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Sikeston, MO

Frequently asked questions

Sikeston, MO

Sikeston is a city located both in southern Scott County and northern New Madrid County, in the state of Missouri, United States. It is situated just north of the "Missouri Bootheel", although many locals consider Sikeston a part of it. By way of Interstate 55, Interstate 57, and U.S. Route 60, Sikeston is close to the halfway point between St. Louis and Memphis, Tennessee, and is four hours from Nashville.

The city is named after John Sikes, who founded it in 1860. It is the principal city of the Sikeston Micropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of all of Scott County, and has a total population of 41,143.

As of the 2020 census, the city population was 16,291, making it the fourth-most populous city in Missouri's 8th Congressional district behind Cape Girardeau, Rolla, and Farmington, and just ahead of Poplar Bluff which has had a similar population as Sikeston over the last few decades. Before the 2010 census, it had been the second-most populous city in the congressional district.

In 1541, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto may have stood upon the Sikeston Ridge, although some historical references dispute this, believing that he traveled further south than Sikeston. The area was claimed by the French as part of La Louisiane, and they ceded it in 1763 to the Spanish after being defeated by Britain in the Seven Years' War. In 1789, by order of the King of Spain, an overland route was laid out to connect the cities of St. Louis and New Orleans. This frontier road was known as the El Camino Real or King's Highway.

The land for the city of Sikeston was first owned by Frenchman Francis Paquette. In 1829, the city site was acquired by the Stallcup family. In 1859, city founder John Sikes, who had married into the Stallcup family, gained control of the land. In April 1860, he had the city platted in anticipation of the completion of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad, which would intersect with the King's Highway. In the city of New Madrid, the street was known as Big Prairie Road, and later as Sikeston Road after the city of Sikeston was established.

The city is situated upon the Sikeston Ridge which runs north and south from 10 miles (16 km) north of Sikeston through New Madrid. Before 1927, the New Madrid-Sikeston Ridge Levee was constructed to protect the area from flooding from the Mississippi River. In the 1920s, the Little River Drainage District was formed to drain the lowland area west of the Sikeston Ridge. By 1931, the levee construction had created the New Madrid floodway. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.48 square miles (45.27 km2), of which 17.32 square miles (44.86 km2) is land and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km2) is water.

Sikeston places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Missouri Delta Medical Center ensures that residents have access to quality medical care close to home.

Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or jogging at Malone Park and Lincoln Memorial Park. At the YMCA of Southeast Missouri, you can participate in CrossFit and personal training sessions to enhance your fitness journey. Fitness buffs can join classes at CB Fitness, which offers a range of exercise programs tailored to different fitness levels. Participate in yoga and meditation classes offered at Jane’s House Studio or Yogasita to promote mental and emotional well-being.
 

The top sites in Sikeston, MO are Sikeston Little Theatre, Sikeston Bowling Center & Pro, Malco Sikeston Cinema Grill, and Sikeston Depot Museum & Cultural Center.
 

Population: 16,073 (2022). ZIP code: 63801. Area code: 573. Elevation: 331 ft (101 m). Area: 17.48 square miles (45.27 km2).

FAQs

How old is Sikeston, MO?

City founder John Sikes acquired control of the land following his marriage to Catherine Stallcup Myers in 1859. In 1860 John Sikes recorded a plat with the Scott County Recorder. On it, Sikes wrote," I am going to start me a town, and I am going to call it the Town of Sikeston". Realizing transportation was vital to the community’s development; the Cairo-Fulton (Ark) railroad was extended from Charleston to Sikeston in 1860.

Is Sikeston, MO a good place to live?

Sikeston is in Scott County. Living in Sikeston offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and retirees live in Sikeston and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Sikeston are above average.

What are the demographics of Sikeston, MO?

Sikeston is a city located in Mississippi County, New Madrid County, Scott County, and Stoddard County Missouri. Sikeston has a 2024 population of 15,889. Sikeston is currently declining at a rate of -0.58% annually and its population has decreased by -2.26% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 16,257 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Sikeston was: White: 68.26%, Black or African American: 24.85%, Two or more races: 6.61%, Asian: 0.22%, Native American: 0.05%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%, Other race: 0%

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Sikeston 

World Population Review

Niche

Sikeston Little Theatre 

Sikeston Bowling Center & Pro 

Malco Sikeston Cinema Grill 

Sikeston Depot Museum & Cultural Center

Missouri Delta Medical Center

Malone Park

Lincoln Memorial Park

YMCA of Southeast Missouri

CB Fitness

Jane’s House Studio

Yogasita

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.