Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cape Girardeau County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cape Girardeau County ranks #2,313 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cape Girardeau County
Affordability Verdict
Cape Girardeau County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $881/month — about 15.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cape Girardeau County is $881/month, while owner costs run $980/month. Renting saves approximately $99/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,000/year. With a median household income of $68,912, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Cape Girardeau County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Benton County where rent averages $823/month, Cape Girardeau County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cape Girardeau County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,608
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
The median home in Cape Girardeau County may be a stretch
Median home value is $208,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,663 vs. your max of $1,608.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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