Median Income
$113,670
51% higher than US avg
Home Value
$599,300
113% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
273/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
65.7%
95% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$2,258
94% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.1%
9% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How St. James Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,901
Median Age68.1 yrs
Density758/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans15.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$113,670
Per Capita$82,598
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$22,774M
Commute53 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$599,300
Rent$2,258
Ownership95.7%
Zillow$557,249
Housing Units3,735
Rent Burden12.5%
Crime
F
Violent273/100K
Property4,250/100K
Health
Obesity29.1%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking10.0%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain54.6 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation39 ft (12 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+65.7%
High School+98.0%
Graduate+29.8%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute53 min
Broadband95.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries12
Is St. James a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. James receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, long commute times. 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 $113,670, which is significantly higher than the national average / 51% above $75,149. This places St. James among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 53 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. James is $599,300, making it a premium housing market at 113% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,258 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.3x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in St. James is below the national average at 273 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,250 per 100,000, 117% above the national average.
Education
St. James is a highly educated community / 65.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
St. James enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
St. James has a population of 6,901 with a density of 758 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age is 68.1 years, 75% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 15.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 99.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
68.1yrs
Median Age
75% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. James vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. James vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. James is $113,670, which is 51% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $82,598 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $924, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 12,484 business establishments, including 1,398 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 53 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 30.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. James vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $113,670 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $82,598 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $924 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,849 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 12,484 |
| County GDP | $22,774M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,398 |
| Healthcare | 896 |
| Retail | 1,849 |
| Manufacturing | 171 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,541 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 52.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 44.0% |
| Public Transit | 13.1% |
| Work from Home | 30.7% |
The median home value in St. James is $599,300, 113% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $557,249. Homes sell for 96.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $2,258 (94% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,735 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2007. The average annual property tax is $3,541. 12.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.3x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $599,300 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $557,249 |
| Median List Price | $925,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $925,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $242 |
| Homes Sold | 16 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.3% |
| Price Drops | 17.9% |
| Inventory | 84 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,258 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.3% |
| Housing Units | 3,735 |
| Median Year Built | 2007 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,541 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.59% |
In St. James, 29.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 10.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 15.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,603. The dentist ratio is 1:2,336. 78.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. James vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.1% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.0% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.8% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 9.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,603 |
| Dentists | 1:2,336 |
| Mental Health | 1:554 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 76.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,747/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 896 |
St. James has a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,250 per 100,000, 117% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 78 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 | 273.3/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,250.4/100K |
| 117% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 78 |
| 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 65°F (18°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 304 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 54.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 39 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.0°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) |
| Area | 8.3 sq mi (21.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 758/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.9444°N, 78.1003°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Horry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilmington International (ILM) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.6"
44% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
7.68"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0446 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
26 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
125 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
37 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
11 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
29 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
130 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
117 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
174 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
202 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
89 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
19 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
124 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
37 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
11 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
38 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
209 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
274 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
250 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 22 fatalities, 340 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
38 km |
3 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
46 km |
8 |
| Aug 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 6, 2009 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2004 |
EF2 |
55 km |
3 |
| Jul 6, 2001 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1990 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1985 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1983 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,768 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
77,768 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
HIGHWAY 31 |
17,004 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
86 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
78 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,204 |
63 km |
| 2020 |
TRAM ROAD/GRASSY ROAD |
2,076 |
69 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
3 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
48 km |
| 2002 |
LEGENDS |
1,666 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
SHAKEN CREEK |
1,469 |
84 km |
| 2016 |
CLEMMONS ROAD |
1,468 |
9 km |
| 2011 |
SR8 |
1,311 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
WOLF ISLAND |
1,310 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
JUNIPER ROAD TWO |
1,307 |
77 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,293 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
BURNCOMP43 |
1,259 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
EDNA BUCK ROAD |
1,256 |
52 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,077 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
BURNCOMP48 |
1,061 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
4.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
7.3 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
7.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
St. James has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 48°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (7.7") and April the driest (3.0").
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) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $861 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $784 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $596 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $577 |
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 6,901 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 758 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 68.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is St. James expensive to live in?
St. James is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $113,670, 51% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $599,300 (113% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,258 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is St. James safe?
St. James is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,250 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 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in St. James?
The job market in St. James is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $924. There are 12,484 business establishments in the area, including 1,398 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 53 minutes, and 30.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. James?
The median home value in St. James is $599,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $557,249. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,258. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 95.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,541.
How are the schools in St. James?
Schools in St. James score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 65.7% of adults in St. James hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. 29.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. James?
The obesity rate in St. James is 29.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.0% of adults are smokers. 15.8% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,603.
What is transportation like in St. James?
The average commute in St. James is 53 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 44% of workers drive alone to work, 13.1% use public transit, and 30.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. James?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. James is 88.9% White. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 15.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 99.5% have health insurance coverage.