Median Income
$114,594
52% higher than US avg
Home Value
$257,400
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.1%
10% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$969
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.5%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.5%
96% lower than US avg
How St. Joseph Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,833
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density1,843/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$114,594
Per Capita$51,391
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty0.5%
County GDP$15,450M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$257,400
Rent$969
Ownership85.8%
Zillow$214,423
Housing Units1,494
Rent Burden24.0%
Health
Obesity30.5%
Uninsured3.5%
Smoking10.8%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain41.2 in/yr
Elevation674 ft (205 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.1%
High School+98.6%
Graduate+14.4%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 37% / D 61%
Commute24 min
Broadband97.4%
EV Stations6
Libraries11
Is St. Joseph a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Joseph receives an overall livability score of 4.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. St. Joseph stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. Joseph is $114,594, which is significantly higher than the national average / 52% above $75,149. This places St. Joseph among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. Joseph is $257,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $969 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
St. Joseph experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.2 inches, including 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
St. Joseph has a population of 3,833 with a density of 1,843 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 2.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,833
Total Population
2023 Census
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Joseph is $114,594, which is 52% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,391 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,235, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,160 business establishments, including 590 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 17.4% of workers work from home.
Income: St. Joseph vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $114,594 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,391 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,235 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,600 |
| Gini Index | 0.498 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.5% |
| 96% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,160 |
| County GDP | $15,450M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 590 |
| Healthcare | 419 |
| Retail | 576 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,971 |
| 128% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 17.4% |
The median home value in St. Joseph is $257,400, 9% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,423, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $246,000 with homes selling in an average of 133 days. Homes sell for 99.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $969 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,494 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1996. The average annual property tax is $7,971 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $257,400 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,423 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $246,000 |
| Median List Price | $279,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $246,000 |
| Median List Price | $279,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $131 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 133 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $969 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,494 |
| Median Year Built | 1996 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,971 |
| 128% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.10% |
In St. Joseph, 30.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 26.5% have high blood pressure. 10.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 22.3% report binge drinking. 15.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 3.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:958. The dentist ratio is 1:1,497. 88.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. Joseph vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.5% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.8% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.9% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 3.5% |
| 59% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:958 |
| Dentists | 1:1,497 |
| Mental Health | 1:272 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 72.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,180/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 419 |
St. Joseph experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.2 inches. The area receives 25.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. 68% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 674 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 674 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,843/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1147°N, 88.0356°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Champaign County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.2"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 68.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0442 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.56 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.11 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
71 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
88 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
676 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 67 fatalities, 873 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
28 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
7 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
93 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
22 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
St. Joseph has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (2.2").
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) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,340 |
| Toddler | $1,191 |
| Preschool | $1,035 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $640 |
| Toddler | $683 |
| Preschool | $613 |
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 3,833 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,843 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is St. Joseph expensive to live in?
St. Joseph has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $114,594, 52% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $257,400 (9% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $969 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 41.2 inches, with 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in St. Joseph?
The job market in St. Joseph is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,235. There are 4,160 business establishments in the area, including 590 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 17.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Joseph?
The median home value in St. Joseph is $257,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,423. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $246,000, with homes typically selling within 133 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $969. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.8%. The average annual property tax is $7,971.
How are the schools in St. Joseph?
Schools in St. Joseph score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.1% of adults in St. Joseph hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.6% have completed high school. 14.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Joseph?
The obesity rate in St. Joseph is 30.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.8% of adults are smokers. 15.9% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 3.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 88.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:958.
What is transportation like in St. Joseph?
The average commute in St. Joseph is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Joseph?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Joseph is 93.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Asian. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.