East Saint Louis, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
40,816
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$34,592/yr
-9.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
22,234
-2.2% year-over-year change

East Saint Louis population

How many people live in East Saint Louis

East Saint Louis is home to 40,816 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of East Saint Louis locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
40,816
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
18,465
Female
54.8%
22,351
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,465 45.2% 0.2%
Female 22,351 54.8% -1.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in East Saint Louis is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.3% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.3%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
17.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,090 22.3% 4.8%
15 to 24 5,246 12.8% 4.0%
25 to 44 9,705 23.8% 3.5%
45 to 64 9,708 23.8% -5.0%
Over 65 7,066 17.3% -8.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In East Saint Louis, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 12.5% of locals are Caucasian, 76.5% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 39,342 96.4% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 817 2% 23.4%
Non-citizens 657 1.6% -0.8%
Racial breakdown
White
12.5%
Black or African American
76.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
4%
Value Percent
White 5,098 12.5%
Black or African American 31,229 76.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 278 0.7%
Asian 311 0.8%
Two or more races 2,275 5.6%
Other 1,626 4%

Households in East Saint Louis

A peek inside East Saint Louis households

East Saint Louis has 15,098 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 55.6% are families, while the remaining 44.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,098
-5.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,702
Family households
8,395
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,702 44.4% -6.7%
Family households 8,395 55.6% -4.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in East Saint Louis

The housing landscape of East Saint Louis

East Saint Louis's housing consists of 22,234 units, with 75.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
22,234
-2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,737 75.3%
1 unit, attached 367 1.6%
2 units 917 4.1%
3 or 4 units 1,399 6.3%
5 to 9 units 1,183 5.3%
10 to 19 units 147 0.7%
20 to 49 units 112 0.5%
50 or more units 732 3.3%
Mobile home 642 2.9%
Homes built since 2020
99
20.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Saint Louis

In East Saint Louis, the median construction year is 1956. About 18.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,087 18.4% 5.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,265 10.2% 3.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,003 22.5% -11.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,525 15.8% 1.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,234 10% 11.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,612 7.2% 1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 973 4.4% -30.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,500 6.8% -9.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 936 4.2% 15.1%
Built in 2020 or later 99 0.4% 20.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

East Saint Louis occupancy rates

Out of the 15,098 occupied housing units in East Saint Louis, 59.5% are owner-occupied, while 40.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 32.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,098
-5.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,108
Owner occupied
8,990
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,108 40.5% -11.3%
Owner occupied 8,990 59.5% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
32.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

East Saint Louis housing costs

Housing costs in East Saint Louis come to a median of $652 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $915.

Median housing costs per month
$652/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in East Saint Louis
$915/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in East Saint Louis

East Saint Louis education at a glance

About 51.8% of the population in East Saint Louis went to high school, while 24.1% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 8.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,457 4.8% -14.6%
High school diploma 15,605 51.8% -3.5%
College diploma 7,246 24.1% 0.2%
Associate degree 1,804 6% -11.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,549 8.5% 15.2%
Graduate degree 1,447 4.8% -4.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in East Saint Louis

How much people earn in East Saint Louis

The average annual household income in East Saint Louis was $51,220 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $34,592, reflecting a -9.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Saint Louis
$51,220/year
8.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Saint Louis
$34,592/year
-9.3% year-over-year change

East Saint Louis income by age

In East Saint Louis, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $41,806. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $43,295 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,496, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,978 in earnings. Overall, 66.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,496 5.1%
25 - 44 $41,806 23.4%
45 - 64 $43,295 4.4%
Over 65 $35,978 7.1%
Above poverty level
26,076
Below poverty level
12,981
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,076 66.8% -3.4%
Below poverty level 12,981 33.2% 1.8%

Employment in East Saint Louis

Workforce and job types in East Saint Louis

70.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.5% run their own businesses, 72.7% are employed by private companies, and 17.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
10,425
Blue collar
4,340
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,425 70.6% -2.5%
Blue collar 4,340 29.4% 0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
3.5%
Private companies
72.7%
Governmental workers
17.2%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 513 3.5% -7.7%
Private companies 10,738 72.7% -2.4%
Governmental workers 2,534 17.2% 9.1%
Not for profit companies 980 6.6% -13.8%

Transportation in East Saint Louis

How people get around in East Saint Louis

Commuting methods vary: 95.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,945 95.1% -1.6%
Taxicab 15 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 417 3.3% -28.1%
Railroad 109 0.9% 131.9%
Motorcycle 15 0.1% -11.8%
Bicycle 15 0.1% -31.8%
Walk 47 0.4% -83.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in East Saint Louis by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
62201 4,921 2,065 $27,437 $46,901
62203 5,465 1,843 $42,111 $57,241
62204 4,055 1,710 $35,346 $42,696
62205 6,459 2,276 $45,672 $63,220
62206 12,959 4,620 $33,838 $51,434
62207 6,984 2,593 $29,845 $53,698

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FAQs about East Saint Louis demographics 

What is the total population of East Saint Louis?

East Saint Louis has a total population of 40,816 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Saint Louis?

The gender ratio in East Saint Louis is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (18,465 residents)
  • 54.8% females (22,351 residents)

What is the median age in East Saint Louis?

The median age in East Saint Louis is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Saint Louis?

The age distribution in East Saint Louis is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.3% (9,090 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (5,246 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (9,705 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (9,708 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.3% (7,066 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Saint Louis?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Saint Louis is as follows:
  • White: 12.5% (5,098 residents)
  • Black or African American: 76.5% (31,229 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (278 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (311 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (2,275 residents)
  • Other: 4% (1,626 residents)

What percentage of the population in East Saint Louis are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in East Saint Louis.

How many housing units are there in East Saint Louis?

There are 22,234 housing units in East Saint Louis, reflecting a -2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in East Saint Louis and what is the average household size?

East Saint Louis has a total of 15,098 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Saint Louis?

East Saint Louis has a median household income of $34,592, representing a -9.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East Saint Louis?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.6% (10,425 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.4% (4,340 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.5% (513 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.7% (10,738 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.2% (2,534 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (980 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025