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St. Louis CountySt. Louis County, located at the far eastern side of the State of Missouri, is the heart of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area and home to the confluence of North America's two greatest Rivers, the Mississippi and Missouri. Covering an area of 524 square miles with a 2000 population of 1,016,300, it is the largest county in Missouri and has the highest per capita income in Missouri ($49,727 in 2006, from the Bureau of Economic Analysis). The county’s largest employers are the Boeing Company, Washington University, SSM Healthcare, and Schnucks Markets, Inc. The St. Louis County unemployment rate is 6.5%, below the national average of 9.9%. St. Louis County was created on October 1, 1812 by Governor William Clark as one of the first five counties in the Missouri Territory, nine years before Missouri attained statehood. In 1876 the City of St. Louis separated from St. Louis County, becoming an independent city that provides its own county services. The County is a Constitutional Charter County, and its government is provided for in its Charter, which first became effective in 1950 and was subsequently revised in 1969 and 1979. The County Executive is the chief executive officer of the County and is elected, in partisan elections, to four year terms. The County Council is the legislative body of the County. St. Louis county boasts excellent shopping, schools, parks, and recreation. West St. Louis CountyWest St. Louis County is a warm, vibrant mix of history, beauty, and a growing economy providing an ideal lifestyle that forms a pleasant balance between living in a rural-like setting of wooded beauty and having easy access to a thriving metropolitan area. The region shares a strong interest in offering positive family-oriented programs, maintaining quality education at all levels, and building a safe, comfortable environment where residents can live and work. The Ballwin and Ellisville regions of West St. Louis County were both named in Money Magazine’s list of America’s 100 Best Places to Live, and the Valley Park area has received the National Arbor Day Foundation’s “Tree City USA” designation for 27 consecutive years. Originally founded as a “summer area” for residents of St. Louis, West St. Louis County retains its focus on nature, with well-maintained parks and trails for recreation, and blends in a responsible development of industry such as Cooper Bussman (electronics), Lafayette Industries (shipping and packing), and Centar Industries (parts supplier for educational needs). South St. Louis CountySouth St. Louis County is an excellent place to go to “get away from it all”. Crestwood and Webster Groves are the two most populous cities, claiming well over half of South St. Louis County’s total population. The median household income for the South St. Louis County is higher than the state average, while the median unemployment rate is lower. The communities in this region are mainly small, community-oriented neighborhoods, focused on maintaining the wide expanses of parkland while providing for the responsible growth of their two main industries – Education and Health & Social Services. There are many parks and recreational areas in South St. Louis county to enjoy, ranging from Laumeier Sculpture park in Kirkwood, Grants Trail, and Black Forrest park. South St. Louis boats the amenities of a big city with the perks of small-town, rural life.
A South St. Louis Neighborhood North St. Louis CountyNorth St. Louis County is a thriving metropolitan area. Ever since Farmer Ferguson permitted the railroad to cut through his land in the 1850s, the North St. Louis County region has thrived on travel, commerce, and growth. Florissant, with a population of 53,948, is the major metropolitan center of North St. Louis County. Home to twelve Fortune 500 companies, six Fortune 100 companies, and the corporate headquarters of 10 leading companies, the fast-paced North St. Louis County region still revels in its many parks and historic areas. Historic areas include the Norwood Country Club, which was established in 1923. It has hosted the Professional Golfer’s Association Championship, as well as several other major golf tournaments.
Mid St. Louis CountyMid St. Louis County is a mix of the urban and the suburban. University City is the largest community in the Mid St. Louis County region, with a population of 37,644. It is also the most architecturally unique community with the Lewis Publishing Company and its 135-foot tall octagonal tower and light beacon, the Egyptian Temple, and the Lion Gates. Yet, the outlaying community of Kirkwood is called the “Queen of the Suburbs”, and holds the title of being the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi. Busch Stadium, the Gateway Arch Riverfront, the Missouri Botanical Gardens and the St. Louis Zoo provide entertainment in the Mid St. Louis County region. The University of Missouri-St. Louis and the Washington University provide education and culture.
The St. Louis Botanical Garden St. Louis CitySt. Louis City truly has something for everyone. The total population of St. Louis City is approximately 357,000 in approximately 62 square miles. St. Louis city boasts the Edward Jones Dome, Busch Stadium, the City Museum, and countless restaurants, music venues, and night clubs. The city operates 105 parks that serve as gathering spots for neighbors to meet, and contains playgrounds, areas for summer concerts, picnics, baseball games, tennis courts, and lakes. Forest Park, located on the western edge of the central corridor of the City of St. Louis, is one of the largest urban parks in the world, exceeding Central Park in New York City by 500 acres. The city’s largest employers are BJC HealthCare, the United States Postal Service, the Archdiocese of St. Louis, SBC Telecommunications, and the St. Louis University, City of St. Louis, and St. Louis public schools. The St. Louis City unemployment rate is 11.8%, above the national average of 9.9%.
View of St. Louis City from the St. Louis Arch |
