Population
The 2000 Census gives us a picture of St. Louis County residents at the beginning of the twenty-
first century—racially more diverse, better educated, older, living in smaller households than in the past and
continuing to increase in number at a very moderate rate of two percent per decade.
Population by Decade – St. Louis County and City...................................................................... 1
Population Change .......................................................................................................................... 2
Population Change: Births, Deaths and Migration....................................................................... 3
Aging of the Population.................................................................................................................. 4
Median Age by Census Tract ......................................................................................................... 5
Changes in Household Size ............................................................................................................ 6
Changing Household Composition ..............................................................................................7
Families with Children: Spatial Distribution ..............................................................................8
Disability Status and Grandparents as Caregivers.......................................................................9
Racial and Ethnic Groups...........................................................................................................10
Racial Characteristics by Census Tract......................................................................................11
Educational Enrollment and Attainment....................................................................................12
Educational Attainment by Census Tract ..................................................................................13
Income and Poverty....................................................................................................................14
Median Household Income by Census Tract.............................................................................15
Place of Residence by Occupation.............................................................................................16
Registered Voters and Election Participation ............................................................................17
St Louis County in the State and the Region .............................................................................18
Internet resources on reverse.
Population
Internet Resources
Census data www.census.gov
American Fact Finder http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/BasicFactsServlet
Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis http://www.oseda.missouri.edu/
Health data – births, deaths http://www.dhss.state.mo.us/MICA/nojava.html
Population
Population by Decade – St. Louis County and City
County population reaches one million, Population trends reflect two kinds of change:
city population trends downward natural increase (births minus deaths) and net
migration. While the County continues to have a
As of the 2000 Census, St. Louis County’s
substantial surplus of births over deaths, net
population exceeded the one million mark with
migration is negative; that is, more people move
1,016,315 persons. The County’s two percent
out of the County than move in (see page 3 for
growth in the 1990’s extended the pattern of
more details).
modest population growth dating from the 1970’s.
While St. Louis County has continued to grow In the past three decades, the twelve-county St.
slightly, the City of St. Louis has lost population in Louis metropolitan region has continued to grow
every decade since its peak in 1950. Combined, slowly with the population gradually shifting from
the City and County have lost population. the center to the outlying counties of the region.
1,800,000
1,600,000
1,400,000
1,200,000
1,000,000
800,000
600,000
400,000
200,000
0
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Total St. Louis City St. Louis County
St. Louis City and County Population, 1900 - 2000
Population by Decade – St. Louis City and County
Year St. Louis Change from St. Louis Change from
City Previous Decade County Previous Decade
1900 575,238 50,040
1910 687,029 19% 82,417 65%
1920 772,897 12% 100,737 22%
1930 821,960 6% 211,953 110%
1940 816,048 -1% 274,230 29%
1950 856,796 5% 406,349 48%
1960 750,026 -12% 703,532 73%
1970 622,236 -17% 951,671 35%
1980 453,085 -27% 974,180 2%
1990 396,685 -12% 993,508 2%
2000 348,189 -12% 1,016,300 2%
Source: U.S. Census, 1900 - 2000.
1
Population Change
Population change PE LI
CAN
ISLA
ND
Over 10% loss
0% to 10% loss
0.1% to 5% gain CORA ISLAND
N D
5.1% to 10% gain BR
Y AN
IS LA
Y
67
ER
HW
RIV
Over 10% gain
ER
RIV
UR I
MISSO
HWY 367
BELLEFONTAINE
I-170
I-70
NEIGHBORS
! PI
CHOUTEAU
PA
SIP
ISLAND
! SIS
FERGUSON
GE
IS
I-270
M
AV
MOSENTHEIN
ISLAND
E
NORMANDY
!
BONH PAGE AV
JOHN
SON
OMM
E IS
LAND E.
ISLAN
D
RIVER OLIVE BLVD.
I-64
ND
LA
LINDBERGH BLVD.
L IS City of
.
RD
EL
I
UR
W
HO
St. Louis
SO
N
IS
O
RIVER
! CLAYTON
KS
AR
CL
WEBSTER
MANCHESTER RD.
I
GROVES
PP
SI
KIRKWOOD ! S IS
! IS
RIVE
M
RD
ES
PE
ARSENAL
R
ES
ISLAND
ME
RAM
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C ER
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! GREEN
RIVE R
PARK
I-44 I-25
5
5
±
I-5
MERAMEC
M EC
MERA
ER
RIV
R
RIVE
0 1.25 2.5 5
Miles
PI
IP
SS
RIV
SI
ER
IS
M
Population Change by Census Tract, 1990-2000
Population shifts to outer suburbs replace an older multi-family development caused
a temporary drop in population.
St. Louis County’s moderate overall population
growth of two percent during the 1990’s was New multi-family developments including luxury
unevenly distributed throughout the County, with condominiums and college dormitories have
numerous census tracts showing more than 10 contributed to population growth in Clayton and
percent gains in population and many tracts Webster Groves, and infill subdivisions in South
showing losses. County have added population in the City of
Green Park, and in the Mehlville area.
New housing construction continues to draw
population to the farthest reaches of West, South Population gains in some census tracts in the
and North County, while many Central County Ferguson, Normandy, Bellefontaine Neighbors,
areas had population losses up to 10 percent. and Spanish Lake areas that had previously been
Population losses greater than 10 percent occurred losing population are indicative of younger
in areas affected by the airport buyout, older areas families with children replacing empty-nester
adjacent to the City of St. Louis and the Meacham households in these older established
Park area of Kirkwood, where commercial communities.
development replaced homes and a project to
Sources: U.S. Census, 1990 and 2000, St. Louis County Department of Planning.
