St. Louis sees decline in immigrant population, reversing previous growth

By Jacob Kirn – Managing Editor, St. Louis Business Journal

Story Highlights

• St. Louis' foreign-born population decreased by 2.1% in 2024.

• The region's total population grew slightly but remains below 2020 estimates.

• Households with children in St. Louis area have decreased since 2010.

The St. Louis area is now losing immigrant residents after having gained in the category previously.

The region's foreign-born population in 2024 totaled 156,362, a decline of 3,348, or 2.1%, from 2023, according to American Community Survey data, compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau and cited in an analysis by Saint Louis University demographer Ness Sandoval.

"This reversal is particularly striking given that just one year ago, Saint Louis ranked first among the top 30 metros in the percentage growth of its foreign-born population," Sandoval wrote. He also noted that among the top 50 U.S. metros, only three experienced a decline in foreign-born residents in 2024, and St. Louis' was steepest.

The region's total population in 2024 was 2.81 million, according to the data, up 14,023, or 0.5%, from 2023, according to the data.

But Sandoval noted that the 2024 figure is still below 2020 estimates, highlighting the region's issue of stagnant population.

In 2024, the region's white population was up 0.7%, to nearly 2 million, while the Black population declined 0.8%, to 463,175.

In the city of St. Louis alone, white and Black population both fell.

Over a long period, the region has fewer households with children, according to Sandoval's analysis. Read more here.