Everything You Should Know Before Moving to St James, IL
Considering a move to St James, IL? This small rural community of about 800 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $750. Crime rates are low, and most residents enjoy a quick 26-minute commute. Families benefit from access to solid local schools and the nearby Lake Land College, while the climate brings four distinct seasons with plenty of sunny days. Enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, friendly neighborhoods, and manageable costs in this welcoming Illinois town.
Demographics - St James, IL
Demographics - St James, IL
St James, IL is a close-knit rural community of approximately 800 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 47.2 years. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a friendly, homogenous atmosphere ideal for those seeking small-town living.
Population:
800
Density:
75 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in St James, IL?
With a cost of living index of 86.2 and median home values around $145,000, St James is an affordable place to settle down. Average rent is just $750, and essential expenses such as utilities and groceries remain below national averages, making it attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$145,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,025
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.2
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
78.5
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
95.6
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is St James, IL a safe place to live?
St James experiences notably low crime, with a violent crime rate of just 92 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,087 chance of being a victim. Property crime is also limited, fostering a safe and secure environment for all ages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
870
Crime Index:
962
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 115
Weather
What is the weather like in St James, IL year-round?
Residents of St James enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 87°F and chilly winters dipping to 15°F. The town sees about 56% sunny days and nearly 39 inches of annual rainfall, offering a pleasant Midwest climate.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
35°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
St James households typically earn a median income of $56,000, while the poverty rate remains relatively low at 8.7%. Most adults have completed high school, and daily commutes average a manageable 26 minutes, reflecting the area's relaxed pace of life.
Median Income:
$40,000
Household Income:
$56,000
Family Income:
$66,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in St James, IL?
Families in St James benefit from local public schools such as St. Elmo Jr/Sr High School and Brownstown Elementary, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Lake Land College is conveniently located just 20 miles away, supporting lifelong learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
St. Elmo Jr/Sr High School
Street:
300 W 12th St, St Elmo, IL 62458
Phone:
618-829-3264
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Brownstown Elementary School
Street:
460 W South St, Brownstown, IL 62418
Phone:
618-427-3839
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Colleges
Name:
Lake Land College
City:
Mattoon
State:
IL
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
3,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in St James, with major facilities like Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center nearby and about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance, ensuring reliable medical support for the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center
Address:
1000 Health Center Dr, Mattoon, IL 61938
Phone:
(217) 258-2525
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in St James, IL?
The housing market in St James is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of over 78%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $750, while home values have appreciated by nearly 4% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for St James residents are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services, conveniently accessible online or at the Springfield office. Residents can find comprehensive information about licensing and vehicle registration on the official state website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address:
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
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.