St. Louis Demographics: A Comprehensive Population Analysis
Analyzing the demographic shifts of St. Louis provides a fascinating glimpse into the city's growth and social evolution over the last century and a half. From its early days in the late 19th century to the modern data provided by the 2020 U.S. Decennial Census, the city has experienced periods of rapid expansion and gradual contraction.
The population trajectory has been varied. After a significant surge between 1870 and 1890, the city saw a period of relative stability followed by a dramatic increase in the early 21st century, partly influenced by institutional populations.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Current Population: 7,010 residents as of the 2020 census.
- Gender Imbalance: A significant male majority, with 252.8 males for every 100 females.
- Urbanization: The vast majority of residents (96.7%) live in urban areas.
- Median Age: 37.2 years (2020).
- Housing: 7.9% of housing units were vacant as of 2020.
Population Trends (1870–2020)
St. Louis has seen fluctuating growth patterns over the decades. The population grew from just 888 in 1870 to a peak of 7,482 in 2010. Notably, the 2010 spike included a large institutionalized population of 3,823 people, primarily housed in the Pine River Correctional Facility (a state-run prison).
| Census Year | Population | Percentage Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 888 | — |
| 1900 | 1,989 | -11.4% (from 1890) |
| 1950 | 3,347 | 10.1% |
| 2000 | 4,494 | 17.4% |
| 2010 | 7,482 | 66.5% |
| 2020 | 7,010 | -6.3% |
Modern Demographic Profile (2020 Census)
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in St. Louis is 37.2 years. The population is distributed with 12.7% under the age of 18 and 12.6% aged 65 or older. One of the most striking statistics is the gender ratio: there are 252.8 males for every 100 females. This gap widens further among adults, with 293.2 males for every 100 females aged 18 and over.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The city maintains a diverse racial profile. As of the most recent data, the composition is as follows:
- White: 69.0% (4,837)
- Black or African American: 23.9% (1,673)
- Two or more races: 3.9% (272)
- Some other race: 2.2% (153)
- American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (49)
- Asian: 0.4% (25)
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.0% (1)
Additionally, 7.3% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Household and Housing Statistics
There were 1,544 households recorded in 2020. Approximately 28.8% of these households include children under 18. The structure of these households varies significantly: 38.3% are married-couple households, while 31.9% are headed by a female householder with no spouse or partner present, and 19.4% are headed by a male householder with no spouse or partner present.
Single-person households make up 32.9% of the total, with 15.5% of all households consisting of an individual aged 65 or older living alone.
Housing Availability
Out of 1,677 total housing units, the overall vacancy rate stands at 7.9%. There is a notable difference between ownership and rental vacancies, with the homeowner vacancy rate at 2.1% and the rental vacancy rate at 8.0%.
Economic Indicators (2000 Census)
Based on data from the 2000 census, the median household income was $31,122, while the median family income was higher at $39,271. A gender pay gap was evident, with males earning a median income of $29,028 compared to $19,272 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,196.
Economic challenges were present, with 10.1% of families and 15.9% of the total population living below the poverty line. This included 19.9% of residents under 18 and 10.7% of those 65 or older.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the population increase so sharply in 2010?
The population increase in 2010 was largely due to the inclusion of an institutionalized population of 3,823 people, most of whom were residents of the Pine River Correctional Facility.
What is the current gender ratio in St. Louis?
As of the 2020 census, there are 252.8 males for every 100 females, and 293.2 males for every 100 females aged 18 and over.
What percentage of the population lives in rural areas?
Only 3.3% of St. Louis residents live in rural areas, while 96.7% reside in urban areas.
What is the racial makeup of the city?
The majority of the population is White (69.0%), followed by Black or African American (23.9%), and those identifying with two or more races (3.9%).
How many households in St. Louis have children?
According to the 2020 census, 28.8% of the 1,544 households have children under the age of 18 living in them.