MissouriPop. 71,236Smaller cities
Is St. Joseph a Good Place to Live? St. Joseph, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
St. Joseph ranks #1106 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #457 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($898/mo, #9 of 524) and low living costs (86.4, #14 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (74%, #408 of 437) and low household income ($57,956, #455 of 524).
St. Joseph by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with St. Joseph's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph's cost of living index is 86.4, 14% below the US level of 100 and #82 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $898/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $154,200.
| Measure | St. Joseph | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 86.4#82 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $154,200#90 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $898/mo#87 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.6%#298 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is St. Joseph safe?
St. Joseph recorded 500 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 52% above the US rate of 328 and 20% above Missouri's 418. That ranks #843 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #372 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Joseph Police Department. Property crime runs 3,613 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | St. Joseph | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 500#843 of 1,085 | 418 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,613#1021 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in St. Joseph?
The median household in St. Joseph earns $57,956, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 17.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | St. Joseph | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $57,956#1088 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.7%#1025 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in St. Joseph?
The median resident of St. Joseph is 38.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1062 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | St. Joseph | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23%#1062 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are St. Joseph's schools and health?
St. Joseph's 22 public schools graduate 74% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $12,067 spent per pupil. 42.9% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | St. Joseph | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 74%#995 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,067#957 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 42.9%#1242 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19%#1049 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.1%#788 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,137 students are enrolled in St. Joseph's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in St. Joseph?
The average commute in St. Joseph is 17 minutes (Missouri 24); 0.2% of workers take transit and 7.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index St. Joseph scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.7°F and winters 30.1°F, with 34.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | St. Joseph | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17 min#137 of 1,312 | 24 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79% | 74.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.1% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9#835 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37.4 | 17.1 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 42.8 | 21.2 | 1 |
| Mar | 55.1 | 31.5 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 65.9 | 41.8 | 3.7 |
| May | 75.8 | 53.7 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 84.7 | 63.8 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 88.1 | 67.3 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 86.2 | 64.5 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 79.7 | 54.4 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 67.8 | 42.8 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 53.4 | 30.6 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 41.1 | 21.1 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at St Joseph Rosecrans Mem Airport.
| Measure | St. Joseph | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 34.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at St Joseph Rosecrans Mem Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in St. Joseph?
Buchanan County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Buchanan County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | St. Joseph | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#228 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Buchanan County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Buchanan County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0082% | 81% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.015% | 75% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0021% | 52% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.063% | 25% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does St. Joseph compare with similar-size cities?
St. Joseph is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #457 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 71,236.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #1106 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 | 17 min |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #1134 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 | 20.4 min |
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #1292 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 | 23.8 min |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #794 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 | 15 min |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #197 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 | 21.3 min |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #75 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 | 24 min |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #524 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 | 16.4 min |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #151 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 | 18.3 min |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #555 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data | 37.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does St. Joseph compare with the rest of Missouri?
St. Joseph ranks #17 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 19% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 20% above the statewide rate.
| City | Rank in MO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #1 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #2 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #3 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #4 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #5 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #6 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #7 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #8 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #9 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #10 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #11 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #12 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #13 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #14 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #15 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #16 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #17 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #18 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #19 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #20 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 |
All 20 Missouri cities we track, by overall score. Missouri statewide: median income $71,589, violent crime 417.8 per 100,000.
How is St. Joseph's score calculated?
St. Joseph scores 47.8 out of 100, #1106 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Missouri's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in St. Joseph. Similar-size median 55.5.
44.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by St. Joseph's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
49.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in St. Joseph. Similar-size median 58.9.
35.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in St. Joseph's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
43.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
St. Joseph's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
88.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in St. Joseph. Similar-size median 56.1.
32.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in St. Joseph. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in St. Joseph. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across St. Joseph's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
66.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
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Bar: St. Joseph's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories St. Joseph has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in St. Joseph
Is St. Joseph, MO a good place to live?
St. Joseph ranks #1106 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #457 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($898/mo, #9 of 524) and low living costs (86.4, #14 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (74%, #408 of 437) and low household income ($57,956, #455 of 524).
What is the cost of living in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph's cost of living index is 86.4, 14% below the US level of 100 and #82 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $898/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $154,200.
What is the crime rate in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph recorded 500 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 52% above the US rate of 328 and 20% above Missouri's 418. That ranks #843 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #372 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Joseph Police Department. Property crime runs 3,613 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in St. Joseph?
The median household in St. Joseph earns $57,956, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 17.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in St. Joseph?
Median rent in St. Joseph is $898/mo (Census), #87 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 18.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in St. Joseph?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in St. Joseph is $154,200, #90 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in St. Joseph?
St.
How long is the commute in St. Joseph?
The average commute is 17 minutes, #137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph averages 53.7°F over the year, 75.7°F in summer and 30.1°F in winter, with 34.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is St. Joseph walkable?
St. Joseph scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is St. Joseph at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Buchanan County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
How is the air quality in St. Joseph?
Buchanan County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph has 71,236 residents. The median resident of St. Joseph is 38.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1062 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does St. Joseph compare with the rest of Missouri?
St. Joseph ranks #17 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 19% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 20% above the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to St. Joseph?
The tracked cities in other states closest to St. Joseph's population of 71,236 are Dothan, AL (#1134 overall), Camden, NJ (#1292 overall), Jacksonville, NC (#794 overall), Waukesha, WI (#197 overall), and Maple Grove, MN (#75 overall). St. Joseph is #1106.