Talk to a local advisor for free
St. Joseph prides itself on its uncommon character that offers Midwestern charm, plenty of parks and a vibrant arts scene. Seniors who enjoy fishing can drop a line at the easily accessible pond on the Missouri Western State campus, and sports fans can watch the Kansas City Chiefs train in the summer. There are plenty of ways for older adults to participate in the wider community, such as at the city’s many festivals, that include the Pony Express Pumpkinfest and the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival. Retirees in St. Joseph also enjoy a low cost of living, world-class medical facilities and plenty of sunny days. There are around 75,000 people living in the town and 15.5% are aged 65 or older.
Seniors who need some help with medication, meals, personal care and housekeeping might consider moving into an assisted living community where they can receive the aid they need, enjoy activities and socialize. In St. Joseph, MO, assisted living costs about $3,875 per month according to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This is $875 higher than the Missouri state average, but significantly lower than the national average of $4,500.
Seniors can use this guide to compare assisted living costs in Missouri and discover helpful resources about assisted living.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Missouri. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Seniors in St. Joseph, MO, will pay an average of $3,875 per month for assisted living.
Compared to the Missouri state average of $3,000, assisted living costs in St. Joseph are higher, at $3,875 a month. However, this figure is $625 lower than the national average of $4,500.
Assisted living rates in St. Joseph are not the highest in Missouri. Kansas City’s prices are higher at $4,585, and costs in St. Louis stand at $4,100. Other Missouri cities, however, show lower costs than St. Joseph. Springfield’s price is $3,250 while Cape Girardeau’s rates are $2,538. Assisted living communities in Joplin and Columbia are just a few hundred dollars more, at $2,805 and $2,800 respectively. Jefferson City has the least expensive prices at $2,075.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Missouri.
| Contact | Description | |
| Young at Heart | (660) 240-9400 | Young at Heart is the Area Agency on Aging for Northwest Missouri. It has a range of services available to seniors in the area, including nutrition programs, legal aid and benefits counseling. Seniors can also contact Young at Heart for advice and referrals to local resources. |
| Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center | (816) 271-4666 | The Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center (JRP) provides space for St. Joseph residents aged 50 or older to socialize, work out and participate in different activities. Amenities include a fitness center, shuffleboard area and cafeteria. Seniors can also join clubs and groups that meet at the center. |
| Kansas City Vet Center | 816-753-1866 | Seniors who served in the military can visit the closest Vet Center in Kansas City. Officers in the center can help veterans apply for benefits they’re entitled to and access other VA resources. In addition, the center has individual and group counseling available for veterans. |
| InterServ | (816) 238-4511 ext. 262 | InterServ organizes the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in the St. Joseph area. Seniors who wish to stay active and utilize their skills to help others can contact InterServ and be connected with a volunteer program that matches their interests and abilities. InterServ has projects available for volunteers that provide nutrition services, tax assistance and benefits counseling. |
| Missouri Western State University | (816) 271-4100 | Missouri Western State University has a lifelong learning program that helps people who want to continue their education as they age. The university waives tuition fees for undergraduate courses when the students are aged 65 or over and not seeking a degree. Enrolled seniors gain access to the campus fitness centers and can also participate in events and activities. |
| St. Joe FIT | (816) 271-5566 | St. Joe FIT is a free program that helps residents live an active lifestyle. Although not specifically aimed at seniors, it is sponsored by the Senior Foundation and is popular with older adults who enjoy walking and want to get fit. Participants can join classes, but many choose to join walking groups that explore the city’s trails and parks and move inside during the winter months. |
| Silver & Gold Senior Club of Northwest Missouri | (816) 271-0338 | The Silver & Gold Senior Club is a social and educational club for people over the age of 60 in Northwest Missouri. The club holds different activities at least once each month that can include educational speakers, group trips, dining opportunities and physical activities. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the St. Joseph area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