2
Population Change: Births, Deaths and Migration
Natural increase declining height of the baby boom. As the number of births
gradually declines and the number of deaths
Population change has two components: natural
increases with the aging of the population, the
increase and net migration. St. Louis County’s
County’s natural population increase declines.
natural increase (the excess of births over deaths)
was 44,296 in the 1990’s. While that number St. Louis County’s annual natural increase fell to
added 4.4 percent to St. Louis County’s less than 3,000, or 0.3 percent in 2005, the most
population, it was less than half of the 95,681 recent year for which data are available.
natural increase of the 1950’s, the decade of the
20,000
Births Deaths Natural Increase
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
-5,000
-10,000
-15,000
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Annual Births, Deaths and Natural Increase - Five-Year Intervals,
1960 - 2005
Negative net migration Potential net loss
While the County’s natural increase has been From 1970 to 2000 average annual net migration
slowing, net migration has been negative for the was a loss of over 3,000 persons. The natural
past three decades. More people are moving out increase of less than 3,000 persons in 2005
of St. Louis County than are moving in. Between suggests a leveling off and possible decline in the
1990 and 2000, the net migration of –21,489 County’s population since the 2000 Census.
persons resulted in overall population growth of
only 2.2 percent.
Components of Population Change by Decade, St. Louis County, 1950-2000
Decade Natural Increase Net Migration Total Change
1950-1959 95,681 +205,502 301,183
1960-1969 96,552 +147,587 244,139
1970-1979 60,058 -37,515 22,543
1980-1989 56,081 -36,448 19,633
1990-1999 44,296 -21,489 22,807
Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census; Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Missouri Information for
Community Assessment (MICA).
3
Aging of the Population
Baby-boomers moving up the age scale greatest increases were baby boom cohorts:
persons in their fifties and those in their forties.
The aging of the “baby boom” generation is
Not far behind was the 70 to 79 age group with an
changing the age structure of St. Louis County.
18 percent increase. Persons in their sixties, born
Those born during the baby boom of 1946 to 1964
in the depression era, decreased 13 percent.
created a bulge of persons in their thirties in the
1990 age pyramid. As of the 2000 Census, the In 2000, the 20 to 29 age group was the smallest
largest age group was persons in their forties. As cohort under age 60. The small size of the
the largest age cohort moves into their fifties in the “twenty-something” cohort reduces the entry-level
current decade and their sixties in the following workforce and promises to slow the rate of new
decade, there will be a significant increase in the household formation. The magnitude of the
already rapidly expanding elderly population. decrease in this age group is considerable. There
were 146,300 County residents in their twenties in
Persons over 80, while still less than 4 percent of
1990 and only 119,591 in 2000, a decrease of 18.3
the total, increased by 28 percent from the 1990
percent. The 30 to 39 age group also decreased.
Census to the 2000 Census. The second and third
1990 2000
80+ 80+
70 to 79 70 to 79
60 to 69 60 to 69
50 to 59 50 to 59
40 to 49 40 to 49
30 to 39 30 to 39
20 to 29 20 to 29
10 to 19 10 to 19
0 to 9 0 to 9
-100,000 -50,000 0 50,000 100,000 -100,000 -50,000 0 50,000 100,000
Males Females Males Females
St. Louis County Population by Age Group, 1990 and 2000
Population by Age Group, 1990 and 2000
Age Group 1990 % of Population 2000 % of Population % Change, 1990 - 2000
80+ 30,341 3% 38,857 4% +28%
70 to 79 57,095 6% 67,233 7% +18%
60 to 69 89,622 9% 77,931 8% -13%
50 to 59 96,580 10% 119,921 12% +24%
40 to 49 134,831 14% 162,818 16% +21%
30 to 39 168,719 17% 147,682 15% -12%
20 to 29 146,300 15% 119,591 12% -18%
10 to 19 130,116 13% 145,991 14% +12%
0 to 9 139,925 14% 136,291 13% -3%
Total 993,529 1,016,315 +2%
Sources: U.S. Census, 1990 and 2000.
4
Median Age by Census Tract
Median Age by Census Tract PELI
CAN
ISLA
ND
20.2 - 31.0
31.1 - 35.9
CORA ISLAND
36.0 - 39.6 A ND
67
ISL
Y AN
BR Y
ER
39.7 - 43.8 HW
RIV
43.9 - 51.9 RIV
ER
URI
M ISSO
HWY 367
I-70
I-170
CHOUTEAU
PI
SIP
PA
ISLAND
SIS
GE
IS
I-270
M
AV
MOSENTHEIN
ISLAND
E
BONH PAGE AV
JOHN
SON
OMM
E IS
LAND E.
ISLAN
D
RIVER OLIVE BLVD.
I-64
ND
LA
L IS
.
RD
EL
I
City of
UR
W
HO
SO
N
St. Louis
M IS
SO
RIVER
LADUE
LINDBERGH BLVD.
!
K
AR
! CHESTERFIELD
CL
MANCHESTER RD.
I
PP
SI
IS
I-44
S
IS
RIV
M
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DE
PE
S
ARSENAL
CRESTWOOD
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ES
ISLAND
ME
!
RAM
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MER AME
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R
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SUNSET HILLS
!
RIV ER
I-25
5
5
I-5
±
MERAMEC
ME C
MERA
ER
RIV
RIVER
I
PP
0 1 2 4
SI
RIVE
S
SI
Miles
IS
R
M
Median Age by Census Tract, 2000
Wide variations within the County Higher median ages are common in established
neighborhoods, especially where larger single-
The County’s median age rose by 2.7 years
family homes predominate. Newer housing tends
between 1990 and 2000—to 37.4 from 34.7 years.
to attract younger families with children, while
Data from the 2005 American Community Survey
more established neighborhoods have more
showed a further increase of 2.2 years to 39.6
“empty-nester” households whose children are
years.
grown. Some established areas also have nursing
The 2000 Census provides the most recent sub- homes and retirement/assisted-living facilities that
county data showing age variations from one part contribute significantly to raising the median age.
of the County to another. Data showed wide
In North County areas south of Interstate 270 and
variations in median age with the highest median
east of Lindbergh Blvd., median ages below the
ages concentrated in central-west and near
countywide median predominate even as the
southwest areas of the County - in the central
housing stock ages, suggesting an influx of young
corridor from Ladue to Chesterfield and in near
families to older neighborhoods in that part of the
southwest County in the Crestwood and Sunset
County.
