Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
Cape Girardeau County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,012 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $881 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.46 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,012
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 19% less than in Missouri
- Typical rent
- $881
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 15% less than in Missouri
- Wage needed
- $19.46
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Missouri
Only here
Renting in Cape Girardeau County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Bollinger County has the lowest typical rent ($694), 21% below the $881 in Cape Girardeau County.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Cape Girardeau County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Cape Girardeau County was $1,008 a month in September 2026: 3.4% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $757 | $14.56 | $30,280 |
| 1 bedroom | $833 | $16.02 | $33,320 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,012 | $19.46 | $40,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,401 | $26.94 | $56,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,692 | $32.54 | $67,680 |
HUD area: Cape Girardeau, MO-IL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 11 ZIP codes in Cape Girardeau County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 63769 to $1,140 in 63755. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,012).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 63701 | $790 | $860 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,760 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63703 | $760 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,690 |
| 63739 | $810 | $890 | $1,080 | $1,490 | $1,810 |
| 63743 | $770 | $850 | $1,030 | $1,420 | $1,700 |
| 63744 | $790 | $860 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,760 |
| 63745 | $790 | $860 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,760 |
| 63747 | $760 | $900 | $1,030 | $1,380 | $1,520 |
| 63755 | $850 | $940 | $1,140 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
| 63766 | $800 | $880 | $1,070 | $1,480 | $1,780 |
| 63769 | $720 | $790 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,610 |
| 63785 | $760 | $830 | $1,040 | $1,400 | $1,610 |
- 63701 $1,050$1,450
- 63703 $1,010$1,400
- 63739 $1,080$1,490
- 63743 $1,030$1,420
- 63744 $1,050$1,450
- 63745 $1,050$1,450
- 63747 $1,030$1,380
- 63755 $1,140$1,580
- 63766 $1,070$1,480
- 63769 $960$1,330
- 63785 $1,040$1,400
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cape Girardeau County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,788 households rent in Cape Girardeau County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cape Girardeau 46%
- Missouri 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cape Girardeau County
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Cape Girardeau County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 17
- HUD-assisted
- 7
776 homes in all; 738 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Lindenwood Apartments HUD-assisted 1105 Linden St, Cape Girardeau 63703 67 low-income homes · For older adults · (573) 334-7682
- Cape Gardens Apartments HUD-assisted 611 S West End Blvd, Cape Girardeau 63703 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (573) 334-1331
- Cape Girardeau Sundance Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 909 Hackberry St, Cape Girardeau 63703 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1998
- Cape Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 515 Cape Meadows Cir, Cape Girardeau 63701 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2006 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Jackson Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 135 S Shawnee Blvd, Jackson 63755 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 2013 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Schultz Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 S Pacific St, Cape Girardeau 63703 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Fort Hope Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 Good Hope St, Cape Girardeau 63703 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2001
- Heritage Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1240 Linden St, Cape Girardeau 63703 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1996
- Cape Riverview Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 319 N Park Dr, Cape Girardeau 63701 43 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 39 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities, families
- Liberty Apartments of Cape Tax credit (LIHTC) 1145 Walnut St, Cape Girardeau 63703 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Rosebrook Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1084 Linden St, Cape Girardeau 63703 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2001
- Napa Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 661 Napa Cir, Cape Girardeau 63703 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Jackson Senior Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 2775 E Main St, Jackson 63755 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 1998
- Jackson Senior Garden Apts 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 2900 E Main St, Jackson 63755 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2004
- 911 Kimbel LN Tax credit (LIHTC) 911 Kimbel Ln, Jackson 63755 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · In service since 1987
- Regency House of Cape Girardeau HUD-assisted 141 N Silver Springs Rd, Cape Girardeau 63701 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 334-6260
- Regency House of Jackson HUD-assisted 1105 K-Land Dr., Cape Girardeau 63702 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 204-1378
- Jackson Villa 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 135 S Shawnee Blvd, Jackson 63755 12 low-income homes · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1992
- Boehme-Hinni HUD-assisted 549 N Silver Springs Rd, Cape Girardeau 63701 10 low-income homes · For families · (573) 651-6255
- Regency Terrace of Cape Girardeau HUD-assisted 147 N Silver Springs Rd, Cape Girardeau 63701 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 335-5090
- Southside Village HUD-assisted 680 S Side Village Ct, Cape Girardeau 63703 42 homes, 7 low-income · (573) 803-0618
- B & C Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2090 Old Toll Rd, Jackson 63755 6 low-income homes · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1992
- West Vale Apts 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 2092 Old Toll Rd, Jackson 63755 3 homes
- Silver Springs Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 N Silver Springs Rd, Cape Girardeau 63701 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Cape Girardeau County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Cape Girardeau County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $18,950 | $31,600 | $50,550 |
| 2 people | $21,650 | $36,100 | $57,750 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,600 | $64,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,100 | $72,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,750 | $77,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,350 | $83,700 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $55,950 | $89,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,550 | $95,250 |
Area median income: $90,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cape Girardeau, MO-IL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $681 – $833
- 1 bedroom $750 – $916
- 2 bedrooms $911 – $1,113
- 3 bedrooms $1,261 – $1,541
- 4 bedrooms $1,523 – $1,861
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Cape Girardeau County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in Missouri
What Missouri law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Mo. Rev. Stat. §535.300.1
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Mo. Rev. Stat. §535.300.3
- Only a court order can remove youMo. Rev. Stat. §441.233.1
- Repair and deduct from the rentMo. Rev. Stat. §441.234.1-.2
Help
Where to get help with rent in Cape Girardeau County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Cape Girardeau County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Cape Girardeau County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Missouri, the average home bill was $129 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,024
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,012
- Security deposit
- $1,012
- Total
- $2,024
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Cape Girardeau County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $757; 1 bedroom: $833; 2 bedrooms: $1,012; 3 bedrooms: $1,401; 4 bedrooms: $1,692. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cape Girardeau County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,012) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.46 an hour full time, or $40,480 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Cape Girardeau County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,100 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Cape Girardeau County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $911 and $1,113 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Cape Girardeau County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 63769 to $1,140 in 63755. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Cape Girardeau County?
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Cape Girardeau County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Cape Girardeau County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cape Girardeau County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).