St. Joseph, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
71,236
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,956/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
33,255
0.3% year-over-year change

St. Joseph population

How many people live in St. Joseph

St. Joseph is home to 71,236 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of St. Joseph locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
71,236
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
35,750
Female
49.8%
35,486
Value Percent YoY change
Male 35,750 50.2% -1.0%
Female 35,486 49.8% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in St. Joseph is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 13.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
13.6%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,218 18.6% -0.7%
15 to 24 9,711 13.6% -1.0%
25 to 44 19,095 26.8% -0.6%
45 to 64 17,213 24.2% -0.8%
Over 65 11,999 16.8% 1.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In St. Joseph, 94.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.5% of locals are Caucasian, 6.8% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 67,370 94.6% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,876 2.6% -12.7%
Non-citizens 1,990 2.8% 27.3%
Racial breakdown
White
78.5%
Black or African American
6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
8.8%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 55,907 78.5%
Black or African American 4,820 6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 335 0.5%
Asian 868 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 349 0.5%
Two or more races 6,281 8.8%
Other 2,676 3.8%

Households in St. Joseph

A peek inside St. Joseph households

St. Joseph has 28,756 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.5% are families, while the remaining 44.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
28,756
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,796
Family households
15,960
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,796 44.5% 2.9%
Family households 15,960 55.5% -1.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in St. Joseph

The housing landscape of St. Joseph

St. Joseph's housing consists of 33,255 units, with 71.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
33,255
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 23,882 71.8%
1 unit, attached 909 2.7%
2 units 1,260 3.8%
3 or 4 units 1,222 3.7%
5 to 9 units 1,730 5.2%
10 to 19 units 1,225 3.7%
20 to 49 units 943 2.8%
50 or more units 1,202 3.6%
Mobile home 861 2.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 21 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
208
50.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in St. Joseph

In St. Joseph, the median construction year is 1962. About 27.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9,138 27.5% 0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,802 8.4% 3.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,900 11.7% -2.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,328 13% -7.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,415 13.3% 2.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,095 9.3% -0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,846 5.6% 0.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,907 5.7% -7.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,616 4.9% 26.8%
Built in 2020 or later 208 0.6% 50.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

St. Joseph occupancy rates

Out of the 28,756 occupied housing units in St. Joseph, 62.8% are owner-occupied, while 37.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
28,756
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,705
Owner occupied
18,051
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,705 37.2% -3.3%
Owner occupied 18,051 62.8% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
13.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

St. Joseph housing costs

Housing costs in St. Joseph come to a median of $891 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $898.

Median housing costs per month
$891/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in St. Joseph
$898/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in St. Joseph

St. Joseph education at a glance

About 46.4% of the population in St. Joseph went to high school, while 23.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,758 3.2% -11.5%
High school diploma 25,718 46.4% 0.9%
College diploma 13,153 23.7% -0.5%
Associate degree 3,283 5.9% -2.5%
Bachelor's degree 7,937 14.3% -2.5%
Graduate degree 3,639 6.6% 5.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in St. Joseph

How much people earn in St. Joseph

The average annual household income in St. Joseph was $78,435 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,956, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in St. Joseph
$78,435/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in St. Joseph
$57,956/year
4.3% year-over-year change

St. Joseph income by age

In St. Joseph, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,831. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,188 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,263, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,922 in earnings. Overall, 82.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,263 15.0%
25 - 44 $62,831 -0.3%
45 - 64 $68,188 5.0%
Over 65 $46,922 3.1%
Above poverty level
55,397
Below poverty level
11,831
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 55,397 82.4% 0.9%
Below poverty level 11,831 17.6% -4.6%

Average renter income in St. Joseph

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in St. Joseph, their median household income was $32,835 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,835
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in St. Joseph

Workforce and job types in St. Joseph

The job market in St. Joseph is powered by 32,682 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 73.6% are employed by private companies, and 12% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
32,682
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
22,768
Blue collar
9,914
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 22,768 69.7% 1.4%
Blue collar 9,914 30.3% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
73.6%
Governmental workers
12%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,991 6.1% -13.1%
Private companies 24,042 73.6% 2.6%
Governmental workers 3,926 12% 0.6%
Not for profit companies 2,723 8.3% -1.9%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-7.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in St. Joseph stands at 4.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in St. Joseph

How people get around in St. Joseph

In St. Joseph, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
3.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 29,240 90.4% 1.4%
Taxicab 69 0.2% 46.8%
Bus or trolleybus 75 0.2% -22.7%
Motorcycle 183 0.6% 169.1%
Walk 379 1.2% -13.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in St. Joseph by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
64501 10,689 4,254 $46,731 $58,595
64503 11,954 5,103 $53,039 $70,041
64504 10,068 3,888 $58,801 $78,492
64505 14,107 5,266 $73,298 $105,492
64506 21,461 8,897 $65,573 $93,473
64507 13,991 5,514 $61,158 $76,857

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FAQs about St. Joseph demographics 

What is the total population of St. Joseph?

St. Joseph has a total population of 71,236 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in St. Joseph?

The gender ratio in St. Joseph is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (35,750 residents)
  • 49.8% females (35,486 residents)

What is the median age in St. Joseph?

The median age in St. Joseph is 38.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in St. Joseph?

The age distribution in St. Joseph is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (13,218 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.6% (9,711 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (19,095 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (17,213 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.8% (11,999 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of St. Joseph?

The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Joseph is as follows:
  • White: 78.5% (55,907 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.8% (4,820 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (335 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (868 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (349 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.8% (6,281 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (2,676 residents)

What percentage of the population in St. Joseph are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.6% of the population in St. Joseph.

How many housing units are there in St. Joseph?

There are 33,255 housing units in St. Joseph, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in St. Joseph and what is the average household size?

St. Joseph has a total of 28,756 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in St. Joseph?

St. Joseph has a median household income of $57,956, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for St. Joseph?

The employment rate is 95.7% in St. Joseph, with a workforce of 32,682 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.7% (22,768 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.3% (9,914 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (1,991 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.6% (24,042 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12% (3,926 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (2,723 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025