Hills areas.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census: Census 2000 and American Community Survey, 2005.
5
Changes in Household Size
Declining household size more than tripling in the past thirty years. Higher
divorce rates and the increases in the older age
A decline in average household size and a
groups both contributed to this trend.
proliferation of single-person households are
evident in the 2000 Census data for St. Louis The County’s average household size at the 2000
County. A third of all households in St. Louis Census was 2.47 persons per household, down
County are two-person households, and nearly as from 2.57 persons in 1990 and 2.78 persons in
many, more than a quarter of them, are single- 1980. St. Louis County’s average household size
person households. Less than one fourth of all St. is just slightly below Missouri’s average
Louis County households had more than three household size of 2.48 persons. The figure for the
persons in 2000. United States is 2.59 persons per household.
Single-person households grew at the fastest rate, Household formation in St. Louis County
continues at a rate that far exceeds the rate of
population growth. Between 1990 and 2000 the
6 or more
number of new households (24,202) exceeded the
5 1 person increase in number of persons (22,807). The 6.4
percent increase in the number of households is
the result of new household formation (with
4 persons associated decreasing household size) as well as
modest population growth. By far the biggest
household size change in the decade was the 21
percent increase in single-person households.
3 persons
Two-person households increased by 6 percent,
2 persons and households of 3, 4, 5 and 6 or more persons
decreased in number.
The 2005 American Community Survey shows a
continuing decline in household size to an average
Households by Number of Persons, 2000 of 2.44 persons per household for St. Louis
County, down from 2.47 in 2000.
Household Size Distribution – 1990 and 2000
Household Number of Percent of Number of Percent of Percent
Size Households, Households, Households, Households, Change, 1990-
(Persons) 1990 1990 2000 2000 2000
1 93,532 25% 113,172 28% +21%
2 125,650 33% 133,590 33% +6%
3 66,554 18% 65,870 16% -1%
4 58,093 17% 56,305 14% -3%
5 24,640 8% 24,220 6% -2%
6 or more 11,641 5% 11,155 3% -4%
Total 380,110 404,312 +6%
Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census of Population, 1990 and 2000, and 2005 American Community Survey.
6
Changing Household Composition
Married-couple households in the minority Families with children increasingly
headed by single persons
Married couples now head less than half of
households in St. Louis County, according to the The share of families with children under 18 that
latest Census report. Only 49 percent of house- are headed by married couples continues to
holds are headed by married couples, and the decline, according to the 2005 American
majority of married couples do not have children Community Survey. In St. Louis County 67
under 18 living in the household. percent of households with children are headed by
married couples, down from 72 percent in 2000.
Single-parent families with children under 18 and
One quarter are headed by single women. The
non-family households are increasing.
remaining households with children are headed by
The fastest growing household type in the 1990’s single men or other relatives, including
was “other family households,” those headed by grandparents.
unmarried householders living with relatives
Only about one in five households is a married-
including children age 18 and above.
couple with children at home. Such traditional
Meanwhile, the number of non-family households families are outnumbered by married couples
increased markedly, with single-person without children at home.
households contributing the largest number. In
In addition to persons living in family and non-
the 2005 American Community Survey, single-
family households, the 2000 Census counted
person households were the most numerous
19,286 St. Louis Countians living in group
household type in St. Louis County, representing
quarters, which include college dormitories,
29 percent of all households.
nursing homes, correctional institutions and
Fewer in number but growing even faster are rooming houses. This group was not counted in
other non-family households - those with two or the 2005 American Community Survey.
more unrelated persons. The growth of this
household type in part reflects the growth of
domestic partners.
Household Composition
Households % change % of house- % of house-
Household and Family Type in 2000 1990-2000 holds - 2000 holds - 2005
Married with related children at home 91,733 -10% 23% 21%
Married without related children at home 114,507 -3% 28% 28%
Single persons with children at home 36,136 +23% 9% 10%
Other families 28,434 +32% 7% 7%
Total family households 270,810 0% 67% 66%
Single-person households 113,172 +21% 28% 29%
Other non-family households 20,330 +26% 5% 5%
Total non-family households 133,502 +22% 33% 34%
Total households 404,312 +6%
Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census of Population, 1990 and 2000, and 2005 American Community Survey.
7
Families with Children: Spatial Distribution
Married-couple families with children couple families with children. These older areas
found in outer-ring suburbs tend to have more households whose children
% Married-Couple
have grown, the so-called “empty-nesters,” as
Families with Children PELIC
AN ISL
AND
well as single-person households and one-parent
7% - 10% households.
11% - 19%
Single-parent families in inner ring
CORA ISLAND
20% - 29%
D
AN
ISL
Y AN
BR
ER
FLORISSANT
RIV
30% - 39% 6
!
7
While single-parent households with children
ER
Y RIV
H WY 36 7
OURI
40% - 54% HW
MISS
I-70
SIP
PI
CHOUTEAU
ISLAND
comprise 9 percent of all households countywide,
SIS
the concentration by census tract ranges from 1
IS
I-270
M
PA
MOSENTHEIN
G
A VE ISLAND
E
percent in a Sunset Hills tract to 32 percent in a
70
PA G
E AV
I -1
JOHNSO
BONH
OMME
ISLAN
E.
N ISL D
OL
North County tract. Single-parent households are
AND
RIVER
I-64 I V E B L V D.
D
L AN
IS
ELL
RI
W
HO City of
geographically concentrated in the northern half
U
SO
D.
St. Louis
MIS
RIVER
LADUE
NR
LINDBERGH BLVD.
!
K SO
BRENTWOOD
! of the County, particularly in older communities
R
CLA
GLENDALE
east of Lindbergh Boulevard. In several tracts in
PI
R DWILDWOOD
. !
