St. Joseph, MO
Population 71,542 · Missouri
About St. Joseph, MO
St. Joseph is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 71,542 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,578 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in St. Joseph features a median home value of $144,200, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes St. Joseph one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $884, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,143 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (17,592 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (11,074 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Joseph shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. Joseph have an average one-way commute time of 16.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.7% of St. Joseph 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 4.5% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How St. Joseph Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in St. Joseph, MO
Compared to national averages, St. Joseph has a median household income of $55,578 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,200, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $884 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, St. Joseph's income is 9% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 4% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in St. Joseph, MO?
St. Joseph offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $884/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,578) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, St. Joseph provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
St. Joseph has a population of 71,542 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare St. Joseph with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near St. Joseph
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Charles | 71,048 | $85,522 | $280,800 | Compare |
| Blue Springs | 59,416 | $84,075 | $241,500 | Compare |
| St. Peters | 58,200 | $89,827 | $252,800 | Compare |
| Joplin | 52,218 | $51,154 | $159,700 | Compare |
| Florissant | 51,915 | $66,344 | $136,200 | Compare |
| O'Fallon | 92,697 | $107,203 | $305,100 | Compare |
| Chesterfield | 49,591 | $133,380 | $458,000 | Compare |
| Wentzville | 45,734 | $111,409 | $302,700 | 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. Joseph With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Joseph
What is the population of St. Joseph, MO?
The population of St. Joseph, MO is 71,542 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in St. Joseph?
The median household income in St. Joseph, MO is $55,578 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Joseph?
The median home value in St. Joseph, MO is $144,200, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Joseph?
The median monthly rent in St. Joseph, MO is $884, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Joseph?
The unemployment rate in St. Joseph, MO is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. Joseph, MO a good place to live?
St. Joseph offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 71,542 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is St. Joseph, MO?
22.7% of residents in St. Joseph 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. Joseph?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Joseph, MO: median home value is $144,200 (41% below national), median rent is $884/month, and median household income is $55,578. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. Joseph?
The poverty rate in St. Joseph, MO is 18.7%, 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. Joseph, MO?
St. Joseph's population is 4.5% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 6.6% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.