Median Income
$50,644
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,200
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
265/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$814
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.4%
0% lower than US avg
How St. James Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,922
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density923/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans11.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,644
Per Capita$23,711
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty12.4%
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,200
Rent$814
Ownership57.0%
Zillow$288,647
Housing Units1,845
Rent Burden32.2%
Crime
F
Violent265/100K
Property2,628/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault265/100K
Burglary289/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking18.2%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain28.1 in/yr
Sunny Days285/yr
Elevation1,056 ft (322 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+11.4%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.9%
EV Stations1
Is St. James a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. James receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $50,644, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. James is $117,200, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $814 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in St. James is below the national average at 265 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,628 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
St. James has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 285 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.1 inches, including 5.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
St. James has a population of 3,922 with a density of 923 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 3.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 11.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. James vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. James vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. James is $50,644, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,711 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. James vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,644 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,711 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.4% |
| 0% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.5% |
The median home value in St. James is $117,200, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,647, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $814 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,845 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 32.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,200 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $288,647 |
| Median List Price | $179,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $179,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $81 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.5% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 18 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $814 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,845 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
In St. James, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: St. James vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 40.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
Food & Exercise
St. James has a violent crime rate of 265 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 265.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,628 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,242, burglary at 289, vehicle theft at 96 per 100,000 residents. Overall, St. James receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: St. James vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.2/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 265.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,627.8/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| Burglary | 289.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,242.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 96.4/100K |
| Arson | 24.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| 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 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 285 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 28.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,056 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 285 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,056 ft (322 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 923/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9864°N, 94.5581°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.1"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
50 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
503 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 593 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
97 km |
9 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
23 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
St. James has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About St. James
What is the population of St. James?
St. James has a population of 3,922 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 923 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is St. James expensive to live in?
St. James is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $50,644, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,200 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $814 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, 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 265 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,628 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 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 285 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.1 inches, with 5.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in St. James?
St. James has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 8.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. James?
The median home value in St. James is $117,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,647. For renters, the median monthly rent is $814. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.0%.
How are the schools in St. James?
Schools in St. James score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in St. James hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. James?
The obesity rate in St. James is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in St. James?
The average commute in St. James is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. James?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. James is 92.4% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 11.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.7% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
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