P
SI
! S
SI
I-44 WEBSTER
R
! IS
TE
RIVE
M
that area single-parent families with children
GROVES
RD
ES
EP
S
ARSENAL
ER
ES
ISLAND
CH
MER
N
AM
MA
comprise at least 20 percent of all households.
EC
MERAMEC
ER
RIV
EUREKA
!
RIVER
I-25
Above-average percentages are also found in the
5
Lemay area and in single tracts in Maplewood,
5
I-5
MERAMEC
Kirkwood and the unincorporated area west of
±
MEC
MERA
R
RIVE
Fenton.
R
RIVE
PI
SIP
RIVE
SIS
0 2 4
IS
R
M
Miles
% Single-Parent
Married-Couple Families with Children
Families with Children
as a Percent of All Households
PELIC
AN ISL
AND
0% to 5%
6% to 9%
10% to 14%
CORA ISLAND
Married-couple and single-parent households with
ND
ISLA
Y AN
BR
7
15% to 21%
ER
WY 6
RIV
H
children are unevenly distributed across St. Louis 22% to 32% RIV
ER
H WY 36 7
OU RI
MISS
County. Areas of newer housing development I-70
PI
CHOUTEAU
have the highest concentrations of “traditional”
SIP
ISLAND
SIS
IS
I-270
M
PA
MOSENTHEIN
G
A VE
married-couple families with children. Census
ISLAND
E
70
PA G
E AV
I -1
BONH
OMME E.
tracts in West County areas in Wildwood, Eureka
JOHNSO ISLAN
N ISL D
RIVER
AND
OL
I-64 I V E B L V D.
ND
LA
L IS
and unincorporated areas in the southwestern
EL
I
UR
W
HO
SO
D.
City of
MIS
RIVER
NR
St. Louis
LINDBERGH BLVD.
portion of the County have the highest
KSO
MAPLEWOOD
R
!
CLA
percentages of married-couple families with MANCHESTER R D.
I
PP
KIRKWOOD
SI
S
SI
I-44
children under age 18.
! IS
RIVE
M
RD
ES
PE
ARSENAL
R
ES
ISLAND
MER
AM
EC
MERAMEC
ER
The Oakville area in South County and areas
IV
R
FENTON
!
north of Florissant also show high percentages of RIVER
I-25
5
this family type, which represented 23 percent of
5
I-5
MERAMEC
±
all households countywide in the 2000 Census.
MEC
MERA
R
RIVE
R
RIVE
Four Central County census tracts in Brentwood,
PI
SIP
Ladue, Glendale and Webster Groves have above-
RIVE
SIS
IS
R
0 2 4
M
Miles
average percentages of such families, but most
“inner-ring” areas east of Lindbergh Boulevard Single-Parent Families with Children
have below-average concentrations of married as a Percent of All Households
Sources: U.S. Census, 2000 and St. Louis County Department of Planning.
8
Disability Status & Grandparents as Caregivers
Six in ten working-age persons with The 21 through 64 age group represents the
disabilities employed working age population. For this age group, the
percentage of persons employed is given for those
St. Louis County has lower percentages of persons
with and without a disability. The inverse of these
with disabilities than the bi-state St. Louis MSA
percentages does not equate to an unemployment
or the State of Missouri, particularly in the older
rate, however, because persons in this tabulation
age groups. St. Louis County also has a higher
were not categorized as to whether or not they are
employment percentage for persons with
in the labor force. With or without a disability,
disabilities than the region or the state.
persons who are neither working nor actively
The 2000 Census was the first census to include a looking for work are not considered to be in the
question about disability status. Data are labor force and are not counted in the
presented by age groups beginning with age 5. unemployment rate.
Disability Status of Non-Institutionalized Civilian Population
Population group St. Louis County St. Louis, MO-IL MSA Missouri
Ages 5 to 20 228,331 609,959 1,288,509
With a disability 18,010 7.9% 49,984 8.2% 103,038 8.0%
Ages 21 to 64 575,821 1,466,515 3,120,642
With a disability 79,125 13.7% 244,094 16.6% 567,320 18.2%
Percent employed 61.3% 57.4% 55.3%
No disability 496,696 86.3% 1,222,421 83.4% 2,553,322 81.8%
Percent employed 81.1% 80.0% 80.0%
Age 65 plus 135,766 317,291 711,417
With a disability 49,248 36.3% 128,223 40.4% 303,279 42.6%
Total age 5 plus 939,918 2,393,765 5,120,568
With a disability 146,383 15.6% 422,301 17.6% 973,637 19.0%
Source: Census 2000, Summary File 3.
New data on grandparents as caregivers in the same household with grandchildren were
responsible for their care.
The 2000 Census was the first to ask whether
grandparents were living in the same household For the bi-state metropolitan area the proportion
with children under age 18 and whether or not was four percentage points higher, and percentage
those grandparents were “currently responsible for for the State of Missouri was higher still,
most of the basic needs” of those grandchildren. approaching half of all grandparents living with
In St. Louis County 42.9 percent of persons living grandchildren.
Grandparents as Caregivers
Population group St. Louis County St. Louis, MO-IL MSA Missouri
Grandparents living in
household with one or more 16,393 46,506 90,200
grandchildren under 18
Grandparent responsible for 7,030 42.9% 21,229 45.6% 43,907 48.7%
grandchildren
Source: Census 2000, Summary File 3.
9
Racial and Ethnic Groups
Increasing diversity racial groups registered more than 2 percent in St.
