| Statistic | East St. Louis | Illinois | National |
| Population | 26,359 | 12,671,821 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,894 | 228 | 91 |
| Median age | 40.6 | 37.4 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.8:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 29% | 55% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 34% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 77% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 1% | 13% | 13% |
East St. Louis demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The East St. Louis population is 26,359 and has a population density of 1,894 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 40.6, 29% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 34% have kids under the age of 18. In East St. Louis, 49% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 3% of households report a median income above $150,000.
Recognizing the racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown of East St. Louis is pivotal for addressing systemic inequities, championing social justice and inclusion and fostering resilient communities. In East St. Louis, the racial breakdown comprises 1.5% White, 96.6% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 1.3% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of households reported speaking English only, while 1.1% reported speaking Spanish only. Furthermore, 0.8% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.
Areas like East St. Louis that have a higher than average population density tend to support environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling and the use of public transit, promoting sustainable lifestyles and reducing environmental impact. Densely populated areas also tend to have more vibrant social and cultural scenes, with a diverse population contributing to a wide array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This diversity fosters creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The East St. Louis population density is higher than average and comes in at 1,894 people per square mile (compared to the nationwide average of 91), putting it in a position to take advantage of all the benefits of a densely populated area.
Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in East St. Louis has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.
Social Cohesion: Analyzing demographics is vital for nurturing social cohesion and fostering understanding among diverse communities. By embracing and respecting variations in East St. Louis demographics, societies can advance inclusivity, diversity and social unity while combatting social inequalities and advocating for equal opportunities. Racial demographics mirror the diversity within a population and can be instrumental in cultivating inclusive and inviting communities. Embracing diversity strengthens social bonds, fosters cultural appreciation and enriches society by acknowledging the contributions of individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Urban Development: By leveraging demographic data in East St. Louis, urban planners can tailor areas to meet the needs of any resident across housing, transportation and public services, all while fostering sustainability and elevating quality of life. Demographic changes can fuel gentrification and neighborhood transformation, whether in urban or rural settings. As neighborhoods attract newcomers with varying income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may appreciate, potentially displacing established residents and reshaping the neighborhood's fabric. A nuanced understanding of population density, age distribution, household size and income levels is pivotal for guiding decisions on zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Utilizing the demographic data in planning and implementing affordable housing initiatives can help mitigate displacement risks and promote inclusive communities.
| Race | East St. Louis | Illinois | National |
| White | 1.54% | 72.14% | 73.35% |
| Black | 96.56% | 14.30% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.44% | 5.10% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.16% | 0.23% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.02% | 0.03% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 1.00% | 2.34% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.28% | 5.86% | 4.75% |
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