Median Income
$55,578
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,200
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
568/100K
49% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.7%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$884
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.4%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How St. Joseph Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population71,542
Median Age37.9 yrs
Density1,624/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,578
Per Capita$31,499
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty13.6%
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,200
Rent$884
Ownership61.4%
Zillow$125,338
Housing Units33,137
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent568/100K
Property5,740/100K
Murder2.6/100K
Assault331/100K
Burglary770/100K
Health
Obesity43.4%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking20.0%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain30.9 in/yr
Sunny Days280/yr
Elevation1,102 ft (336 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.7%
High School+89.1%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband83.7%
EV Stations5
Is St. Joseph a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Joseph receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, 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 $55,578, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. Joseph is $144,200, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $884 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 568 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,740 per 100,000, 193% above the national average.
Education
22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
St. Joseph experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 280 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.9 inches, including 6.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
St. Joseph has a population of 71,542 with a density of 1,624 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 37.9 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (80.4%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 6.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.9yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Joseph is $55,578, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,499 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. Joseph vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,578 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,499 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in St. Joseph is $144,200, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,338, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $884 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 33,137 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,200 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $125,338 |
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $125 |
| Homes Sold | 67 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.0% |
| Price Drops | 26.5% |
| Inventory | 189 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $884 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.6% |
| Housing Units | 33,137 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
In St. Joseph, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-21)
PM2.5
6.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
7.5
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
121.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: St. Joseph vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.4% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.4% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 55.9% |
Food & Exercise
St. Joseph has a violent crime rate of 568 per 100,000 residents, 49% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 330.8 per 100,000, robbery at 71.2, rape at 163.4. The murder rate is 2.6 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 5,740 per 100,000, 193% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 4,128, burglary at 770, vehicle theft at 842 per 100,000 residents. Overall, St. Joseph receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: St. Joseph vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 568.1/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| Murder | 2.6/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rape | 163.4/100K |
| Robbery | 71.2/100K |
| Assault | 330.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,739.9/100K |
| 193% above US avg |
| Burglary | 769.7/100K |
| Theft | 4,128.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 842.2/100K |
| Arson | 14.5/100K |
Traffic Safety
| 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 46°F (8°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 280 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 30.9 inches. The area receives 6.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,102 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 280 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,102 ft (336 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,624/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9133°N, 94.2272°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.9"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 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 |
14°F (-10°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 59°F / from 14°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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Joseph
What is the population of St. Joseph?
St. Joseph has a population of 71,542 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,624 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is St. Joseph expensive to live in?
St. Joseph is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,578, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,200 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $884 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is St. Joseph safe?
The violent crime rate in St. Joseph is 568 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,740 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 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 280 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.9 inches, with 6.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in St. Joseph?
The job market in St. Joseph is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Joseph?
The median home value in St. Joseph is $144,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,338. For renters, the median monthly rent is $884. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.4%.
How are the schools in St. Joseph?
Schools in St. Joseph score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.7% of adults in St. Joseph hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Joseph?
The obesity rate in St. Joseph is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in St. Joseph?
The average commute in St. Joseph is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Joseph?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Joseph is 80.4% White, 6.7% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
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