Cape Girardeau, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Cape Girardeau, MO

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Cape Girardeau crime rate is 31.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Cape Girardeau, there were 241 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 601 per 100,000 individuals, 62.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, Cape Girardeau recorded 984 property crimes, amounting to 2456 per 100,000 residents, 25.7% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Cape Girardeau?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Cape Girardeau residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 53 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 11% of Cape Girardeau residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 89% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Cape Girardeau a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Cape Girardeau, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Cape Girardeau presents a total crime rate that is 32% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Cape Girardeau experiences an average of 3.36 daily crimes, comprising 0.66 violent incidents and 2.7 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Cape Girardeau Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Cape Girardeau has decreased by 17.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Cape Girardeau is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 9.7%, while property crime has decreased by 19.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Cape Girardeau.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cape Girardeau

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Cape Girardeau crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Cape Girardeau has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Cape Girardeau, 85.4% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Cape Girardeau, the average rental rates are $762 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Cape Girardeau crime map