St. Joseph

St. Joseph, Missouri Overview

St. Joseph faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (42.4/100) and ranking #19 of 20 cities in Missouri. Even so, the city scores 85/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 15/100.

Income & Employment in St. Joseph

The median household income in St. Joseph is $57,205, 12% below the statewide median of $64,811. The local unemployment rate of 4% is higher than the state’s 3.2%. Population grew 0.3% recently.

Safety in St. Joseph

With a violent crime rate of 759.4 per 100,000, St. Joseph exceeds the Missouri average of 495. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3815.5 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in St. Joseph

With a cost of living index of 87.8, St. Joseph is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $144,200. Median monthly rent is $884. Renters spend 18.5% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in St. Joseph

The adult obesity rate in St. Joseph is 42.9%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13%. Residents report an average of 19 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Missouri ranks #35 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in St. Joseph

St. Joseph has a high school graduation rate of 80%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Per-pupil spending is $12,067. The city has 4 public schools serving 1,488 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in St. Joseph

St. Joseph enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 57.3°F. Summers average 77.5°F. Winters average 37.4°F. Annual precipitation is 41.4 inches. The average commute of 15.1 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions