Biggest sources of immigrants to St. Louis
Written by:
April 4, 2021
Max Pixel
Biggest sources of immigrants to St. Louis
Nearly 14% of the United States population is composed of immigrants. But in reality, the vast majority of Americans today are here because of relatives who immigrated from other countries some time in the last several hundred years.
And while the distinctive American culture and spirit is the result of blending many diverse cultures and histories, the United States has for centuries had an up-and-down relationship with immigration.
Each era of immigration has been met with reductive ideas and resistance, whether the backlash was directed toward the Chinese, Irish, Italians, or Mexicans. Immigration laws have targeted specific groups at various times, stoking intolerance and preventing people from truly joining American society. Over time, however, as laws changed to be more equitable and immigrants found their footings, we have reaped the rewards of innovation in business, music, art, literature, dance, food, societal norms, entertainment, and sports—all while realizing a greater understanding of and respect for different cultures, religions, and ideas.
Stacker compiled a list of the countries most immigrants to St. Louis come from, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Countries are ranked by highest number of foreign-born residents who lived in St. Louis as of 2019’s five-year estimates.
Keep reading to find out more about the immigrant community in your home city.
1 / 50
Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock
#50. Spain
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 525
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 115,113
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #55 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 525
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 115,113
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #55 most common country of origin
2 / 50
Pixabay
#49. Turkey
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 532
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 119,380
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #54 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 532
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 119,380
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #54 most common country of origin
3 / 50
blk24ga // Wikicommons
#48. Liberia
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 545
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 87,991
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #67 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 545
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 87,991
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #67 most common country of origin
4 / 50
Kendra Helmer // Wikimedia Commons
#47. Haiti
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 552
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 672,655
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #15 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 552
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 672,655
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #15 most common country of origin
5 / 50
SL-Photography // Shutterstock
#46. Panama
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 571
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 103,299
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #58 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 571
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 103,299
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #58 most common country of origin
6 / 50
JMRAFFi // Wikimedia Commons
#45. El Salvador
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 597
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 597
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 1,381,008
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.1%
- #5 most common country of origin
7 / 50
Fitria Ramli // Shutterstock
#44. Saudi Arabia
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 622
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 85,000
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #70 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 622
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 85,000
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #70 most common country of origin
8 / 50
Unsplash
#43. Lebanon
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 637
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 121,697
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #52 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 637
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 121,697
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #52 most common country of origin
9 / 50
Michal Knitl // Shutterstock
#42. Afghanistan
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 647
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 101,548
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #59 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 647
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 101,548
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #59 most common country of origin
10 / 50
HandmadePictures // Shutterstock
#41. South Africa
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 658
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 658
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
11 / 50
agchinook // Shutterstock
#40. Venezuela
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 677
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 677
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
12 / 50
Tupungato // Shutterstock
#39. France
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 706
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 181,554
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #41 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 706
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 181,554
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #41 most common country of origin
13 / 50
Henrik Palm // Wikimedia Commons
#38. Belarus
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 716
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 63,642
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #78 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 716
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 63,642
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #78 most common country of origin
14 / 50
RossHelen // Shutterstock
#37. Albania
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 724
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 89,911
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #65 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 724
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
National
- Number of residents: 89,911
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #65 most common country of origin
15 / 50
Falkenpost // Pixabay
#36. Cuba
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 755
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 755
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
16 / 50
GoodFreePhotos
#35. Bulgaria
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 756
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 69,765
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #75 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 756
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 69,765
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #75 most common country of origin
17 / 50
byvalet // Shutterstock
#34. Jamaica
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 759
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 759
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
18 / 50
Christian Vinces // Shutterstock
#33. Peru
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 761
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 761
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
19 / 50
Augustin Lazaroiu // Shutterstock
#32. Romania
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 763
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 162,046
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #45 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 763
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 162,046
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #45 most common country of origin
20 / 50
Sergei25 // Shutterstock
#31. Jordan
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 785
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 81,155
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #71 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 785
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 81,155
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #71 most common country of origin
21 / 50
Vixit // Shutterstock
#30. Nepal
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 863
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 863
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
22 / 50
