St. Louis County

The St. Louis County economy is strong, with a per capita income of $93,405, well above Missouri’s average of $57,818. The poverty rate for working-age individuals (8.9%) is lower than the state average of 12.3%. Employment has remained stable, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% in 2022, declining from its peak in 2020. The county has a higher percentage of residents with English as a second language (11.1%) and a lower percentage of working-age residents with disabilities (9.4%) compared to the state average. Educational attainment is strong, with a lower percentage of adults without a high school diploma (10.3%) than the statewide rate.

Key industries driving the region include management, data processing, insurance, and manufacturing, with high employment concentrations in corporate management, IT infrastructure, and chemical manufacturing. While overall employment declined slightly from 2017 to 2022 (-2.1%), some industries, including agriculture, utilities, and mining, saw significant growth. Job demand is highest for retail sales, customer service representatives, truck drivers, and healthcare professionals, while high-skill positions like registered nurses, software developers, and medical managers are in demand. Employers report ongoing hiring challenges, with a lack of applicants and skill shortages being the top barriers to expansion.

Looking forward, job growth is expected in food services, healthcare, and professional services, with strong demand for both entry-level and high-skill positions. Employers continue to struggle with talent retention, with 86% increasing wages and 64% offering flexible work schedules to stay competitive. Despite these challenges, St. Louis County remains a key economic hub in Missouri, with a diverse workforce and strong industry presence across multiple sectors.