Louis County. It was also the first Census in
Whites and African-Americans (blacks) have been
which respondents could select more than one
the predominant racial groups in the St. Louis
racial group. Only 1.3 percent of the population
metropolitan area and in St. Louis County
selected more than one race.
throughout the area’s history. The 2000 Census
was the first Census in which the total of other
Population by Race, 1940 - 2000
Year White Population Black Population Other Races Total
1940 261,840 95.5% 12,309 4.5% 81 0.0% 274,230
1950 389,336 95.8% 16,819 4.1% 194 0.1% 406,349
1960 683,652 97.2% 19,007 2.7% 873 0.1% 703,532
1970 902,002 94.8% 45,495 4.8% 4,174 0.4% 951,671
1980 852,104 87.5% 109,684 11.3% 12,108 1.2% 973,596
1990 836,232 84.1% 139,318 14.0% 17,979 1.8% 993,529
2000* 780,830 76.8% 193,306 19.0% 42,179 4.2% 1,016,315
*White and black population figures for 2000 represent only those who indicated a single race.
Asians a small but growing group counted in the 1990 Census. Based on those who
selected a single race, the subgroups of Asians in
Asians are the largest racial group in St. Louis
order by size were Chinese, Asian Indian, Korean,
County other than whites and African-Americans.
Filipino, Vietnamese, and Japanese.
In the 2000 Census those who selected Asian as
their single race numbered 22,606, and those who In the 2005 American Community Survey the
indicated Asian alone or in combination with one Asian population of St. Louis County had
or more other races numbered 26,261. Those who increased to 3.0 percent from 2.2 percent five
selected Asian alone in the 2000 Census years earlier.
represented a 61 percent increase over Asians
Breakdown of “Other Races” in St. Louis County, 2000
Race Number Percent Race Number Percent
Asian 22,606 2.2% - Other Asian 2,216 0.2%
- Asian Indian 6,197 0.6% American Indian and
- Chinese 6,875 0.7% Alaska Native 1,717 0.2%
- Filipino 2,276 0.2% Native Hawaiian and
- Japanese 1,137 0.1% Other Pacific Islander 251 -
- Korean 2,348 0.2% Some other race 4,775 0.5%
- Vietnamese 1,557 0.2% Two or more races 12,830 1.3%
Hispanics also increasing rapidly Hispanics increased by 49 percent since the 1990
Census. Slightly more than half (7,309) of St.
The Hispanic or Latino category in the Census is
Louis County Hispanics are Mexicans. Much
an ethnic category that includes persons of any
smaller groups were identified as Puerto Ricans
race. In St. Louis County 14,577 persons or 1.4
(1,300) and Cubans (606), and over a third were
percent of the population were identified as
classified as “other Hispanic or Latino.”
Hispanic. While still a relatively small group,
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau: 1990 and 2000 Census and 2005 American Community Survey.
10
Racial Characteristics by Census Tract
PELIC
AN IS
LAND
Percent Black
0% - 10%
11% - 25%
CORA ISLAND
D
AN
67
IS L
Y AN
BR Y
26% - 50%
ER
HW
RIV
BLACK JACK
!
51% - 75% RI
VE
R
U RI
MISSO
Over 75%
HWY 367
I-170
I-70
CHOUTEAU
PI
PA
S IP
ISLAND
SIS
GE
! IS
I-270
M
AV
MOSENTHEIN
ISLAND
E
BONH PAGE AV
JOHN
SON
OMM
E IS
LAND E.
ISLAN
D
RIVER OLIVE BLVD.
I-64 UNIVERSITY CITY
ND
L IS
LA CREVE COEUR !
.
RD
EL !
I
UR
W
HO
City of
SO
N
CLAYTON St. Louis
MIS
RIVER
O
!
KS
LINDBERGH BLVD.
RICHMOND HEIGHTS
AR
!
TOWN & COUNTRY
CL
!
ROCK HILL
!
MANCHESTER RD.
I
PP
SI
KIRKWOOD SI
S
! I-44 IS
RIVE
M
RD
EP
S
ARSENAL
ER
ES
ISLAND
ME
RAM
EC
MER AMEC
ER
IV
R
RIVER
I-25
5
5
I-5
MERAMEC
±
MEC
ME RA
ER
RIV
RIVER
PI
IP
SS
RIV
SI
ER
IS
0 1.25 2.5 5
M
Miles
Percent Black by Census Tract, 2000
Near North County home to African- The Asian population shows some degree of
Americans concentration with census tracts having 5 to 10
percent Asians in West County areas of Maryland
Countywide data from the 2000 Census show
Heights, Creve Coeur and Town and Country and
increasing racial diversity in St. Louis County, but
in parts of University City, Clayton and Richmond
geographic concentrations within the County are
Heights.
also evident. Overall, the white population
declined by over 55,000, while the African- Note: Racial data from the 2000 Census are not
American population increased by nearly 54,000 directly comparable to data from previous
in the 1990s. The African-American population is Censuses, because in 2000 persons were able to
most concentrated in near North County and in the select more than one race on the Census
Black Jack and Spanish Lake areas. Central questionnaire. Numbers quoted in the paragraph
County communities including Richmond above are based on respondents who selected only
Heights, Rock Hill and Kirkwood have census one race. In St. Louis County 12,830 persons or
tracts of greater than 20 percent African-American 1.3 percent of the population selected more than
population. one race.
Source: U.S. Census, 2000.
11
Educational Enrollment and Attainment
Rising and shifting enrollment patterns in school enrollment by St. Louis Countians and
also reflect the changes in the age structure. The
Enrollment in elementary and high schools
nineties saw a decline in young children and in
increased nearly 12 percent between 1990 and
persons in their twenties, while the 10 to 19 age
2000, while preschool and college enrollment
group grew by 12 percent.
declined. These changes show an overall increase
Population Three Years and Older Enrolled in School
Level 1990 Persons Enrolled 2000 Persons Enrolled % Change
Nursery school, preschool 24,040 23,858 -0.8%
Elementary and high school 160,383 178,980 +11.6%
College or graduate school 75,086 64,556 -14.0%
Total persons enrolled 259,509 267,394 +3%
Sources: U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1990 Census and 2000 Census
Education levels exceed State and Nation
Educational levels of St. Louis County residents Less than
continue to rise and to outstrip state and national High
School
levels, especially in the percentage of college
graduates. Two thirds of St. Louis County High
School
residents age 25 or older have some college
Graduate
education. The percentage with a Bachelor’s
degree or higher rose to 38 percent in 2005 from Some
29 percent in 1990. The percent of County College
residents with graduate or professional degrees
College or
jumped from 10 percent to 15 percent between Graduate
1990 and 2005. Degree
A scant 2 percent of adults had less than a ninth 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
grade education in 2005, down from 7 percent in St. Louis County Missouri U.S.
