Lake St. Louis, MO
Population 17,538 · Missouri
About Lake St. Louis, MO
Lake St. Louis is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 17,538 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $123,427 per year, which is 64% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lake St. Louis features a median home value of $375,300, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lake St. Louis in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,608, 38% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,495 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (5,401 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (1,778 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake St. Louis shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake St. Louis have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.5% of Lake St. Louis residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lake St. Louis Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Lake St. Louis, MO
Compared to national averages, Lake St. Louis has a median household income of $123,427 (64% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $375,300, which is 53% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,608 is 38% above the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Lake St. Louis's income is 102% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 149% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Lake St. Louis, MO?
Lake St. Louis offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $123,427, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 49.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $375,300. However, Lake St. Louis’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lake St. Louis has a population of 17,538 with a median age of 43.2 years. Compare Lake St. Louis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Lake St. Louis
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirksville | 17,493 | $48,063 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Clayton | 17,282 | $128,898 | $799,200 | Compare |
| Farmington | 17,999 | $49,882 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Concord | 18,028 | $84,389 | $279,400 | Compare |
| Spanish Lake | 18,183 | $51,125 | $121,300 | Compare |
| Manchester | 18,189 | $92,839 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Hannibal | 16,825 | $54,071 | $126,300 | Compare |
| Ferguson | 18,350 | $46,106 | $99,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lake St. Louis With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake St. Louis
What is the population of Lake St. Louis, MO?
The population of Lake St. Louis, MO is 17,538 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Lake St. Louis?
The median household income in Lake St. Louis, MO is $123,427 per year, which is 64% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake St. Louis?
The median home value in Lake St. Louis, MO is $375,300, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake St. Louis?
The median monthly rent in Lake St. Louis, MO is $1,608, which is 38% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake St. Louis?
The unemployment rate in Lake St. Louis, MO is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lake St. Louis, MO a good place to live?
Lake St. Louis offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,538 and a median age of 43.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lake St. Louis, MO?
49.5% of residents in Lake St. Louis aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Lake St. Louis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake St. Louis, MO: median home value is $375,300 (53% above national), median rent is $1,608/month, and median household income is $123,427. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lake St. Louis?
The poverty rate in Lake St. Louis, MO is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lake St. Louis, MO?
Lake St. Louis's population is 0.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.