Missouri → Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
Pasture here rented for $35.50 an acre in 2026, $4.25 below the Missouri median of $39.75. That's the 38th percentile among the 104 Missouri counties reporting that year, and the 70th percentile nationally.
Put that in lease terms. On a quarter section of 160 acres, the gap between this county and the state median is $680 a year. A difference that looks small per acre is large at that scale.
Across Missouri's counties, the middle half of county averages in 2026 runs $31 to $46.50 an acre. Individual leases spread wider than county averages do, because grass, water, fencing and term length all move the price. An offer far outside this band should come with a reason the other side can say out loud.
Since 2008, this county's rate has risen 8 percent: $33 then, $35.50 in 2026.
The counties next door
The comparison made at the kitchen table is with the neighbors. This year, rates across the county line go from $24.50 to $44.50 an acre. Every bordering county NASS tracks is listed at its most recent published rate.
| County | $/acre |
|---|---|
| Scott | $48 (2023) |
| Perry | $44.50 |
| Union, Illinois | $38 (2022) |
| Stoddard | $35.50 (2025) |
| Alexander, Illinois | $27 (2010) |
| Bollinger | $24.50 |
Every year on record
| Year | $/acre |
|---|---|
| 2008 | $33 |
| 2009 | $27.50 |
| 2010 | $29 |
| 2011 | $29 |
| 2013 | $33.50 |
| 2014 | $26.50 |
| 2017 | $30.50 |
| 2019 | $32 |
| 2020 | $36.50 |
| 2021 | $41 |
| 2022 | $34.50 |
| 2023 | $40 |
| 2024 | $46 |
| 2025 | $38 |
| 2026 | $35.50 |
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