St. Louis, MO
Population 293,109 · Missouri
About St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a major city located in Missouri with a population of 293,109 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,279 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in St. Louis features a median home value of $185,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions St. Louis in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $978, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 173,920 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (65,511 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (78,939 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Louis shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. Louis have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.2% of St. Louis residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How St. Louis Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in St. Louis, MO
Compared to national averages, St. Louis has a median household income of $55,279 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,100, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $978 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, St. Louis's income is 9% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 23% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in St. Louis, MO?
St. Louis offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $978/month, and a well-educated community where 40.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,279) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, St. Louis provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
St. Louis has a population of 293,109 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare St. Louis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near St. Louis
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 169,432 | $45,984 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Columbia | 127,200 | $64,488 | $268,300 | Compare |
| Independence | 121,944 | $59,480 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Lee's Summit | 102,583 | $104,989 | $313,200 | Compare |
| O'Fallon | 92,697 | $107,203 | $305,100 | Compare |
| Kansas City | 508,233 | $67,449 | $227,000 | Compare |
| St. Joseph | 71,542 | $55,578 | $144,200 | Compare |
| St. Charles | 71,048 | $85,522 | $280,800 | 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 St. Louis With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Louis
What is the population of St. Louis, MO?
The population of St. Louis, MO is 293,109 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in St. Louis?
The median household income in St. Louis, MO is $55,279 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Louis?
The median home value in St. Louis, MO is $185,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in St. Louis?
The median monthly rent in St. Louis, MO is $978, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Louis?
The unemployment rate in St. Louis, MO is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. Louis, MO a good place to live?
St. Louis offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 293,109 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is St. Louis, MO?
40.2% of residents in 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 St. Louis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Louis, MO: median home value is $185,100 (24% below national), median rent is $978/month, and median household income is $55,279. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. Louis?
The poverty rate in St. Louis, MO is 19.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is St. Louis, MO?
St. Louis's population is 3.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 42.9% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.