Several Southeast Missouri cities rank high for low commuter times

A recent report ranking Missouri's best and worst commuter cities shows several Southeast Missouri residents seem to be enjoying a shorter-than-average trip to and from work.

The Obrella Insider compiled the report of the 25 best and worst cities by analyzing traffic data from a 2013 survey released by the U.S. Census Bureau, focusing on cities with a population of more than 5,000.

Obrella is a Clear Link Insurance Agency brand that seeks to improve the insurance shopping experience by reporting on industry news, providing insurance resources and helping consumers better understand insurance policies and available options.

The average American's commute to work is about 25 minutes, according to Obrella, but the average for Missourians is about 16 minutes. More than half of the state's residents commute for less than 15 minutes, the report said.

The highest-ranked Southeast Missouri city on the list was Poplar Bluff, coming in fourth. The average commute is 15.7 minutes. Obrella also commends Poplar Bluff for its use of mass transit, noting a higher percentage of its workers use mass transit than any other city on the list, although the percentage is only 2.52 percent.

Sikeston was ranked 12th, with an average commute of 17 minutes. Most drivers reported a shorter commute, however, with six in 10 driving less than 15 minutes. About 13 percent of workers carpool.

Cape Girardeau followed at 14th. The average commute is 17.3 minutes, and 60 percent commute for less than 15 minutes. Nearly 90 percent drive 29 minutes or less to get to work. The report also showed 10 percent of the workers carpool.

With an average commute of 18.9 minutes, Perryville was ranked 23rd. About one-third of the city's workers are employed by local manufacturing companies, according to the report, which helps keep down traveling time. Six of 10 Perryville workers commute for less than 15 minutes.

The highest-ranked city on the list was Maryville, with an average of 12.9 minutes.

No Southeast Missouri towns were featured on Obrella's list of the 25 worst commuter cities in the state.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Sikeston, Mo.

Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Perryville, Mo.

Maryville, Mo.