1990. Ninety-one percent of adults in St. Louis
County in 2005 had at least a high school Percent of Residents by
Educational Attainment, 2005
diploma, compared with 82 percent in 1990.
Educational Attainment of Persons 25 Years and Over
Maximum Level of 1990 2000 2005
Education Percent Percent Percent
College Graduate/Professional Degree 10% 13% 15%
Bachelor’s Degree 19% 22% 23%
Some College/Assoc. Degree 26% 29% 29%
High School Diploma or Equivalency 26% 24% 24%
9th to 12th Grade, No Diploma 11% 8% 7%
Grade School Less than 9th Grade 7% 4% 2%
Sources: U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1990 Census, 2000 Census and 2005 American Community Survey.
12
Educational Attainment by Census Tract
Adults with College PELIC
Degree or Higher AN IS
LAND
4% to 19%
20% to 29%
CORA ISLAND
A ND
ISL
BR
Y AN
67
Y
ER
HW
RIV
30% to 44% R
VE
RI
I
OUR
HW Y 3 67
45% to 59%
MISS
I-7
0
CHOUTEAU
PI
60% to 80% SI
SS
IP ISLAND
I-270
IS
M
MOSENTHEIN
ISLAND
0
7
I -1
BONH
OMME
JOHN IS LA P AG E
SON ISL
AND
ND
AV
RIVER O L IV E BL VD E
I-64
ND
LA
L IS
EL
I
UR
W
HO
City of
SO
St. Louis
MIS
RIVER
RD
N
LINDBERGH BLVD
SO
C LA R K
MA NCHEST ER R D
I
PP
SI
S IS
I-44 IS
RI VE
M
RD
EP
ES
ER
ARSENAL
ES
ISLAND
MER
AM
EC
MERAME
C ER
RIV
RIVE R
I-25
5
5
I-5
MERAMEC
±
MEC
MERA
ER
RIV
R
RIVE
PI
IP
SS
RIV
SI
0 1 2 4
ER
IS
M
Miles
Adults with College Degree by Census Tract, 2000
Highest education in central corridor Page Boulevard on the north and Interstate 44 on
the south.
Countywide 35.4 percent of adults have college
degrees, that is, bachelor’s degrees or higher. Census tracts in which the percentage of adults
with college degrees is below 20 percent are
Census tracts in which at least three of five adults
concentrated in the near north, northeast and near
have college degrees are concentrated in the
southeast portions of the County.
central corridor of the County from the St. Louis
City limits to far western St. Louis County. Note: Adults with college degrees are defined as
Census tracts in which at least 45 percent of adults persons aged 25 or older whose maximum educational
have college degrees lie predominantly between achievement was a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Source: U. S. Census, 2000, Summary File 3.
13
Income and Poverty
Countywide income measures high Very low incomes for a fifth of County
households, rising poverty rates
Household Income, St. Louis County
1999 Household Income Households Percent Although St. Louis County’s household and per
<$10,000 23,049 5.7 capita incomes are high, many County households
$10,000 - $14,999 18,211 4.5 have low incomes. Federal programs define “very
$15,000 - $24,999 43,402 10.7 low income” households as those with incomes
$25,000 - $34,999 49,378 12.2 below 50 percent of the areawide median. For the
$35,000 - $49,999 65,737 16.2 St. Louis MSA, the very low income threshold for
$50,000 - $74,999 85,179 21.1 the Census year was $22,219. Thus, the 84,662
$75,000 - $99,999 48,720 12.0 St. Louis County households with incomes below
$100,000 - $149,999 42,141 10.4 $25,000 a year fall within or close to the very low
$150,000 - $199,999 13,096 3.2 income category. They constitute 21 percent of
$200,000 or more 15,694 3.9 St. Louis County households.
Source: U. S. Census, 2000, Summary File 3. While the national and MSA poverty percentages
St. Louis County’s median household income as declined in the 1990’s, St. Louis County’s poverty
reported in the 2000 Census (1999 income) was percentage increased. The number of persons in
$50,532, well above the national median of poverty rose from 54,603 (5.6 percent) in 1990 to
$41,994 and the state median of $37,934. 68,552 (6.9 percent) in 2000, an increase of 25.5
percent. The County’s poverty rate is higher for
The County’s median family income was $61,680. children: 9.3 percent for children under age 18
Because this measure excludes individuals living related to the head of household.
alone or with unrelated individuals, it tends to be
higher than the median household income, which The federal government’s definition of poverty is
is based on the sum of the incomes of all based on pre-tax income and varies by family
household members. Another commonly used size, age of householder, and number of children.
income measure is per capita income, which for A family of four with two children under age 18
St. Louis County was $27,595. was “poor” if its income was less than $16,895
per year in 1999. For a non-elderly single
Wide variations in income levels within the individual, the poverty threshold was $8,667.
County are reflected in median income data for
census tracts and municipalities. For St. Louis Consistent with federal welfare reform programs
County census tracts median household incomes instituted during the 1990’s, the number of
range from $21,230 to $153,366, and for St. Louis households receiving public assistance decreased
County’s 91 municipalities they range from from 13,586 (3.6 percent) in 1990 to 8,798 (2.2
$10,156 in Kinloch to $200,001 in Huntleigh. percent) in 2000.
Comparative Income Measures
1999 Income St. Louis County Missouri St. Louis Region (MSA)
Median Household Income $50,532 $37,934 $44,437
Median Family Income $61,680 $46,044 $54,113
Per Capita Income $27,595 $19,936 $22,698
Persons in Poverty 68,552 637,891 253,785
Percentage of Persons in Poverty* 6.9% 11.7% 9.9%
*Percentage of persons for whom poverty status is determined by the Census Bureau.
