Median Income
$77,765
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$271,100
4% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
203/100K
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
51.1%
52% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,079
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.4%
89% lower than US avg
How St. Joseph Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,805
Median Age43.4 yrs
Density2,439/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,765
Per Capita$54,707
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty1.4%
County GDP$3,313M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$271,100
Rent$1,079
Ownership59.4%
Zillow$148,189
Housing Units4,828
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent203/100K
Property2,023/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault108/100K
Burglary96/100K
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking11.0%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation667 ft (203 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+51.1%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+22.0%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute15 min
Broadband90.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is St. Joseph a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Joseph receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. St. Joseph offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. Joseph is $77,765, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. Joseph is $271,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,079 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in St. Joseph is below the national average at 203 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,023 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
St. Joseph is a highly educated community / 51.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
St. Joseph experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°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 38.2 inches, including 77.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
St. Joseph has a population of 7,805 with a density of 2,439 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 43.4 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (85.4%), with 4.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.7% of residents, while 9.3% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.4yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.7%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.3%
31% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Joseph is $77,765, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $54,707 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $986, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,643 business establishments, including 164 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.1% of workers work from home.
Income: St. Joseph vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,765 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $54,707 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,643 |
| County GDP | $3,313M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 123 |
| Retail | 254 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 15.1% |
The median home value in St. Joseph is $271,100, 4% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,189, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,079 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $777 for a one-bedroom to $1,019 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,828 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $6,255 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $271,100 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,189 |
| Median List Price | $639,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $639,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $221 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.4% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 28 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,079 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $721 |
| 1 Bedroom | $777 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,019 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.6% |
| Housing Units | 4,828 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.31% |
In St. Joseph, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 11.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 19.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991. The dentist ratio is 1:2,911. 59.9% 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 | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.0% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.2% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,911 |
| Mental Health | 1:653 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 74.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 123 |
St. Joseph has a violent crime rate of 203 per 100,000 residents, 46% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 107.7 per 100,000, robbery at 23.9, rape at 71.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,023 per 100,000, 3% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,867, burglary at 96, vehicle theft at 60 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 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 | 203.5/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 71.8/100K |
| Robbery | 23.9/100K |
| Assault | 107.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,022.7/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| Burglary | 95.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,867.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 59.8/100K |
| Arson | 12.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| 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 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°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 38.2 inches. The area receives 77.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 667 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 667 ft (203 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,439/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0997°N, 86.4888°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
89 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
310 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 109 fatalities, 1,315 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
65 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
67 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
84 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1956 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
55 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
65 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
St. Joseph has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 26°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.7").
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) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $532 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $710 |
| Preschool | $710 |
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 7,805 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 2,439 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% 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 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $77,765, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $271,100 (4% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,079 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is St. Joseph safe?
St. Joseph is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 203 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,023 per 100,000 (above 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°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 38.2 inches, with 77.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in St. Joseph?
The job market in St. Joseph is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $986. There are 1,643 business establishments in the area, including 164 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 15.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Joseph?
The median home value in St. Joseph is $271,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,189. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,079. Fair market rent is $777 for a 1-bedroom and $1,019 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,255.
How are the schools in St. Joseph?
Schools in St. Joseph score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 51.1% of adults in St. Joseph hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 22.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Joseph?
The obesity rate in St. Joseph is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.0% of adults are smokers. 19.2% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 59.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991.
What is transportation like in St. Joseph?
The average commute in St. Joseph is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Joseph?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Joseph is 85.4% White, 4.8% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 90.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.3% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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