St. Louis metropolitan area

St. Louis metropolitan area
Name	St. Louis metropolitan area
Settlement type	Metropolitan statistical area
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision type1	State(s)
Subdivision name1	Missouri, Illinois
Subdivision type2	Principal city
Subdivision name2	St. Louis
Area total sq mi	8,458
Population total	2,820,253
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto

St. Louis metropolitan area, officially the St. Louis, MO-IL Metropolitan statistical area, is a major bi-state region anchored by the independent city of St. Louis. Encompassing counties in both Missouri and Illinois, it is the largest metropolitan area in Missouri and the second-largest in Illinois, after Chicago. The region is a historic economic and cultural hub of the Midwestern United States, known for its iconic Gateway Arch, diverse industries, and significant contributions to American music and aviation.

Geography

The metropolitan area spans both sides of the Mississippi River, with its core in St. Louis City and St. Louis County on the western bank. Major Illinois counties include Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe. Key waterways besides the Mississippi River are the Missouri River, which joins near St. Charles, and the Kaskaskia River. The topography transitions from the river valleys to the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the south and the plains of the American Bottom in Illinois. Notable parks include Forest Park, Gateway Arch National Park, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Demographics

According to the 2020 United States Census, the metropolitan area had a population of approximately 2.82 million. The largest racial and ethnic groups are Non-Hispanic White, African American, and Hispanic or Latino. Significant population centers include the city of St. Louis, St. Charles, Florissant, and on the Illinois side, Belleville and O'Fallon. The area is home to institutions like Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University, which contribute to its educational profile. Religious affiliations are diverse, with strong presences of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis and various Protestant denominations.

Economy

Historically a center for manufacturing and trade, the economy has diversified into sectors like biotechnology, finance, and aerospace. Major corporations headquartered here include Centene Corporation, Emerson Electric, and Reinsurance Group of America. The Boeing defense unit and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency are key employers. The region is a major hub for agribusiness, supported by companies like Bunge Limited and Monsanto (now part of Bayer). Lambert International Airport and the inland port facilities along the Mississippi River facilitate logistics and transportation.

Government

The area has no single overarching governmental body due to its bi-state nature and high degree of municipal fragmentation. Key counties like St. Louis County and Madison County operate under their own elected commissions. The city of St. Louis operates as an independent city separate from the county. Regional coordination occurs through entities like the East-West Gateway Council of Governments and the Bi-State Development Agency, which oversees public transit including the MetroLink light rail. Federal representation includes members of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives from both states.

Culture

The region is famed as the "Gateway to the West" and is a cradle of American music, particularly ragtime, blues, and St. Louis blues. Cultural institutions include the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Fox Theatre, and the St. Louis Art Museum. It is a major sports city with professional teams like the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), St. Louis Blues (NHL), and St. Louis City SC (MLS). Culinary staples include St. Louis-style pizza, toasted ravioli, and Gooey butter cake. The annual St. Louis PrideFest and Fair Saint Louis are significant events.

History

The area's history begins with the Mississippian culture at Cahokia, near present-day Collinsville, Illinois. European exploration included La Salle and settlement began with Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau founding St. Louis in 1764. It became part of the United States via the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and served as a departure point for western expeditions like the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The 19th century saw growth through steamboat trade, immigration, and industrialization, though it was divided by the American Civil War. The 20th century featured the construction of the Gateway Arch, the rise and decline of manufacturing, and significant events like the 1904 World's Fair and the 1904 Summer Olympics.

Category:Metropolitan areas of Missouri Category:Metropolitan areas of Illinois Category:St. Louis metropolitan area