St. James, MN
Population 4,740 · Minnesota
About St. James, MN
St. James is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 4,740 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,031 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in St. James features a median home value of $109,600, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes St. James one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $805, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,091 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (1,262 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (571 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. James shows an unemployment rate of 9.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. James have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.6% of St. James residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 31.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 12.6% Asian residents, with 18.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. James, MN
Compared to national averages, St. James has a median household income of $57,031 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,600, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $805 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, St. James's income is 23% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 46% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in St. James, MN?
St. James offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $805/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,031) that falls below the national average. However, St. James’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. James has a population of 4,740 with a median age of 37 years. Compare St. James with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near St. James
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown | 4,747 | $93,008 | $315,200 | Compare |
| Chisholm | 4,731 | $54,815 | $108,100 | Compare |
| Oak Park Heights | 4,782 | $84,639 | $333,600 | Compare |
| Windom | 4,786 | $67,813 | $158,000 | Compare |
| Lonsdale | 4,789 | $91,719 | $327,100 | Compare |
| Dilworth | 4,664 | $89,577 | $268,100 | Compare |
| Sauk Centre | 4,589 | $65,763 | $196,000 | Compare |
| Luverne | 4,907 | $66,145 | $181,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare St. James With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. James
What is the population of St. James, MN?
The population of St. James, MN is 4,740 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in St. James?
The median household income in St. James, MN is $57,031 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. James?
The median home value in St. James, MN is $109,600, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. James?
The median monthly rent in St. James, MN is $805, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. James?
The unemployment rate in St. James, MN is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. James, MN a good place to live?
St. James offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,740 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is St. James, MN?
17.6% of residents in St. James aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in St. James?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. James, MN: median home value is $109,600 (55% below national), median rent is $805/month, and median household income is $57,031. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. James?
The poverty rate in St. James, MN is 19.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is St. James, MN?
St. James's population is 31.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 12.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 18.2% of residents are foreign-born.