Median Income
$36,750
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$168,800
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
519/100K
37% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
53.3%
66% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How St. James Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population395
Median Age55.6 yrs
Density47/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 22%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$36,750
Per Capita$25,961
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$3,330M
Commute22 min
Housing
A
Home Value$168,800
Ownership89.9%
Zillow$112,969
Housing Units308
Rent Burden34.2%
Crime
F
Violent519/100K
Property2,623/100K
Health
Obesity53.3%
Uninsured11.7%
Smoking23.0%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain67.2 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation19 ft (6 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score4.83
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 49%
Commute22 min
Broadband79.8%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is St. James a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. James receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. St. James has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. James is $36,750, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. James is $168,800, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 519 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,623 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
St. James enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 67.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
St. James has a population of 395 with a density of 47 people per square mile, spread across 9.9 square miles. The median age is 55.6 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly Black (78%), with 22% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 33.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.6yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. James vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. James vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. James is $36,750, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,961 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,519. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 462 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. James vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,750 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,961 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,519 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,786 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 462 |
| County GDP | $3,330M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,726 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
The median home value in St. James is $168,800, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,969, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $702 for a one-bedroom to $921 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 308 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $2,726 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $168,800 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $112,969 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $697 |
| 1 Bedroom | $702 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $921 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,281 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,315 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.1% |
| Housing Units | 308 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,726 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.61% |
In St. James, 53.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 50.2% have high blood pressure. 23.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.9% report binge drinking. 42.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.0% experience frequent mental distress. 11.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,948. The dentist ratio is 1:2,428. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. James vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 53.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 50.2% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 5.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.0% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 42.5% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 23.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.7% |
| Short Sleep | 52.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,948 |
| Dentists | 1:2,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,199 |
| Checkup Rate | 84.0% |
| Dental Visits | 40.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,082/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
St. James has a violent crime rate of 519 per 100,000 residents, 37% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,623 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, St. James receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: St. James vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 518.9/100K |
| 37% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,623.2/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
St. James enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 313 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 67.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. 93% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 19 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
53°F Jan (11°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 69.1°F |
| 28% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 19 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 9.9 sq mi (25.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 47/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.0186°N, 90.8509°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. James Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
67.2"
77% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 93.4% |
| Unhealthy Days | 3 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
27 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
25 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
237 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
197 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
272 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
129 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
160 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
58 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
122 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
261 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
116 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
284 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
140 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
271 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
129 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
524 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 42 fatalities, 839 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
66 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 1953 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| Feb 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 1 B (2,030 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 B |
2,030 |
92 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 4 CD |
1,729 |
90 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 7 |
1,623 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,206 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
92 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
950 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
GOOSEPOINT C |
864 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
BOY SCOUT EAST |
826 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
93 km |
| 1997 |
1 A |
797 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
750 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
UNT 4A SAMMY SLOUGH |
717 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
BAPTISTE CEMETERY |
684 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
12 SOUTH EAST |
542 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| October |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
5.3 in |
|
St. James has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 53°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.7") and October the driest (3.8").
Average costs for common services in St. James. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132-$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176-$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706-$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132-$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353-$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132-$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528-$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353-$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851-$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441-$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410-$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764-$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706-$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176-$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882-$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65-$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21-$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21-$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65-$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53-$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71-$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058-$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529-$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441-$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176-$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353-$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410-$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $616 |
| Toddler | $585 |
| Preschool | $598 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About St. James
What is the population of St. James?
St. James has a population of 395 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 47 people per square mile, spread across 9.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is St. James expensive to live in?
St. James is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $36,750, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $168,800 (40% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is St. James safe?
The violent crime rate in St. James is 519 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,623 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, St. James receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in St. James?
St. James enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 67.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in St. James?
The job market in St. James is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,519. There are 462 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. James?
The median home value in St. James is $168,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,969. The homeownership rate is 89.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,726.
How are the schools in St. James?
Schools in St. James have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.3% of adults in St. James hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. James?
The obesity rate in St. James is 53.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.0% of adults are smokers. 42.5% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 11.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,948.
What is transportation like in St. James?
The average commute in St. James is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. James?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. James is 22% White, 78% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 33.9% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
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