Southeast Missouri, often associated with the Bootheel, features fertile agricultural land, major river systems, and important transportation corridors. The Mississippi River plays a central role in the region’s economy, history, and landscape. Cities here serve as regional centers for healthcare, trade, and industry.
The region offers riverfront parks, wildlife areas, historic towns, and strong local traditions. Southeast Missouri provides a distinct cultural and geographic experience, shaped by both the Mississippi Delta and the Ozark foothills.
| City | Population (2020) | County |
|---|---|---|
| Advance | 1,349 | Stoddard County |
| Bonne Terre | 6,903 | St. Francois County |
| Cape Girardeau | 39,540 | Cape Girardeau County, Scott County |
| Caruthersville | 5,562 | Pemiscot County |
| Charleston | 5,056 | Mississippi County |
| Dexter | 7,927 | Stoddard County |
| Farmington | 18,217 | St. Francois County |
| Fredericktown | 4,429 | Madison County |
| Jackson | 15,481 | Cape Girardeau County |
| Kennett | 10,515 | Dunklin County |
| New Madrid | 2,787 | New Madrid County |
| Park Hills | 8,587 | St. Francois County |
| Perryville | 8,555 | Perry County |
| Poplar Bluff | 16,225 | Butler County |
| Scott City | 4,346 | Cape Girardeau County, Scott County |
| Sikeston | 16,291 | Scott County, New Madrid County |