Wealth Index
Among the top 5 wealthiest counties in Missouri
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a county's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | St. Louis County | Missouri Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $81,817 | $69,051 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $67,256 | $56,130 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 4.2% | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 16.3% | 9.9% | 13.2% |
The median household income in St. Louis County is about 18% higher than in Missouri. Income has been growing slower in St. Louis County (4.2%/yr) than in Missouri (4.8%/yr).
About 16% of adults in St. Louis County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, higher than the Missouri average of 10%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in St. Louis County, Missouri grew by 41.7% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $81,817 in 2023. That's an average of about 4.2% per year.
Economic Inequality in St. Louis County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | St. Louis County | Missouri Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.550 | 0.543 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $77,064 | $62,759 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $58,788 | $49,461 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 23.7% | 21.2% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In St. Louis County, it is 0.550, higher than Missouri's 0.543, so income is less evenly distributed here than there, and lower than the US's 0.570, so income is more evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 31% more than women's income in St. Louis County, Missouri. Over a 35-year career, a 31% wage gap accumulates to roughly $639,660 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in St. Louis County, Missouri has narrowed from about 29% to 24% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $1,831 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | St. Louis County | Missouri Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 16.3% | 11.6% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 22 | 21 | 22 |
Approximately 21,956 people are unemployed in St. Louis County, Missouri.
The average commute time in St. Louis County is 22 minutes, longer than the 21 minutes in Missouri.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in St. Louis County, Missouri has fallen from 7.8% to 4.2% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, St. Louis County, Missouri has an overall wealth index grade of B, making it somewhat better than Missouri, and somewhat better than the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in St. Louis County, Missouri.
How Rich Is St. Louis County, Missouri?
St. Louis County has a wealth index grade of B. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a B grade means residents are quite well off compared to the U.S. average. The median household income is $81,817, about 18% higher than the Missouri average of $69,051.
What is the current median household income in St. Louis County, Missouri?
As of 2023, the median household income in St. Louis County, Missouri is $81,817.
What was the median household income in St. Louis County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in St. Louis County, Missouri was $81,817.
What was the median household income in St. Louis County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in St. Louis County, Missouri was $69,341.
What is the Gini coefficient in St. Louis County, Missouri?
The Gini coefficient in St. Louis County is 0.550. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is lower than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed more equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in St. Louis County, Missouri?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in St. Louis County, Missouri has narrowed from about 29% to 24% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $1,831 since 2009.