What to know when moving to Saint Joseph, IL
TL;DR: Saint Joseph at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 35.9% hold a bachelor's degree and only 14.2% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $112,755, indicating strong financial stability.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.1% using public transit, it is a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $942/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Saint Joseph is a small but affluent community with a population of 5,803. The median household income is notably high at $112,755, which reflects a financially secure population. About 35.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, suggesting a well-educated community. However, with a renter percentage of only 14.2%, most people own their homes, which may indicate limited rental options.
Probably not your spot if you prefer using public transit, as only 0.1% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $942, while the median home value is $246,300, making homeownership a more common choice.
- With a poverty rate of 5.6%, the community appears to be financially stable.
- Only 0.1% of residents use public transit, indicating a need for a car.
- The renter vs. owner split shows 14.2% are renters compared to 85.8% homeowners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data is reported at the state level for Illinois, and the trends show a decrease in both violent and property crimes.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 245.7 per 100k, which is 24.5% lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1549 per 100k, which is slightly higher than the national average of 1546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Saint Joseph has access to educational institutions in nearby Champaign County.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- With College Scorecard data: 2
- Nearby institutions include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Tricoci University of Beauty Culture.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Champaign County experiences an annual precipitation of 31.8 inches, with about 98 rainy days. The area also sees approximately 3 inches of snowfall each year over 13 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Hessel Park - 4.7 stars (1,522 reviews)
- Crystal Lake Park - 4.5 stars (1,497 reviews)
- Meadowbrook Park - 4.8 stars (932 reviews)
- Homer Lake Forest Preserve - 4.8 stars (770 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Champaign County has a labor force of 107,980 with an employment count of 102,803.
- Unemployment rate: 4.8% (December 2025)
- Unemployed individuals: 5,177
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.