Median Income
$84,583
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$264,400
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.8%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$883
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How St. Joseph Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population530
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density280/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$84,583
Per Capita$37,354
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$9,934M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$264,400
Rent$883
Ownership69.5%
Zillow$306,372
Housing Units169
Rent Burden12.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property738/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.5%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,297 ft (395 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score6.11
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute31 min
Broadband95.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
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 above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, 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 $84,583, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. Joseph is $264,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
St. Joseph is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 738 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
23.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
St. Joseph experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches, including 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
St. Joseph has a population of 530 with a density of 280 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (85.5%), with 3.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. Joseph vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Joseph is $84,583, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,354. The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,551 business establishments, including 350 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 14.6% of workers work from home.
Income: St. Joseph vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,583 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,354 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,484 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,551 |
| County GDP | $9,934M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 350 |
| Healthcare | 350 |
| Retail | 392 |
| Manufacturing | 148 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.6% |
The median home value in St. Joseph is $264,400, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $306,372, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $883 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 169 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $6,845 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 12.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $264,400 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $306,372 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $883 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.5% |
| Housing Units | 169 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.59% |
In St. Joseph, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:717. The dentist ratio is 1:978. 82.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. Joseph vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:717 |
| Dentists | 1:978 |
| Mental Health | 1:255 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 71.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,575/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 350 |
St. Joseph has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 738 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, St. Joseph receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: St. Joseph vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 738.3/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
St. Joseph experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. The area receives 54.2 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 1,297 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,297 ft (395 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 280/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7855°N, 91.0436°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | La Crosse County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0478 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
287 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 165 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2012 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG BURN (3,154 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
81 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
92 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
77 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
79 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
St. Joseph has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,269 |
| Toddler | $1,120 |
| Preschool | $1,120 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $866 |
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 530 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 280 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is St. Joseph expensive to live in?
St. Joseph is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $84,583, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $264,400 (6% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, 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 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 738 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, St. Joseph receives a safety grade of C+ 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 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches, with 54.2 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 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,124. There are 3,551 business establishments in the area, including 350 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 14.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Joseph?
The median home value in St. Joseph is $264,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $306,372. For renters, the median monthly rent is $883. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,845.
How are the schools in St. Joseph?
Schools in St. Joseph score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.8% of adults in St. Joseph hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Joseph?
The obesity rate in St. Joseph is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:717.
What is transportation like in St. Joseph?
The average commute in St. Joseph is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Joseph?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Joseph is 85.5% White, 3.2% Black or African American. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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