The St. Louis region enjoys the reputation of being a low-tax area. Among 35 metropolitan areas, St. Louis ranks lowest in local government revenue per capita and in local government debt. It ranks third from the bottom in local government expenditures per capita.
Nonetheless, the total investment of local tax dollars in the region is considerable: more than $6 billion annually. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a financial census of local governments regarding their revenues and expenditures every five years. The Metro Forum has secured these Census results for the years 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, and 2002.
For tables describing revenues and expenditures for each of the units of government in the St. Louis MSA, click here.
To see a glossary of financial census terms, click here.
For more information about how to use and interpret the data, click here.
The St. Louis region enjoys the reputation of being a low-tax area. Among 35 metropolitan areas, 
Nonetheless, the total investment of local tax dollars in the region is considerable: more than $6 billion annually. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a financial census of local governments regarding their revenues and expenditures every five years. The Metro Forum has secured these Census results for the years 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, and 2002.
For tables describing revenues and expenditures for each of the units of government in the St. Louis MSA, 
To see a glossary of financial census terms, 
For more information about how to use and interpret the data,