Is St. Joseph Safe, Pros and cons of living in St. Joseph
St. Joseph, Missouri, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities, making it a potential destination for those seeking a change of scenery. The city is situated along the Missouri River, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. Its historical significance is evident in its well-preserved architecture and a community that values its heritage.
When considering a move to a new city, understanding the local environment is crucial. This includes insights into safety, the cost of living, employment opportunities, and the general quality of life. St. Joseph presents a profile that balances affordability with a distinct community character, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for prospective residents.
Is it Safe to Live in St. Joseph?
Crime Statistics
St. Joseph faces challenges with crime, as its overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average. The city has a crime rate of 45 per one thousand residents, which is considered high when compared to communities of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This translates to about a one in 22 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime within the city limits.
Violent crime rates in St. Joseph are also notably elevated, being higher than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, are a particular concern. St. Joseph has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime being one in 26 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Neighborhood Safety
Safety can vary significantly across different neighborhoods within St. Joseph. While some areas may experience higher crime rates, others are considered safer. Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, the northeast parts of St. Joseph tend to see more crime incidents annually.
The property crime rate per 1,000 residents in St. Joseph is 25.11 in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The likelihood of being a victim of property crime can range from one in 12 in the west neighborhoods to one in 58 in the southeast, indicating a considerable difference in safety levels depending on the specific area within the city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Understanding the Cost of Living
Housing Costs
St. Joseph offers a more affordable housing market compared to the national average. The median sale price of a home in St. Joseph was $184,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This median sale price is 57% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in St. Joseph are also relatively low. The average rent for all property types in Saint Joseph, MO, is $900 per month (as reported by Zillow). This is considerably lower than the national average rent of $1,895 per month as of February 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
Overall Affordability
The overall cost of living in St. Joseph is lower than the national average. St. Joseph’s cost of living is 1% lower than the U.S. national average, and significantly lower than the state average (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends to various expense categories, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
For renters, the cost of living in St. Joseph is approximately 9.8% lower than the national average, with estimated monthly household expenses around $4,298 (as reported by Apartments.com). For homeowners, the cost of living is about 6.8% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
The Job Market and Economy
Employment and Wages
Workers in the St. Joseph, MO-KS Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average hourly wage of $26.28 in May 2024, which is below the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Higher-paying sectors include management, healthcare practitioners, and engineering.
The unemployment rate in the St. Joseph, MO-KS Metropolitan Statistical Area was 4.20% as of February 2026, which is up from the previous month and unchanged from the previous year (as reported by YCharts). This indicates a stable, though not exceptionally low, unemployment situation.
Major Employers and Industries
Key employment sectors in the St. Joseph area include production, office and administrative support, and transportation and material moving (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce actively works to catalyze economic growth and development through business retention, recruitment, and job development initiatives (as reported by St Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce).
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the Chamber of Commerce’s focus suggests a diverse economic base supported by various industries. The city’s economy is influenced by sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Temperatures and Seasons
St. Joseph experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summer high temperatures typically reach around 68°F in April, with average temperatures around 54°F in February (as reported by NOAA and Bureau of Labor Statistics). Winters are generally cold, with average minimum temperatures in February around 24.5°F (as reported by National Weather Service).
Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures, making these seasons pleasant for outdoor activities. The average maximum temperature for a typical May day is around 71°F, with minimums averaging 47°F (as reported by NOAA).
Precipitation and Weather Events
The city receives a notable amount of precipitation throughout the year. In April, the observed precipitation was 0.00 inches, with a monthly total to date of 5.19 inches (as reported by NOAA). This is a departure from the normal precipitation for the month.
Weather patterns can include thunderstorms, especially during warmer months. Frost is also a common occurrence during the cooler seasons, with clear nights leading to low temperatures in the lower 30s (as reported by National Weather Service).
Education and School System
Public School Performance
St. Joseph Public Schools in Michigan is a highly-rated public school district with an overall Niche grade of A+ (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 56% of students are proficient in math and 59% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
The district serves 2,914 students in grades PK-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 (as reported by Niche). It is ranked among the best school districts in Michigan, recognized for its teachers and college preparatory programs (as reported by Niche).
Private School Options
For those considering private education, St. Joseph has several options. St. Joseph School in Hawthorne, California, receives an A+ rating, with reviews highlighting its caring teachers and academic excellence (as reported by Niche). Another St. Joseph School in Seattle, Washington, also holds an A rating, serving grades K-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
These private institutions often emphasize a strong academic foundation alongside specific religious or educational philosophies. St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, Connecticut, also boasts an A+ overall grade, recognized for its academics and extracurricular activities (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Community Profile
Population and Diversity
St. Joseph, Missouri, is home to approximately 71,236 people, making it the 9th most populated city in Missouri (as reported by US Census data). The projected population for 2026 is 69,480, indicating a slight decrease (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Joseph is predominantly White, accounting for 77.3% of the population. Hispanic residents make up 8.4%, and Black residents constitute 6.5% (as reported by US Census data).
Median Income and Poverty
The median household income in St. Joseph was $57,956 in 2024 (as reported by US Census data). Despite this median income, 11.7% of St. Joseph families live below the poverty line (as reported by US Census data).
The median age of residents in St. Joseph is 38.1 years (as reported by US Census data). The population is largely comprised of U.S. citizens, with 97.2% holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA).