Is St. Marys Safe, Pros and cons of living in St. Marys

St. Marys, a city steeped in history and community spirit, offers a unique living experience that blends small-town charm with growing opportunities. Nestled in a region known for its natural beauty and friendly atmosphere, this city appeals to those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its strategic location provides convenient access to larger metropolitan areas while retaining a distinct local identity.

The community prides itself on a welcoming environment, where tradition and progress coexist. This blend makes St. Marys an attractive destination for families, professionals, and individuals looking for a place to call home. The city’s ongoing development and commitment to its residents’ well-being are central to its appeal.

Is it Safe to Live in St. Marys?

When considering a move to St. Marys, understanding the safety and crime landscape is paramount. Recent data indicates that St. Marys, Georgia, has a concerning crime rate. Specifically, the violent crime rate is 3.391 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Furthermore, St. Marys, GA, has a safety grade of F, indicating a high risk, with violent crime at 292 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1137 per 100,000 residents, significantly above the national average (as reported by PlainCrime).

However, it’s important to note that crime statistics can vary by neighborhood within the city. Some areas in St. Marys, GA, are considered safer than others, with the southwest part of the city generally viewed as the safest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the overall crime rate in St. Marys, GA, is higher than the national average, the cost of crime per resident is less than the state and national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Data from 2013 for St. Marys, Georgia, showed a higher violent crime rate than both the state and national averages, though property crime was lower than the state average (as reported by CityRating.com).

Housing Costs and Availability

For those considering St. Marys as a place to live, understanding the housing market is crucial. In St. Marys, Georgia, the average home value was approximately $304,885 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight increase of 0.5% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median sale price for a home in St. Marys, GA, was around $282,817 in February 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The rental market in St. Marys, GA, shows an average rent of $1,795 for all property types, which is below the national average rent (as reported by Zillow).

In contrast, St. Marys, Pennsylvania, presents a different housing market scenario. The median sale price of a home in St. Marys, PA, was $155,000 in October 2025, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 29.1% (as reported by Redfin). The housing market in St. Marys, PA, is described as very competitive, with homes selling in an average of 22 days (as reported by Redfin). For rentals in St. Marys, PA, the average rent is $850 per month (as reported by Zillow).

The Job Market and Economic Landscape

St. Marys offers a diverse employment landscape, with major employers contributing significantly to the local economy. In St. Marys, Kansas, two of the largest employers are locally owned businesses: The Onyx Collection and Custom Wood Products (as reported by the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation). These companies play a pivotal role in creating employment opportunities and fostering growth within the community.

In St. Mary’s County, Maryland, the economy is bolstered by significant federal and defense-related employment. Naval Air Station Patuxent River is a major employer, driving a robust business climate. Other key employers in St. Mary’s County, MD, include those in systems engineering, management, and technology services (as reported by St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development and Maryland Department of Commerce). The unemployment rate in St. Mary’s County, MD, was 3.70% as of the latest reports, which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts).

Climate and Weather Patterns

St. Marys experiences a climate that varies depending on its specific location. For St. Marys, West Virginia, forecasts indicate a chance of showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures potentially reaching into the mid-70s on a Saturday in early May (as reported by the National Weather Service). The region can also experience frost, with a Frost Advisory noted for overnight periods (as reported by the National Weather Service).

In St. Marys, Georgia, the climate is typically warmer, with overnight temperatures around 72°F and daytime highs reaching into the low 90s in early May (as reported by the National Weather Service). There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons and evenings (as reported by the National Weather Service). St. Marys, Maryland, also experiences similar weather patterns with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, with daytime highs in the mid-70s (as reported by the National Weather Service).

Education and Schooling Options

For families with children, the quality of local schools is a significant factor in choosing a place to live. In St. Mary’s County, Maryland, the public school system, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, has an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). These schools are ranked among the top in Maryland for having the best teachers and are considered among the best school districts in the state (as reported by Niche).

Specific private schools also serve the St. Marys area. St. Mary’s School in Annapolis, MD, is a highly-rated private Catholic school with a PK-12 grade range, receiving an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche). Another institution, St. Mary’s School in Aliso Viejo, CA, is a private Episcopal school for PK-8 grades, holding an A- Niche grade (as reported by Niche). St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, CA, also receives high marks, with an overall A Niche grade (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community Profile

The demographic makeup of St. Marys varies across different locations. St. Marys, West Virginia, has an estimated population of 2,174, with a significant majority identifying as White (93.7%) (as reported by Census Dots). This population is more White than the state of West Virginia overall (as reported by Census Dots). The Hispanic population in St. Marys, WV, is 4.0% (as reported by Census Dots).

In St. Mary’s County, Maryland, the population is more diverse, with 69% identifying as White and 16% as Black or African American (as reported by Census Reporter). The county’s population is 115,000, with a significant majority being U.S. citizens (98.2%) (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in St. Mary’s County, MD, is approximately $123,666 (as reported by Census Reporter).

Pros and Cons of Living in St. Marys

St. Marys offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. On the positive side, the community is often described as having a warm and welcoming atmosphere, valuing tradition, unity, and kindness (as reported by the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation). The cost of living in some areas, like St. Marys, PA, is reported to be low, with ample and affordable housing (as reported by the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce). Major employers in various St. Marys locations provide stable job opportunities, particularly in defense, technology, and local manufacturing sectors (as reported by St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development and Maryland Department of Commerce).

However, potential residents should be aware of certain drawbacks. Crime rates in St. Marys, Georgia, are notably high, with violent crime significantly exceeding national averages (as reported by PlainCrime and NeighborhoodScout). While some areas may be safer, the overall safety grade for St. Marys, GA, is concerning (as reported by PlainCrime). Additionally, the cost of living, while low in some parts of Pennsylvania, can be average or higher in other St. Marys locations, depending on the specific urban area surveyed by C2ER.