Everything You Should Know Before Moving to St Joseph, MO
Considering a move to St Joseph, MO? This welcoming city of 71,602 offers affordable living with a median home price of just $137,000 and average rent around $850. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging 17 minutes, a reasonable cost of living index, and ample sunshine with 60% sunny days. While crime rates are above national averages, St Joseph provides a range of educational options, access to Mosaic Life Care hospital, and a distinct four-season climate. Explore the city’s schools, housing, and community features below to see if St Joseph is your next hometown!
Demographics - St Joseph, MO
Demographics - St Joseph, MO
St Joseph, Missouri, is home to about 71,600 residents, with a median age of 38 and a diverse population primarily identifying as White, alongside Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups. The city maintains a balanced gender ratio and nearly 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of cultural diversity.
Population:
71,602
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.7%
Black:
6.3%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
8.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in St Joseph, MO?
With a median home value of $137,000 and average gross rent of $850, St Joseph offers a notably affordable cost of living—its cost of living index is well below the national average. Residents benefit from reasonable utility costs and moderate state taxes, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$137,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,085
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
57.9
Utilities:
95.4
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
91.3
Miscellaneous:
93.8
Crime
Is St Joseph, MO a safe place to live?
St Joseph experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 615 per 100,000 residents and property crimes affecting about 1 in 29 people annually. Prospective residents should consider these figures when evaluating neighborhoods for safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
615
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,420
Crime Index:
4,035
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 162
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in St Joseph, MO year-round?
The city enjoys a classic four-season climate, with warm summers reaching up to 88°F and chilly winters dipping to 21°F. St Joseph receives about 36 inches of rainfall per year and benefits from around 60% sunny days, providing a pleasant mix of weather throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in St Joseph have a median income of around $51,200, and nearly 89% of adults hold at least a high school diploma. The community faces a 16.9% poverty rate, but enjoys short average commute times of under 17 minutes and low unemployment near 4%.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$51,200
Family Income:
$63,800
Per Capita Income:
$26,100
Income Male:
$37,900
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
16.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
20.6%
Education
How are the schools in St Joseph, MO?
St Joseph offers a variety of educational options, including public schools like Central High School and Bode Middle School, as well as private institutions such as Bishop LeBlond High School. Higher education is represented by Missouri Western State University within the city and Northwest Missouri State University nearby, making it convenient for residents pursuing college degrees.
Public Schools
Name:
Central High School
Street:
2602 Edmond St
Phone:
816-671-4080
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Bode Middle School
Street:
720 N Noyes Blvd
Phone:
816-671-4160
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
Bishop LeBlond High School
Street:
3529 Frederick Ave
Phone:
816-279-1629
Students:
215
Colleges
Name:
Missouri Western State University
City:
St Joseph
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,400
Name:
Northwest Missouri State University
City:
Maryville
State:
MO
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
7,200
Healthcare
St Joseph residents have access to quality healthcare, including major providers like Mosaic Life Care and the St. Joseph VA Clinic. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, the city supports a solid healthcare infrastructure for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mosaic Life Care at St. Joseph
Address:
5325 Faraon St, St Joseph, MO 64506
Phone:
(816) 271-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Joseph VA Clinic
Address:
3302 S Belt Hwy, St Joseph, MO 64503
Phone:
(816) 676-1044
Type:
Outpatient & Specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
80.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in St Joseph, MO?
The housing market in St Joseph is affordable, with a median home price of $137,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $850. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated over 6% in the past year, indicating a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$137,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in St Joseph are handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue's local office on Jules Street. Residents can access a full range of DMV services, including driver licensing, vehicle registration, and titling, either in person or via the state’s official website.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle
Address:
525 Jules St, St Joseph, MO 64501
Phone:
1-816-232-1390
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.