Source: U. S. Census, 2000, Summary File 3.
Source: U. S. Census, 2000, Summary File 3.
14
Median Household Income by Census Tract
PELI
Median Household Income
CAN
ISLA
ND
Under $35,000
CORA ISLAND
$35,000 - $49,999 A ND
67
ISL
Y AN
BR Y
ER
HW
RIV
$50,000 - $69,999 R
VE
RI
URIO
$70,000 - $89,999
MIS S
HWY 367
I-170
I-70
.
LVD
CHOUTEAU
I
PP
$90,000 - $153,366
PA
SI
ISLAND
GH B
S IS
GE
IS
I-270
M
AV
BE R
MOSENTHEIN
ISLAND
E
LIND
BONH PAGE AV
JOHN
OMME
ISLA E.
SON ISL
AND
ND
.
RIVER
I-64 VD CREVE
LA
ND BL COEUR
EL
L IS
VE City of
LI
!
RI
W
HO
U
O St. Louis
SO
MIS
RIVER
! LADUE
CHESTERFIELD TOWN & ! FRONTENAC
! !
COUNTRY MAPLEWOOD
!
MANCHESTER RD. DES PERES
I
PP
WILDWOOD
SI
! IS
I-44
S
! IS
R IV
M
ER
DE
PE
S
ARSENAL
RE
ISLAND
S
MER
AM
EC
MERAMEC
ER
RIV
RIVER
I-25
5
±
5
I-5
MERAMEC
MEC
MERA
ER
RIV
RIVER
I
PP
0 2 4
SI
RIVE
SIS
Miles
IS
R
M
Median Household Income by Census Tract, 1999
Higher incomes in central and outer $50,532.) The census tracts with the lowest
suburbs median incomes, those below $35,000, are
concentrated in near North County, in the Lemay
Median household incomes of $90,000 and above
area of South County and in Maplewood census
are found in census tracts in St. Louis County’s
tracts close to the City of St. Louis.
central corridor, including areas of Ladue,
Frontenac, Town & Country, Creve Coeur, Des The distribution of census tracts with higher
Peres, Chesterfield and Wildwood. Tracts with median incomes is similar to the distribution of
median household incomes above $70,000 are tracts in which higher percentages of adults have
found in far North County and far South County college degrees. (See page 13.) Likewise, the
as well as in Central and West County. (The higher income census tracts correlate with tracts
countywide median income for 1999 was with higher housing values. (See page 38.)
Source: U. S. Bureau of the Census, 2000 Census, Summary File 3.
15
Occupation by Place of Residence
Managers and professionals live in central
corridor % Blue Collar
0% - 7%
Managerial and professional workers predominate PELIC
AN ISL
AND
in Mid-County and West County. In North and 8% - 12%
South County most census tracts have average or 13% - 20% YA
N IS
LA
ND
CORA ISLAND
BR
67
less than average percentages of workers in
ER
WY
RIV
HWY 367
H
ER
RIV
managerial, professional and related occupations, 21% - 25%
OURI
I- 1 7 0
MISS
I-70
with near North County having the smallest 26% - 37% SIS
SIP
PI
CHOUTEAU
ISLAND
PA
IS
I-270
M
proportion in this category. Management, E
G
MOSENTHEIN
AVE ISLAND
PAGE
professional and related occupations include RIVER
JOHNSO
BONH
N ISL
OMME
AND
ISL
I-64
AN D
OL
I VE BLVD.
AVE.
educational workers, social service occupations,
D
L AN
IS
ELL
City of
I
UR
W
HO
SO
St. Louis
MIS
health care technicians and computer occupations
RIVER
LINDBERGH BLVD.
as well as business, financial, legal, medical, M ANCHESTER RD
.
I
PP
engineering and architectural professionals. As a
SI
S
SI
I-44 IS
RIVE
M
RD
ES
PE
ARSENAL
group, they tend to receive higher salaries than
R
ES
ISLAND
MER
AM
EC
MERA MEC
ER
RIV
other occupations, and they tend to live in areas of
high housing values. I-25
RIVER
±
5
5
I-5
MERAMEC
The pattern of residence for managerial and RIVE
R
ME RA
MEC
professional workers is similar to that of adults
R
RIVE
with college degrees and roughly opposite that of
0 2 4
PI
SIP
Miles
RIVE
SIS
IS
R
M
blue-collar workers. (See the map at right).
Proportion of Blue Collar Workers
% Management/Professional
15% - 22%
PELIC
AN ISL
AND
Blue-collar workers in North and South
County
23% - 32%
Blue-collar occupations include occupations
CORA ISLAND
ND
LA
N IS
YA
BR
67
ER
33% - 43% WY
grouped by the Census Bureau under the headings
RIV
HWY 367
H
ER
RIV
OU RI
of Precision Production, Skilled Crafts and
I- 1 7 0
44% - 56%
MISS
I-70
Repairs, Operators, Fabricators and Laborers,
CHOUTEAU
PI
SIP
ISLAND
SIS
57% - 74%
PA
IS
I-270
M
E
Farming, Fishing and Forestry. Blue-collar
G
MOSENTHEIN
AVE ISLAND
PAGE
AVE.
workers reside in high concentrations in North
BONH
OMME
ISL
OL
JOHNSO AN D
N ISLAND
RIVER
I-64 I VE BLVD.
ND
County and in parts of South County. These
LA
IS
ELL
City of
I
UR
W
HO
SO
St. Louis
MIS
RIVER
LINDBERGH BLVD.
concentrations are in areas with good access to
M ANCHESTER RD
. major manufacturing employment locations such
I
PP
SI
S
as Boeing and the now closed Ford Motor
SI
I-44 IS
RIVE
M
RD
E S
PE
ARSENAL
R
ES
ISLAND
Company plant in North County and the Chrysler
MER
AM
EC
MERA MEC
ER
RIV
RIVER
I-25
plants in Southwest County (Fenton).
