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Population Review

St. Louis city, Missouri Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in Missouri

The population of St. Louis city, Missouri is 293,109 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $55,279, the median home value is $185,100, and the median age is 36.6.

The population of St. Louis city has declined 12.4% since 2010 (319,367 → 279,695), a -0.94% annualized rate.

St. Louis city within Missouri · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

293,109

Population

-0.94%

Annual growth

4749

People / sq mi

$55,279

Median Income

$185,100

Median Home Value

St. Louis city covers 62 sq mi of land at 4749.0 people per square mile.

About St. Louis city, MO

St. Louis city is a county in Missouri with a population of 293,109. It ranks #5 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 36.6, younger than the national median. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

The median household income in St. Louis city is $55,279, below the US median of $74,580. 13.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $185,100, with monthly rent averaging $978. The homeownership rate of 45.4% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in St. Louis city reflects 40.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 15.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.2 minutes each way.

St. Louis city Population History (2010-2024)

The county of St. Louis city had a population of 319,367 in 2010 and 279,695 in 2024, a -12.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 319,534 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.94%.

2012 · 320K20102024

279,695

Population (2024)

319,367

Population (2010)

319,534

Peak (2012)

-0.94%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010319,367
2011319,417
2012319,534
2013318,624
2014317,599
2015316,268
2016312,926
2017308,424
2018303,661
2019300,887
2020300,315
2021293,484
2022286,292
2023282,772
2024279,695

Race & Ethnicity

White45.7%
Black or African American43.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

36.6

Median Age

51.5%

Female

48.5%

Male

14.9%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.8%
5–9
4.8%
10–14
5.1%
15–19
5.1%
20–24
6.4%
25–34
19.8%
35–44
14.2%
45–54
11.1%
55–59
6.1%
60–64
6.5%
65–74
9.6%
75–84
3.7%
85+
1.6%

Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 14.9%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$55,279$-13,641 vs state
Mean household income$78,097
Per-capita income$38,947
Poverty rate13.8%+5.4% vs state
Unemployment rate3.3%
Employment-to-population63.0%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
28.9%
Finance & real estate
12.6%
Education & health care
10.7%
Manufacturing
8.7%
Information
7.1%
Retail trade
5.4%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.2%
Public administration
4.2%

The largest employment sector in St. Louis city is professional & business services, accounting for 28.9% of workers.

How residents commute

5.2%

Drive alone

4.0%

Carpool

66.6%

Public transit

15.0%

Work from home

22.2 min

Avg commute

Housing

$185,100$-30,500 vs state

Median home value

$978

Median rent

45.4%

Homeownership rate

173,920

Total housing units

83.1%

Occupied

16.9%

Vacant

54.6%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

90.7%

With health insurance

91.6%

With broadband internet

27.8%

Foreign-born

5.9%

Veterans (18+)

16.6%

With a disability

91.1%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

90.5%

High School+

40.2%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Missouri

Other counties in Missouri

Part of Missouri

Metro areas in Missouri

County rankings

Common questions about St. Louis city, MO

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis city, Missouri has a population of 293,109 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 4749 people per square mile.

The population of St. Louis city has declined 12.4% since 2010 (319,367 → 279,695), a -0.94% annualized rate.

The median household income in St. Louis city, Missouri is $55,279, with mean (average) household income of $78,097 and per-capita income of $38,947. 13.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In St. Louis city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (45.7%), Black or African American (43.1%), 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. Louis city, Missouri is 36.6 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.

The median home value in St. Louis city is $185,100 and median monthly rent is $978. 45.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 173,920 total housing units, 16.9% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in St. Louis city, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.

Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with St. Louis city, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.