Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Saint Joseph, MI
Thinking about moving to Saint Joseph, MI? With a friendly lakeside vibe and a population of around 8,000, Saint Joseph offers affordable living with median home prices near $230,000 and average rents around $1,050. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging 18 minutes, access to quality schools, and the beauty of 51% sunny days yearly. While the city is generally safe, property crime rates are a bit above the national average. You'll love the scenic Lake Michigan views, highly rated schools, and the welcoming small-town spirit.
Demographics - Saint Joseph, MI
Demographics - Saint Joseph, MI
Saint Joseph, MI is home to about 7,900 residents, with a median age of 40.6 and a population density of 2,100 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and around 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is fairly balanced, offering a diverse yet close-knit small-town atmosphere.
Population:
7,900
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.6
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.3%
Black:
5.6%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
7.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Saint Joseph, MI?
Saint Joseph offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $230,000 and average rents around $1,050. Utility costs and grocery prices are below the national average, and the overall cost of living index is 88.3, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. State income taxes are consistent at 4.25%, further supporting cost-effective living.
Median House Value:
$230,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.3
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
81.5
Utilities:
92.4
Transportation:
89.1
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
87.7
Crime
Is Saint Joseph, MI a safe place to live?
Overall, Saint Joseph experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 252 violent crimes and 2,320 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 397 chance of experiencing violent crime, which is lower than many urban areas, but property crime rates are somewhat higher than average. The city remains a generally safe place to live, especially with common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
252
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,320
Crime Index:
2,572
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 397
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Saint Joseph, MI year-round?
Saint Joseph enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters with lows around 20°F. The city receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 51% sunny days, offering residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy Lake Michigan and outdoor activities. Seasonal changes provide a classic Midwest climate experience.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Saint Joseph feature a median household income of $68,000 and a poverty rate of 10.2%. Most residents have high educational attainment, with 97% holding at least a high school diploma and 45% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is a convenient 18 minutes, reflecting the city’s relaxed pace of life.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$68,000
Family Income:
$82,000
Per Capita Income:
$39,500
Income Male:
$47,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
45.1%
Education
How are the schools in Saint Joseph, MI?
Saint Joseph offers strong educational opportunities, with public schools like St. Joseph High School and Lincoln Elementary serving the community. The city also has private school options and is located just four miles from Lake Michigan College, which enrolls over 3,000 students. Families benefit from a high rate of educational attainment and a variety of school choices.
Public Schools
Name:
St. Joseph High School
Street:
2521 Stadium Dr
Phone:
269-926-3200
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Name:
Lincoln Elementary School
Street:
1425 Lincoln Ave
Phone:
269-926-3700
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School
Street:
220 Church St
Phone:
269-983-5529
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Lake Michigan College
City:
Benton Harbor
State:
MI
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare services, including the Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, which offers emergency and general care. There are 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 94% of the population has health insurance coverage. The city’s healthcare index of 78.2 indicates reliable medical care for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital
Address:
1234 Napier Ave, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
Phone:
(269) 983-8300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Saint Joseph, MI?
Saint Joseph’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $230,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,050. About 67% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city has a low foreclosure rate of 0.7%. Home values have appreciated by 3.6% over the past year, making it a sound choice for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$230,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services at the Michigan Secretary of State office located at 1960 Mall Place in Saint Joseph. The office provides all standard DMV services and can be reached at 888-767-6424, with more information available on the Michigan Secretary of State’s website. This local DMV ensures convenient and efficient service for new and existing residents.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State – St. Joseph Office
Address:
1960 Mall Place, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone:
888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.