St. James, MO
Population 3,922 · Missouri
About St. James, MO
St. James is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 3,922 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,644 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 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 $117,200, which is 52% 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 $814, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,939 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (948 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (714 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. James shows an unemployment rate of 9.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. James have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.6% 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 1.9% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. James, MO
Compared to national averages, St. James has a median household income of $50,644 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $117,200, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $814 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, St. James's income is 17% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 22% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in St. James, MO?
St. James offers affordable housing with a median home value of $117,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $814/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,644) 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 3,922 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare St. James with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near St. James
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodson Terrace | 3,935 | $49,650 | $100,600 | Compare |
| Camdenton | 4,017 | $44,800 | $171,600 | Compare |
| Malden | 3,818 | $38,786 | $88,900 | Compare |
| Fenton | 4,087 | $97,991 | $362,800 | Compare |
| Brookfield | 4,128 | $55,543 | $86,500 | Compare |
| Bowling Green | 4,130 | $51,675 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Whiteman AFB | 3,713 | $60,250 | $0 | Compare |
| Riverside | 4,153 | $50,882 | $314,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
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, MO?
The population of St. James, MO is 3,922 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in St. James?
The median household income in St. James, MO is $50,644 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. James?
The median home value in St. James, MO is $117,200, which is 52% 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, MO is $814, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. James?
The unemployment rate in St. James, MO is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. James, MO a good place to live?
St. James offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,922 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is St. James, MO?
18.6% 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, MO: median home value is $117,200 (52% below national), median rent is $814/month, and median household income is $50,644. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. James?
The poverty rate in St. James, MO is 20.6%, 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, MO?
St. James's population is 1.9% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.