Median Income
$75,217
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$240,300
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
97/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.3%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,139
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How St. Joseph Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,024
Median Age23.9 yrs
Density756/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,217
Per Capita$29,808
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$12,618M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$240,300
Rent$1,139
Ownership64.4%
Zillow$247,835
Housing Units2,278
Rent Burden34.6%
Crime
F
Violent97/100K
Property678/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault83/100K
Burglary83/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking17.4%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,092 ft (333 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.3%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+13.6%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute19 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries10
Is St. Joseph a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Joseph receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. 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 $75,217, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. Joseph is $240,300, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,139 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
St. Joseph is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 678 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
Education
30.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
St. Joseph has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 57.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
St. Joseph has a population of 7,024 with a density of 756 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 23.9 years, 39% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly White (78.8%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 10.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.4% of residents, while 10.6% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.9yrs
Median Age
39% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.4%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.6%
21% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Joseph is $75,217, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,808 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,198, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 4,733 business establishments, including 391 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. Joseph vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,217 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,808 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,198 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,564 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,733 |
| County GDP | $12,618M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 391 |
| Healthcare | 529 |
| Retail | 642 |
| Manufacturing | 231 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.3% |
| Public Transit | 2.5% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in St. Joseph is $240,300, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,835. Homes sell for 97.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,139 (2% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,278 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $5,101 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $240,300 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,835 |
| Median List Price | $342,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $342,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $125 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 11.8% |
| Inventory | 17 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,139 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,278 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.12% |
In St. Joseph, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,224. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. Joseph vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,224 |
| Mental Health | 1:235 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,211/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 529 |
St. Joseph has a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 83.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 13.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 678 per 100,000, 65% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 540, burglary at 83, vehicle theft at 55 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 | 96.9/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 13.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 83.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 678.0/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Burglary | 83.0/100K |
| Theft | 539.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 55.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
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 has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 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 31.0 inches. The area receives 57.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,092 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,092 ft (333 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 756/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5651°N, 94.3021°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stearns County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0456 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
410 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 713 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
6 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
8 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
95 km |
5 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
71 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
41 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
49 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
47 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
71 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
50 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
44 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
48 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
43 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
50 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
St. Joseph has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February 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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,865 |
| Toddler | $1,653 |
| Preschool | $1,458 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
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 7,024 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 756 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% 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 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $75,217, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $240,300 (15% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,139 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is St. Joseph safe?
St. Joseph is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 678 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.0 inches, with 57.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in St. Joseph?
The job market in St. Joseph is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,198. There are 4,733 business establishments in the area, including 391 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Joseph?
The median home value in St. Joseph is $240,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,835. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,139. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,101.
How are the schools in St. Joseph?
Schools in St. Joseph score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.3% of adults in St. Joseph hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 13.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Joseph?
The obesity rate in St. Joseph is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025.
What is transportation like in St. Joseph?
The average commute in St. Joseph is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.3% of workers drive alone to work, 2.5% use public transit, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Joseph?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Joseph is 78.8% White, 10.5% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 89.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.6% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
