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St. James, MO

Missouri

St. James is a small town in Missouri with a population of 3,922. Residents earn $50,644 per year, which is 33% below the national average.

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
3,922 Population 923/sq mi density
$50,644 Median Income $23,711 per capita
$117,200 Home Value
$814 Median Rent 32.2% income on rent
45°F Avg Temperature 285 sunny days/yr
265 Violent Crime/100K 2,628 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$50,644 median income, 4.9% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$117,200 home value, $814/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
265 violent crimes/100K (30% below avg)
C
Education
2.5 / 5.0
18.6% bachelor's degree or higher
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
OwnershipN/A
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

3,922
Total Population
923
People / sq mi
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
4.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.4%
Female 53.6%

Race & Ethnicity

St. James vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish3.0%
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.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$50,644
33% below US avg
Per Capita Income$23,711

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.9%
36% above US avg
Poverty Rate12.4%
0% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.5 min
Drive Alone78.1%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home8.5%

Walkability

The median home value in St. James is $117,200, 58% below the national median of $281,900. 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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$117,200
58% below US avg
Median List Price$179,900

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$179,900
$/Sq Ft$81
Homes Sold4
Sale-to-List Ratio99.5%
Price Drops22.2%
Inventory18

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$814
30% below US avg
Rent Burden32.2%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied57.0%
Housing Units1,845
Median Year Built1981

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

Obesity35.7%
11% above US avg
Diabetes10.2%
Heart Disease6.0%
High Blood Pressure32.8%
Asthma11.0%
COPD7.8%
Cancer7.4%
Stroke3.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking18.2%
30% above US avg
Binge Drinking18.1%
Physical Inactivity28.9%
Depression27.6%
Mental Distress19.5%
Physical Distress14.4%
Short Sleep40.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate88.9%
Uninsured9.4%
9% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.2%
Dental Visits59.3%

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 Violent265.2/100K
30% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault265.2/100K

Property Crime

Total Property2,627.8/100K
34% above US avg
Burglary289.3/100K
Theft2,242.0/100K
Vehicle Theft96.4/100K
Arson24.1/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 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 Average45.1°F
16% below US avg
January Average13°F (-11°C)
July Average72°F (22°C)
Sunny Days285 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall28.1 inches
26% below US avg
Snowfall5.2 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,056 ft (322 m)
Area4.3 sq mi (11.0 km²)
Population Density923/sq mi
Coordinates43.9864°N, 94.5581°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

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").

18.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 45% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 87.9% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 1 EV charging stations. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+18.6%
45% below US avg
High School+87.9%
Graduate Degree+11.4%
School Test Score5.51
C Education Grade (2.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density923/sq mi
Total Area4.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access87.9%
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.5 min
Drive Alone78.1%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home8.5%

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. For renters, the median monthly rent is $814. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

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.

Nearby Cities

St. James, MN 4,740 pop · 3.4 mi Madelia, MN 2,380 pop · 8.1 mi Truman, MN 1,223 pop · 12.5 mi Mountain Lake, MN 1,833 pop · 18.7 mi Lake Crystal, MN 2,530 pop · 18.7 mi New Ulm, MN 14,066 pop · 22.9 mi Sleepy Eye, MN 3,438 pop · 23.1 mi Fairmont, MN 10,348 pop · 24.1 mi Winnebago, MN 1,247 pop · 24.6 mi Springfield, MN 2,209 pop · 27.2 mi Windom, MN 4,786 pop · 29.0 mi North Mankato, MN 14,212 pop · 29.0 mi Mapleton, MN 1,745 pop · 30.3 mi Mankato, MN 44,882 pop · 31.6 mi
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