By Vince Sanders
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
70 movers in Saint Joseph
What to know when moving to Saint Joseph, MO
TL;DR: Saint Joseph at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 52.6% of residents are renters and the median gross rent is $823.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income stands at $41,615, a figure that supports a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 25.1%, financial challenges may be prevalent.
- Commute:
- Only 1.2% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $823 in monthly rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Saint Joseph features a population of about 10,354, with a significant portion of residents (52.6%) renting their homes. The education level is relatively low, with only 18% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This backdrop, along with a median household income of $41,615, shapes the economic landscape of the area. The community likely has its share of challenges, as indicated by a poverty rate of 25.1%.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking a highly educated community or robust public transit options, as only 1.2% of residents use public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent in Saint Joseph is $823, which offers an affordable option compared to many urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $97,400, making homeownership a possibility for many.
- Only 18% of residents have a bachelor's degree, indicating a potential gap in higher education access.
- The poverty rate is 25.1%, reflecting economic challenges within the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Missouri indicates a mixed picture. Property crime rates are higher than the national average, but there has been a notable decrease in offenses over the past few years.
- Violent crime: 422.6 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 29.9% higher than the national rate.
- Property crime: 1,682.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by 8.8%.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 31.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Missouri).
Schools & Higher Ed
Saint Joseph has access to local higher education, with one key institution available.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Named institution: Missouri Western State University
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Buchanan County experiences an average annual precipitation of about 28.9 inches, with 79 rainy days per year. Summers can get warm, averaging highs of 86°F, while winters are cooler, averaging lows of 19°F. Snow is minimal, with no recorded snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Krug Park - 4.5 stars (1,633 reviews)
- Glore Psychiatric Museum - 4.6 stars (1,193 reviews)
- Patee House Museum - 4.7 stars (808 reviews)
- Hyde Park - 4.4 stars (786 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
