Cape Girardeau,Missouri- Crime really as bad as stats say? (Jackson: to rent, crime rate)

[Lillyeve1]

Me and my husband are looking at the Cape Girardeau area to potentially relocate to from Georgia.



We are in our mid-30s, early-40s, no kids, no pets.





I've been looking up crime statistics, since its a big factor for us and don't want to move to a place that has a worse crime rate. It would be nice to move to a place that has a lower crime rate compared to where we are. And the stats seem to be a little more than where we live now in all areas, but looks like they have more murders and overall violent crime there... I saw that their were like 5 murders 2 years ago. Seems like a lot for 1 year span for a small-ish community.



The population is about 12,000 more than where we live now.



Anyways, does anyone know if most of these crimes are because its a college town and the college kids are getting into trouble? Or are their a lot of gangs?



What areas should we avoid? Are the crimes only concentrated to certain streets or areas? Are the police proactive on controlling it?



We would like to rent a house, so nothing more than $875/mo.


I would need to get a part time job somewhere, and I was thinking at one of the art related stores, galleries or one of the museums since my background degree is arts related.



I don't want to feel like I need to watch my back every 5 seconds if it's that bad there, and worry about a home invasion etc...



Any locals can give any input would be great. Thanks.

[FalstaffBlues]

Not a local but from nearby and have spent a lot of time there.



First, you're way too hung up on crime. Don't deal drugs and you will be just fine.


South Cape is more depressed than other areas so you're likely at greater risk for theft around there. However, I had a good friend that owned a house in South Cape and never had an issue with property crime.


In conclusion, don't be a drug dealer and you almost certainly won't get murdered. Act with common sense and you likely won't be a victim of property crime. That means, don't leave valuables in your car, lock your doors and windows and install a security system. Those things should be done no matter where someone lives.

[GunnerTHB]

Originally Posted by Lillyeve1

Me and my husband are looking at the Cape Girardeau area to potentially relocate to from Georgia.



We are in our mid-30s, early-40s, no kids, no pets.





I've been looking up crime statistics, since its a big factor for us and don't want to move to a place that has a worse crime rate. It would be nice to move to a place that has a lower crime rate compared to where we are. And the stats seem to be a little more than where we live now in all areas, but looks like they have more murders and overall violent crime there... I saw that their were like 5 murders 2 years ago. Seems like a lot for 1 year span for a small-ish community.



The population is about 12,000 more than where we live now.



Anyways, does anyone know if most of these crimes are because its a college town and the college kids are getting into trouble? Or are their a lot of gangs?



What areas should we avoid? Are the crimes only concentrated to certain streets or areas? Are the police proactive on controlling it?



We would like to rent a house, so nothing more than $875/mo.


I would need to get a part time job somewhere, and I was thinking at one of the art related stores, galleries or one of the museums since my background degree is arts related.



I don't want to feel like I need to watch my back every 5 seconds if it's that bad there, and worry about a home invasion etc...



Any locals can give any input would be great. Thanks.

Stay north of Broadway or west of Kingshighway and you should be fine. Not sure how the rent prices will be, they may be a touch high due to it being a college town. Jackson may be a really good choice for you also, it is the county seat and borders Cape Girardeau.

[SterkIjon]

The crime index is 392.

Many,many cities in the US would be proud to have one that low.