Median Income
$82,708
10% higher than US avg
Home Value
$275,000
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
197/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.4%
20% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$925
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.8%
200% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How St. James Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population259
Median Age54.8 yrs
Density251/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$82,708
Per Capita$36,030
Unemployment10.8%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$1,721M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$275,000
Rent$925
Ownership89.0%
Zillow$186,047
Housing Units252
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent197/100K
Property5,039/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured4.6%
Smoking11.7%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation622 ft (190 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.4%
High School+97.8%
Graduate+13.7%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute10 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is St. James a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. James receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. St. James offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. James is $82,708, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 10.8%, unemployment is notably high. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. James is $275,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in St. James is below the national average at 197 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,039 per 100,000, 157% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
St. James has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
St. James has a population of 259 with a density of 251 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 54.8 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.2% female and 39.8% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 4.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.8yrs
Median Age
41% 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 $82,708, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,030. The average weekly wage is $1,114, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 900 business establishments, including 95 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.1% of workers work from home.
Income: St. James vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,708 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,030 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,114 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.8% |
| 200% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 900 |
| County GDP | $1,721M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 95 |
| Healthcare | 75 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 50 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,370 |
| 196% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.1% |
The median home value in St. James is $275,000, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,047, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $925 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 252 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $10,370 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $275,000 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $186,047 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $925 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.0% |
| Housing Units | 252 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,370 |
| 196% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.77% |
In St. James, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 17.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 4.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,186. The dentist ratio is 1:730. 78.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. James vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 8.1% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.5% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.4% |
| Uninsured | 4.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,186 |
| Dentists | 1:730 |
| Mental Health | 1:311 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 75.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,719/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 75 |
St. James has a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,039 per 100,000, 157% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 196.9/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,039.4/100K |
| 157% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
St. James has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 622 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 44.5°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 622 ft (190 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 251/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7427°N, 85.5301°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Charlevoix County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pellston Regional/Emmet County (PLN)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
39 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 49 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1984 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 1997 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1993 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1993 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1993 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1985 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1978 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1978 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1958 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1955 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DUCK LAKE (21,484 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
DUCK LAKE |
21,484 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
SLEEPER LAKE |
17,623 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
EIGHT MILE |
3,475 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
SEDGE MEADOW |
2,680 |
67 km |
| 2004 |
2004 MARSH CREEK |
1,977 |
64 km |
| 1998 |
CAMP FAUNCE |
1,922 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
8/4-8/6 M-2 NORTH |
1,918 |
69 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
1,212 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
EAST SEDGE MARSH BURNING-1 |
1,117 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
SCHOOLCRAFT7 |
943 |
93 km |
| 1994 |
H POOL |
914 |
68 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
831 |
69 km |
| 1999 |
MACKINAC3 |
741 |
46 km |
| 2019 |
RIFLE RANGE |
729 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
C 3 |
658 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
MARSH LANDS 2006 RX |
635 |
72 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
MARSH CREEK SOUTH WEDGE |
510 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
St. James has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 21°F in February to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.3").
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) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $638 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $657 |
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 259 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 251 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.2% female and 39.8% male.
Is St. James expensive to live in?
St. James has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $82,708, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $275,000 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is St. James safe?
St. James is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,039 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 has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in St. James?
The job market in St. James faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,114. There are 900 business establishments in the area, including 95 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 17.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. James?
The median home value in St. James is $275,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,047. For renters, the median monthly rent is $925. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.0%. The average annual property tax is $10,370.
How are the schools in St. James?
Schools in St. James score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.4% of adults in St. James hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. 13.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. James?
The obesity rate in St. James is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 17.5% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 4.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,186.
What is transportation like in St. James?
The average commute in St. James is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. James?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. James is 93.8% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 23.0% of residents have a disability. 81.4% have health insurance coverage.
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