±
5
Workers in blue-collar occupations comprise 16.5
5
I-5
MERAMEC
RIVE
R
ME RA
MEC
percent of workers residing in St. Louis County as
R
RIVE
0 2 4
compared to 24.7 percent nationwide. Areas with
PI
a high proportion of blue-collar workers tend to be
SIP
Miles
RIVE
SIS
IS
R
M
areas of lower median income, because blue-
Proportion of Managerial and Professional Workers collar occupations are typically paid less than
managerial and professional workers.
Source: U.S. Census, 2000.
16
Registered Voters and Election Participation
Increased registration and participation Voter participation has been consistently higher in
presidential election years than in the off-year
The 38 percent increase in registered voters
congressional elections. In presidential election
between the 1972 presidential election and the
years, the highest level of participation in the last
2004 presidential election far exceeded the
three decades was 86 percent in both 1976 and
County’s population growth, which was just 6.8
1992. Voter participation dropped in the 1996
percent between the 1970 and 2000 censuses. The
presidential election but increased in 2000 and
increase in registered voters is partly a result of
2004. For non-presidential elections, the high
the aging of St. Louis County’s population. The
point of the last thirty-five years was the 1994
voting age population (age 18 and over) grew 25
election with 67 percent of registered voters
percent between 1970 and 2000. Local contests
casting ballots in the general election, as
and issues also affect registration and turnout.
compared to 64 percent in both 2002 and 2006.
Registered Voters as a Percent of Voting Age Population – St. Louis County
Year Election Voting Age Percent of Population Registered Registered Voters as
Population that is of Voting Age Voters Percent of Voting
Age Population
1970* (Age 21+) 565,944 59.5% 406,475 71.8%
1970* (Age 18+) 607,944 63.9%
1980 Presidential 706,196 72.5% 617,230 87.4%
1990 749,134 75.4% 564,286 75.3%
2000 Presidential 760,324 74.8% 644,126 84.7%
*Until the passage of the twenty-sixth amendment to the Constitution in 1971, the voting age was 21. The
population age 18+ is given for comparison with later years.
Percent of Registered Voters Casting Ballots in the General Election
Year Election Year End Registered Voters Total Votes Cast in General Percent Voted
Election
1972 Presidential 503,520 424,948 84%
1974 466,316 283,389 60%
1976 Presidential 522,771 452,626 86%
1978 561,901 180,940 32%
1980 Presidential 617,230 496,094 80%
1982 608,075 328,402 54%
1984 Presidential 598,031 480,828 80%
1986 522,689 342,289 65%
1988 Presidential 598,365 488,890 82%
1990 564,286 326,010 58%
1992 Presidential 631,428 542,389 86%
1994 589,527 392,815 67%
1996 Presidential 629,388 471,029 75%
1998 603,022 344,969 57%
2000 Presidential 644,126 497,577 77%
2002 628,195 393,352 64%
2004 Presidential 692,613 551,112 80%
2006 660,731* 419,097 64%
*Registered as of November election.
Sources: U.S. Census, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, and St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners.
17
St. Louis County in the State and the Region
Largest County in Missouri Missouri’s six “outer ring” counties – St. Charles,
Jefferson, Franklin, Lincoln, Warren and
St. Louis County is the largest County in the State
Washington – contain more than a quarter of the
of Missouri and the largest of the sixteen Missouri
region’s population. The eight Illinois counties in
and Illinois counties that comprise the St. Louis
the St. Louis MSA, which contain the cities of
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). St. Louis
Belleville, East St. Louis, Granite City, Alton,
County has nearly a fifth of the population of the
Collinsville, O’Fallon, Edwardsville and
State of Missouri and more than a third of the
numerous smaller ones, have another quarter of
population of the sixteen-county bi-state region,
the metropolitan region’s population.
which was expanded from twelve counties in
2003.
St. Louis
County Metro East St. Louis
17% 25% County
St. Louis 36%
Remainder City
of Missouri 6%
Other
64%
Metro West
Other Metro
27%
West St. Louis
13% City
13%
St. Louis MO-IL MSA Population, 2005
State of Missouri Population, 2005
St. Louis MSA Counties – 2005 Estimates
Missouri’s Largest Counties - 2005 Estimates County Population % of MSA
County Population % of State St. Louis County, MO 1,004,666 36.2%
St. Louis County 1,004,666 17.3% St. Louis City, MO* 344,362 12.4%
Jackson (Kansas City) 662,959 11.4% St. Charles, MO 329,940 11.9%
St. Louis City* 344,362 5.9% Madison, IL 264,309 9.5%
St. Charles 329,940 5.7% St. Clair, IL 260,067 9.4%
Greene (Springfield) 250,784 4.3% Jefferson, MO 213,669 7.7%
Jefferson 213,669 3.7% Franklin, MO 99,090 3.6%
Clay (Kansas City area) 202,078 3.5% Macoupin, IL 49,111 1.8%
Boone (Columbia) 143,326 2.5% Lincoln, MO 47,727 1.7%
Jasper (Joplin) 110,624 1.9% Clinton, IL 36,095 1.3%
State of Missouri 5,800,310 Monroe, IL 31,040 1.1%
*Independent city with county functions. Warren, MO 28,764 1.0%
Washington, MO 24,032 0.9%
Dominant in the Metropolitan Region Jersey, IL 22,456 0.8%
St. Louis County now comprises 36 percent of the Bond, IL 18,027 0.6%
two-state, sixteen-county St. Louis metropolitan Calhoun, IL 5,163 0.2%
area as defined by the Census Bureau. Both the St. Louis, MO-IL MSA 2,778,518
City of St. Louis and the City of St. Charles are *Independent city with county functions.
defined as central cities of the region.
Source: Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program, Estimates for July 1, 2005.
18