St. Louis County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Missouri
The population of St. Louis County, Missouri is 996,618 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $81,340, the median home value is $260,700, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of St. Louis County has declined 0.6% since 2010 (998,846 → 992,929), a -0.04% annualized rate.
996,618
Population
-0.04%
Annual growth
1962
People / sq mi
$81,340
Median Income
$260,700
Median Home Value
St. Louis County covers 508 sq mi of land at 1961.9 people per square mile.
About St. Louis County, MO
St. Louis County is a county in Missouri with a population of 996,618. It ranks #1 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 40.2, older than the national median. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The median household income in St. Louis County is $81,340, above the US median of $74,580. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $260,700, with monthly rent averaging $1,164. The homeownership rate of 69.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in St. Louis County reflects 46.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 16.3% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.3 minutes each way.
St. Louis County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of St. Louis County had a population of 998,846 in 2010 and 992,929 in 2024, a -0.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,003,376 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.04%.
992,929
Population (2024)
998,846
Population (2010)
1,003,376
Peak (2020)
-0.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 998,846 |
| 2011 | 1,000,147 |
| 2012 | 1,000,975 |
| 2013 | 1,000,746 |
| 2014 | 1,000,903 |
| 2015 | 1,001,585 |
| 2016 | 998,393 |
| 2017 | 997,116 |
| 2018 | 995,900 |
| 2019 | 995,467 |
| 2020 | 1,003,376 |
| 2021 | 998,785 |
| 2022 | 991,881 |
| 2023 | 990,875 |
| 2024 | 992,929 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.0% |
| Black or African American | 24.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
52.2%
Female
47.8%
Male
18.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 18.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $81,340+$12,420 vs state |
| Mean household income | $121,117 |
| Per-capita income | $51,085 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7%-1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in St. Louis County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.4%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
73.7%
Public transit
16.3%
Work from home
23.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$260,700+$45,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,164
Median rent
69.0%
Homeownership rate
445,472
Total housing units
93.1%
Occupied
6.9%
Vacant
31.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
95.6%
With broadband internet
24.0%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
11.8%
With a disability
89.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.4%
High School+
46.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Common questions about St. Louis County, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Louis County, Missouri has a population of 996,618 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 1962 people per square mile.
The population of St. Louis County has declined 0.6% since 2010 (998,846 → 992,929), a -0.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in St. Louis County, Missouri is $81,340, with mean (average) household income of $121,117 and per-capita income of $51,085. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In St. Louis County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (63.0%), Black or African American (24.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in St. Louis County, Missouri is 40.2 years. Residents are 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
The median home value in St. Louis County is $260,700 and median monthly rent is $1,164. 69.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 445,472 total housing units, 6.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in St. Louis County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with St. Louis County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
More from Missouri
Population 717,021
Population 409,830
Population 301,121
Population 293,109
Full rankings of Missouri counties
Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.