St. Joseph County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in Indiana
The population of St. Joseph County, Indiana is 272,574 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $64,885, the median home value is $179,800, and the median age is 36.7.
The population of St. Joseph County has grown 2.6% since 2010 (266,799 → 273,744), a +0.18% annualized rate.
272,574
Population
+0.18%
Annual growth
595
People / sq mi
$64,885
Median Income
$179,800
Median Home Value
St. Joseph County covers 458 sq mi of land at 595.4 people per square mile.
About St. Joseph County, IN
St. Joseph County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 595 people per square mile. With 272,574 residents, St. Joseph County is a county in Indiana. It is the #5-largest of all counties in Indiana nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $64,885 — below the US median of $78,538. About 9.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $179,800, with typical rent around $1,030.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 32.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 9.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in St. Joseph County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
St. Joseph County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of St. Joseph County had a population of 266,799 in 2010 and 273,744 in 2024, a 2.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 273,744 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.18%.
273,744
Population (2024)
266,799
Population (2010)
273,744
Peak (2024)
0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 266,799 |
| 2011 | 266,726 |
| 2012 | 266,576 |
| 2013 | 267,188 |
| 2014 | 268,023 |
| 2015 | 268,567 |
| 2016 | 270,042 |
| 2017 | 270,219 |
| 2018 | 270,961 |
| 2019 | 271,695 |
| 2020 | 272,688 |
| 2021 | 272,315 |
| 2022 | 272,796 |
| 2023 | 273,658 |
| 2024 | 273,744 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.1% |
| Black or African American | 12.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.7
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
16.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 16.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,885$-5,166 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,361 |
| Per-capita income | $35,714 |
| Poverty rate | 9.8%+1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in St. Joseph County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.0% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
74.9%
Public transit
9.7%
Work from home
21.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$179,800$-21,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,030
Median rent
68.8%
Homeownership rate
118,329
Total housing units
90.4%
Occupied
9.6%
Vacant
31.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.7%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
29.1%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
13.6%
With a disability
88.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.2%
High School+
32.6%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Joseph County, Indiana has a population of 272,574 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 595 people per square mile.
The population of St. Joseph County has grown 2.6% since 2010 (266,799 → 273,744), a +0.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in St. Joseph County, Indiana is $64,885, with mean (average) household income of $89,361 and per-capita income of $35,714. 9.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In St. Joseph County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.1%), Black or African American (12.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in St. Joseph County, Indiana is 36.7 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in St. Joseph County is $179,800 and median monthly rent is $1,030. 68.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 118,329 total housing units, 9.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in St. Joseph County, Indiana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with St. Joseph County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
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Statewide data for Indiana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Indiana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.