St. Joseph, MO Census Data
The 8th largest city in Missouri by population · 13 cities ranked
St. Joseph is the 8th largest city in Missouri by population and ranks 10th of 13 for median household income. With 71,542 residents, its poverty rate of 18.7% ranks among the higher rates in Missouri. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
71,542
50.5% male · 49.5% female
Median Age
37.9
0.8 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$55,578
$22,960 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
22.7%
12.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.1%
Poverty Rate
18.7%
6.3% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 13.1%
Broadband Access
92.8%
3.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$144,200
Median rent: $884 · 61% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Labor force participation: 56.3%
Per Capita Income
$35,288
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.4%
Disability rate: 18.1%
How St. Joseph Compares to Other Missouri Cities
Rankings among all 13 Missouri cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 8th of 13 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 10th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 10th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 11th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 12th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
St. Joseph, MO Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of St. Joseph, MO?
The population of St. Joseph, MO is 71,542 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.9 years.
What is the median household income in St. Joseph?
The median household income in St. Joseph, MO is $55,578, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,288.
What is the poverty rate in St. Joseph?
The poverty rate in St. Joseph, MO is 18.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 13.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of St. Joseph residents have a college degree?
22.7% of adults (25+) in St. Joseph hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.1% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in St. Joseph?
The median home value in St. Joseph, MO is $144,200. Median rent is $884 per month, with 61% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of St. Joseph?
St. Joseph's population is 80.4% White, 6.7% Black, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does St. Joseph rank among Missouri cities?
St. Joseph is the 8th largest city in Missouri by population, the 10th highest for median household income, the 10th lowest for poverty rate, the 11th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 13 ranked Missouri cities.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Joseph?
The unemployment rate in St. Joseph, MO is 4.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 56.3%. Per capita income is $35,288.
Cities Similar to St. Joseph
Other Missouri cities with comparable population and income levels.