Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Located in the state of Missouri, St. Joseph is a mid-sized city with a population of 77,382 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (85% White). Given that fact, St. Joseph could be considered less diverse than other cities. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 50% of the St. Joseph population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? St. Joseph offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in St. Joseph is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Missouri, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around St. Joseph, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and more.
With a livability score of 59/100, St. Joseph is ranked #19,123 in the United States and #487 in Missouri. Compared to the United States average, this area has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. Based on the scores for each individual category, St. Joseph has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). St. Joseph does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and crime (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their St. Joseph apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in St. Joseph. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in St. Joseph are affordable. Median real estate prices in St. Joseph come in at $210,649, which is 15.6% lower than the Missouri average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In St. Joseph, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 14.7% lower than the Missouri average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | St. Joseph | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.9% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.5% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.4% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.9% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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