In this post, I'll go over the essentials about St Louis elevation, keeping it short and to the point. If you are in a hurry, use the links I included in the Table of Contents to find what you are looking for. St. Louis, set along the western banks of the Mississippi River, is a historic Missouri city is rich in culture, industry, and heritage. Known for its distinctive mounds, French origins, and as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis sits at a modest elevation compared to other U.S. cities.

Table of Contents

Where is St. Louis?

  • Location: St. Louis is located on the western bank of the Mississippi River, in the eastern region of Missouri, bordering Illinois.

City Profile

  • Founding: Established in 1764 by Pierre Laclède, a French fur trader.
  • Namesake: Named after King Louis IX of France.
  • Origins: Built near ancient Native American earth mounds; formerly a prime area for settlements and trade.
  • Historic Industry: Fur trading was central to the early economy.
  • Growth: Once one of the largest cities in the U.S. during the 19th century.
  • Population: About 308,000 residents in the city, and over 2.8 million in the metro area.
  • Modern Importance: A key transport, trade, and manufacturing hub in Missouri, with nine Fortune 500 companies.

Elevation Basics

  • Average elevation: St. Louis sits at 466 feet (142 m) above sea level.
  • Elevation range: Highest point is 614 feet (187 m); lowest is 385 feet (117 m).
  • Historic nickname: Known as "Mound City" due to Native American earthworks that once stood within city limits.
  • French influence: The first European settlers in the region were French explorers in the 17th century.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • What is elevation? A measure of how high or low a place is relative to sea level, typically in feet or meters.
  • U.S. average elevation: The national mean is around 2,500 feet (760 m), much higher than St. Louis.
  • State comparison: The mean elevation of Missouri is 800 feet (240 m), so St. Louis lies significantly below average.
  • Missouri elevation range:
    • Highest point: Taum Sauk Mountain – 1,772 feet (540 m)
    • Lowest point: Saint Francis River – 230 feet (70 m)
  • Highest city in Missouri: Seymour – 1,645 feet (501 m)
  • Comparison to other Missouri cities:
    • Kansas City: 910 feet (277 m)
    • Springfield: 1,299 feet (396 m)
    • Columbia: 758 feet (231 m)
    • Independence: 1,033 feet (315 m)
    • St. Louis is lower in elevation than most major cities in the state.

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: St. Louis has a blend of humid continental and humid subtropical climates.
  • Seasons: Hot, humid summers and cold winters.
  • Warmest month: July – Average highs of 89°F (32°C), lows of 71°F (22°C).
  • Coldest month: January – Highs of 40°F (4°C), lows of 24°F (-4°C).
  • Precipitation: Rain year-round and snow from November to March.
  • Top attractions:
    • The Gateway Arch – Iconic monument and observation point.
    • The City Museum – Unique architectural playground and museum.
    • Forest Park – Larger than Central Park, home to museums, trails, and lakes.
    • Missouri Botanical Garden
    • Saint Louis Zoo – Free admission and highly rated nationally.
  • Sports teams:
    • St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) – Play at Busch Stadium.
    • St. Louis Blues (NHL) – Play at Enterprise Center.

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