWII Only | 1.3% (59) | 1.2% (4,304) | +0.1pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.6% (28) | 0.4% (1,539) | +0.2pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.3% (12) | 0.1% (257) | +0.2pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.1% (5) | 0.2% (617) | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following data categorizes families in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 7.0% (1,388 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 30.9% (6,134 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 62.1% (12,328 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri poverty levels with Missouri to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
7.0%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Missouri
8.4%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 7.0% (1,388) | 8.4% (133,958) | -1.4pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 30.9% (6,134) | 30.3% (482,788) | +0.6pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 62.1% (12,328) | 61.2% (974,738) | +0.9pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.7% | 3.9% | -1.2pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 2.1% | 1.9% | +0.2pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 2.2% | 2.6% | -0.4pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 3.3% | 3.0% | +0.3pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 3.4% | 3.4% | 0.0pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 3.3% | 3.6% | -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Missouri.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 3,144 (9.66% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 1,514 (48.16% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 32,544
SNAP Participation Comparison with Missouri
Compare Cape Girardeau County, Missouri SNAP participation with Missouri to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
9.66%
3,144 householdsSNAP Participation in Missouri
9.34%
239,315 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Cape Girardeau County, Missouri | Missouri | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 19.18% (603) | 4.52% (142) | 12.39% (29,654) | 6.34% (15,161) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 3.94% (124) | 0.83% (26) | 5.58% (13,355) | 3.10% (7,417) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 23.16% (728) | 6.65% (209) | 25.46% (60,933) | 7.45% (17,838) |
| Nonfamily Households | 1.88% (59) | 39.85% (1,253) | 0.39% (933) | 39.29% (94,024) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 3,144 (9.66% of households) | 239,315 (9.34% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.