Median Income
$45,347
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
68.1%
102% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.4%
137% higher than US avg
How St. Joseph Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population78
Median Age73.4 yrs
Density91/mi²
Male / Female62% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans69.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,347
Per Capita$25,587
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty29.4%
County GDP$598M
Housing
Ownership72.1%
Zillow$125,338
Housing Units39
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property636/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Smoking20.2%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,142 ft (348 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+68.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+16.4%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Broadband43.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is St. Joseph a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Joseph receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. St. Joseph has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. Joseph is $45,347, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 29.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in St. Joseph is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
St. Joseph is a highly educated community / 68.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
St. Joseph experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
St. Joseph has a population of 78 with a density of 91 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 73.4 years, 89% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.5% female and 61.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 69.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
73.4yrs
Median Age
89% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Joseph 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. Joseph vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Joseph is $45,347, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,587 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 24.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. Joseph vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,347 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,587 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.4% |
| 137% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $598M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 60.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 24.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,338. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 39 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,919 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.9% |
| Housing Units | 39 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
In St. Joseph, 44.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634. The dentist ratio is 1:2,393. 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. Joseph vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:9,634 |
| Dentists | 1:2,393 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,167 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,220/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
St. Joseph has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 636 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, St. Joseph receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: St. Joseph vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.4/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 635.9/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
St. Joseph experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,142 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,142 ft (348 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 91/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9123°N, 94.2309°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Humboldt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 876 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
92 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
49 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
44 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
98 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
St. Joseph has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in St. Joseph. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($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–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
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 |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $652 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Joseph
What is the population of St. Joseph?
St. Joseph has a population of 78 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 91 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 73.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.5% female and 61.5% male.
Is St. Joseph expensive to live in?
St. Joseph is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,347, 40% below the national average of $75,149.
Is St. Joseph safe?
St. Joseph is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, St. Joseph receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in St. Joseph?
The job market in St. Joseph is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in St. Joseph?
Schools in St. Joseph score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 68.1% of adults in St. Joseph hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 16.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Joseph?
The obesity rate in St. Joseph is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634.
What are the demographics of St. Joseph?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Joseph is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 69.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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