Living in St. Louis, Missouri
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of St. Louis · Census data 2020–2024
St. Louis has 288,512 residents with a median age of 36.8. The median household income is $56,160 (21% lower than the Missouri median), the median home value is $197,500, the median rent is $997/month.
St. Louis at a glance
- Population
- 288,512
- Median age
- 36.8State: 39
- Median household income
- $56,160State: $70,702
- Median home value
- $197,500State: $230,300
- Median rent
- $997/moState: $1,033
- Homeowners
- 45.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 41.1%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is St. Louis a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 14% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 21% lower than the Missouri median; unemployment of 5%; a poverty rate of 20.6%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in St. Louis
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In St. Louis the median home value is $197,500, 41% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $997 per month, which is 28.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,487 a month in housing costs.
St. Louis median household income
The median household income in St. Louis is $56,160 and the income per person is $41,187. 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line (Missouri: 12.6%).
Housing in St. Louis: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 174,111
- Owner-occupied
- 45.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 54.7%
- Vacant
- 16.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1938
- Average household size
- 1.92
St. Louis demographics
- Population
- 288,512
- Median age
- 36.8
- Under 18
- 18.3%
- 65 and older
- 15.5%
- Households
- 144,891
- Foreign-born
- 7.1%
- Veterans
- 5.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of St. Louis ›
Education in St. Louis
41.1% of adults 25 and older in St. Louis have a bachelor's degree or higher (Missouri: 32.4%), and 18.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in St. Louis
- Unemployment rate
- 5%State: 4%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 17%
- Drive alone
- 64.1%
- Public transit
- 5.7%
- Walk to work
- 3.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 86.8%
St. Louis vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 288,512 | $56,160 | $197,500 | $997 |
| Wellston | 1,628 | $44,957 | — | $1,005 |
| Hillsdale | 873 | $37,583 | $52,700 | $1,127 |
| Brooklyn | 729 | $30,673 | $37,500 | $904 |
| Pine Lawn | 2,716 | $24,837 | $66,800 | $1,003 |
| Uplands Park | 322 | $50,250 | $85,200 | $1,450 |
| Velda Village Hills | 858 | $45,000 | $51,200 | $1,137 |
| Maplewood | 8,156 | $65,125 | $237,000 | $970 |
| Pagedale | 2,531 | $31,250 | $75,200 | $965 |
More for people moving to St. Louis
St. Louis ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in St. Louis: FAQ
What is the median household income in St. Louis, MO?
The median household income in St. Louis is $56,160, 21% lower than the Missouri median of $70,702 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in St. Louis?
The median home value in St. Louis is $197,500, compared with $230,300 in Missouri.
How much is rent in St. Louis?
The median gross rent in St. Louis is $997 per month, about 28.2% of household income.
Is St. Louis, MO a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 14% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes. Minuses: median household income 21% lower than the Missouri median; unemployment of 5%; a poverty rate of 20.6%.
What is the median age in St. Louis?
The median age in St. Louis is 36.8 years (Missouri: 39).
How long is the commute in St. Louis?
The average commute to work in St. Louis is 22 minutes; 17% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Louis?
The unemployment rate in St. Louis is 5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is St. Louis?
41.1% of adults in St. Louis have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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