Penrose, Saint Louis, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,811
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$30,622/yr
-4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,963
-0.9% year-over-year change

Penrose population

How many people live in Penrose

Penrose is home to 2,811 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Penrose locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
2,811
1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
1,293
Female
54%
1,518
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,293 46% 1.2%
Female 1,518 54% 2.1%
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 Penrose is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.1% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.5% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.1%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
23.5%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
21%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 481 17.1% 0.6%
15 to 24 279 9.9% 3.3%
25 to 44 661 23.5% -1.8%
45 to 64 800 28.4% 6.5%
Over 65 591 21% -0.5%
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 Penrose, 98.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 2.6% of locals are Caucasian, 93.2% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,762 98.3% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 49 1.7% 172.2%
Racial breakdown
White
2.6%
Black or African American
93.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 74 2.6%
Black or African American 2,621 93.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.3%
Asian 3 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0.3%
Two or more races 91 3.2%
Other 6 0.2%

Households in Penrose

A peek inside Penrose households

Penrose has 1,349 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44.6% are families, while the remaining 55.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,349
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
747
Family households
602
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 747 55.4% 9.7%
Family households 602 44.6% -4.8%
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 Penrose

The housing landscape of Penrose

Penrose's housing consists of 1,963 units, with 51.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.2% 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 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,963
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,009 51.4%
1 unit, attached 83 4.2%
2 units 432 22%
3 or 4 units 307 15.6%
5 to 9 units 29 1.5%
10 to 19 units 17 0.9%
20 to 49 units 22 1.1%
50 or more units 35 1.8%
Mobile home 29 1.5%
Homes built since 2020
6
50.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Penrose

In Penrose, the median construction year is 1938. About 64.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,268 64.6% -5.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 218 11.1% 7.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 130 6.6% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 88 4.5% 35.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 62 3.2% -3.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 81 4.1% 47.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 61 3.1% -14.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 39 2% 18.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 11 0.6% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 6 0.3% 50.0%
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.

Penrose occupancy rates

Out of the 1,349 occupied housing units in Penrose, 42.2% are owner-occupied, while 57.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 31.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,349
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
779
Owner occupied
570
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 779 57.8% 5.0%
Owner occupied 570 42.2% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
31.3%
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.

Penrose housing costs

Housing costs in Penrose come to a median of $796 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $945.

Median housing costs per month
$796/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 Penrose
$945/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 Penrose

Penrose education at a glance

About 51.8% of the population in Penrose went to high school, while 24.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 8.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 77 3.5% 5.5%
High school diploma 1,148 51.8% 6.4%
College diploma 551 24.9% -6.3%
Associate degree 162 7.3% 5.9%
Bachelor's degree 185 8.4% -9.3%
Graduate degree 92 4.2% 8.2%
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 Penrose

How much people earn in Penrose

The average annual household income in Penrose was $51,045 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $30,622, reflecting a -4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Penrose
$51,045/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Penrose
$30,622/year
-4.0% year-over-year change

Penrose income by age

In Penrose, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $32,778. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $30,250 overall. Overall, 65.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $32,778 1.2%
45 - 64 $30,250 -7.5%
Over 65 $28,904 -4.8%
Above poverty level
1,795
Below poverty level
964
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,795 65.1% -4.0%
Below poverty level 964 34.9% 12.3%

Employment in Penrose

Workforce and job types in Penrose

78.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 68.2% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
808
Blue collar
226
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 808 78.1% -3.2%
Blue collar 226 21.9% -5.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 64 6.2% 4.9%
Private companies 704 68.2% -4.9%
Governmental workers 146 14.1% -6.4%
Not for profit companies 119 11.5% 2.6%

Transportation in Penrose

How people get around in Penrose

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 641 77.5% -10.1%
Taxicab 2 0.2% -66.7%
Bus or trolleybus 176 21.3% 5.4%
Bicycle 8 1% -11.1%
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 Penrose by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
63115 14,488 6,953 $30,622 $51,045

Explore more communities

FAQs about Penrose demographics 

What is the total population of Penrose?

Penrose has a total population of 2,811 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 +1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Penrose?

The gender ratio in Penrose is as follows:
  • 46% males (1,293 residents)
  • 54% females (1,518 residents)

What is the median age in Penrose?

The median age in Penrose is 44.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Penrose?

The age distribution in Penrose is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.1% (481 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (279 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.5% (661 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (800 residents)
  • Over 65: 21% (591 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Penrose?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Penrose is as follows:
  • White: 2.6% (74 residents)
  • Black or African American: 93.2% (2,621 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (91 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (6 residents)

What percentage of the population in Penrose are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.3% of the population in Penrose.

How many housing units are there in Penrose?

There are 1,963 housing units in Penrose, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Penrose and what is the average household size?

Penrose has a total of 1,349 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Penrose?

Penrose has a median household income of $30,622, representing a -4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Penrose?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.1% (808 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.9% (226 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (64 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (704 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (146 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (119 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