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Cape Girardeau, MO

Frequently asked questions

Cape Girardeau, MO

Cape Girardeau is a city in Cape Girardeau and Scott Counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. At the 2020 census, the population was 39,540. The city is one of two principal cities of the Cape Girardeau-Jackson, MO-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses Alexander County, Illinois, Bollinger County, Missouri, and Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, and has a population of 97,517. The sliver of the city located in Scott County is part of the Sikeston Micropolitan Statistical Area, and the entire city forms the core of the Cape Girardeau-Sikeston Combined Statistical Area.

The city is the economic center of Southeast Missouri and also the home of Southeast Missouri State University. It is located approximately 100 miles (161 km) southeast of St. Louis and 150 miles (241 km) north of Memphis.

The city is named after Jean Baptiste de Girardot, who established a temporary trading post in the area around 1733. He was a French soldier stationed at Kaskaskia between 1704 and 1720 in the French colony of La Louisiane. The "Cape" in the city name referred to a rock promontory overlooking the Mississippi River; it was later destroyed by railroad construction. As early as 1765, a bend in the Mississippi River, about 60 miles (97 km) south of the French village of Ste. Genevieve had been referred to as Cape Girardot or Girardeau (both pronounced the same in French).

The settlement of Girardeau is said to date from 1793 when the Spanish government, which had acquired Louisiana in 1764 following the French defeat in the Seven Years' War, granted Louis Lorimier, a French-Canadian, the right to establish a trading post. This gave him trading privileges and a large tract of land surrounding his post. Lorimier was made commandant of the district and prospered from the returns on his land sales and trade with indigenous peoples, such as the Ozark Bluff Dwellers and the Mississippian people.

The town of Cape Girardeau was incorporated in 1808, before Missouri statehood. It was reincorporated as a city in 1843. The advent of the steamboat in 1835 and related river trade stimulated the development of Cape Girardeau as the biggest port on the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee.

The city is known to some as "The City of Roses" because of a 9-mile (14 km) stretch of highway that was once lined with dozens of rose bushes. Although there used to be many prominent rose gardens around the community, few of these gardens have been maintained. The city is also known as "Cape Girardeau: Where the River Turns a Thousand Tales," due to the history of the town and the Mississippi River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.49 square miles (73.79 km2), of which 28.43 square miles (73.63 km2) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km2) is water. The "cape" that the city is named after no longer exists. A rock that remains from the previously existing cape can be seen on a promontory that overlooks the Mississippi River in Cape Rock Park.

Cape Girardeau places a significant emphasis on health and wellness, with numerous facilities and initiatives supporting the well-being of its residents. Mercy Hospital Southeast, a leading healthcare provider in the region, is headquartered in the city, ensuring access to quality medical services. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center provides numerous trails and nature programs designed to promote physical activity and environmental education. For a holistic approach, the Riverfront Yoga sessions provide a serene setting by the Mississippi River to practice mindfulness and flexibility. The Osage Centre is a comprehensive facility offering fitness classes, indoor walking tracks, and various sports activities. For spa treatments, Elements Massage and Spa is a great choice for therapeutic massage and relaxation services. Planet Fitness provides state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, and wellness programs tailored to individual needs. Inner Harmony Wellness Center focuses on integrative health services including acupuncture, massage, and nutrition counseling.

Top sites in Cape Girardeau, MO are Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center, The Glenn House, and Crisp Museum.

Population: 40,818 (2024). ZIP codes: 63701–63703, 63705. Area code: 573. Elevation: 371 ft (113 m). Area: 29.31 sq mi (75.91 km2).

FAQs

What is Cape Girardeau, MO's crime rate?

With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Cape Girardeau has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32. Within Missouri, more than 87% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Cape Girardeau.

Is Cape Girardeau, MO a good place to live?

Cape Girardeau is in Cape Girardeau County. Living in Cape Girardeau offers residents a sparse suburban feel; most residents own their homes. In Cape Girardeau, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Cape Girardeau and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Cape Girardeau are above average.

What is the ethnicity of Cape Girardeau, Missouri?

Cape Girardeau is a city located in Cape Girardeau County and Scott County Missouri. The average household income in Cape Girardeau is $72,307 with a poverty rate of 21.64%. The median age in Cape Girardeau is 33.6 years: 32.6 years for males, and 34.9 years for females. The racial composition of Cape Girardeau was White: 77.72%, Black or African American: 13.75%, Two or more races: 4.7%, Asian: 2.84%, Other race: 0.68%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.19%, and Native American: 0.12%.

Sources

City of Cape Girardeau

Wikipedia

World Population Review

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center

The Glenn House

Crisp Museum

Mercy Hospital Southeast

Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center

Riverfront Yoga

Osage Centre

Elements Massage and Spa

Planet Fitness

Inner Harmony Wellness Center

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