MDOGAN // Shutterstock
#29. Somalia
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 952
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 98,966
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #60 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 952
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 98,966
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #60 most common country of origin
23 / 50
Jack Bkk // Shutterstock
#28. Thailand
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 967
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 967
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
24 / 50
neiljs // Flickr
#27. Ethiopia
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,013
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,013
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.7%
National
- Number of residents: 249,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #34 most common country of origin
25 / 50
Ninara // Wikimedia Commons
#26. Iran
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,028
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 382,260
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #23 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,028
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 382,260
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #23 most common country of origin
26 / 50
Nahlik // Shutterstock
#25. Poland
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,059
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 410,841
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #21 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,059
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 410,841
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #21 most common country of origin
27 / 50
Marek Poplawski // Shutterstock
#24. Honduras
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,126
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,126
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 651,123
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #16 most common country of origin
28 / 50
Bernard Gagnon // Wikimedia Commons
#23. Syria
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,135
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 95,802
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #63 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,135
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 95,802
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #63 most common country of origin
29 / 50
Catarina Belova // Shutterstock
#22. Brazil
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
30 / 50
Unsplash
#21. Japan
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,204
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,204
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
31 / 50
Alexander Canas Arango // Shutterstock
#20. Colombia
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,217
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,217
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
32 / 50
Unsplash
#19. Ukraine
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,220
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 345,250
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #28 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,220
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 345,250
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #28 most common country of origin
33 / 50
USACE HQ , JIM GORDAN, CIV, USACE // Wikicommons
#18. Iraq
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,241
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 225,038
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #38 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,241
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 225,038
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #38 most common country of origin
34 / 50
Pixabay
#17. Italy
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,247
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,247
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
35 / 50
PIxabay
#16. Taiwan
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,570
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,570
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
36 / 50
Saqib Rizvi // Shutterstock
#15. Pakistan
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,576
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,576
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.2%
National
- Number of residents: 376,127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #25 most common country of origin
37 / 50
Viacheslav Lopatin // Shutterstock
#14. Russia
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,958
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.4%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,958
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.4%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
38 / 50
Kobby Dagan // Shutterstock
#13. Guatemala
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,982
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,982
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 979,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
- #10 most common country of origin
39 / 50
Photos By Beks // Unsplash
#12. Kenya
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,996
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 141,751
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #48 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,996
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 141,751
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #48 most common country of origin
40 / 50
OpenUpEd // Flickr
#11. Nigeria
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,012
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 350,272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #26 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,012
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
National
- Number of residents: 350,272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #26 most common country of origin
41 / 50
Unsplash
#10. Canada
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,995
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,995
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
42 / 50
User:Colin // Wikimedia Commons
#9. United Kingdom
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 3,004
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 3,004
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.2%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
43 / 50
Max Pixel
#8. Germany
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 3,886
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 3,886
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
44 / 50
Kys951 // Wikimedia Commons
#7. South Korea
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 4,027
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 4,027
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
45 / 50
Joseph Oropel // Shutterstock
#6. Philippines
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 6,068
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 6,068
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
46 / 50
Quangpraha // Pixabay
#5. Vietnam
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 6,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.1%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 6,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.1%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
47 / 50
neshom // Pixabay
#4. Bosnia and Herzegovina
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 8,184
- Percent of foreign born residents: 6.0%
National
- Number of residents: 103,938
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #57 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 8,184
- Percent of foreign born residents: 6.0%
National
- Number of residents: 103,938
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #57 most common country of origin
48 / 50
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#3. China
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 11,111
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.2%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 11,111
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.2%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
49 / 50
Jakub Hejtmánek // Wikicommons
#2. Mexico
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 14,062
- Percent of foreign born residents: 10.4%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 14,062
- Percent of foreign born residents: 10.4%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
50 / 50
Kriangkrai Thitimakorn // Shutterstock
#1. India
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area
- Number of residents: 16,006
- Percent of foreign born residents: 11.8%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 16,006
- Percent of foreign born residents: 11.8%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
