Municipalities of St. Louis County, Missouri Facts for Kids

St. Louis County is a large area in Missouri, USA. It's home to many different communities. These communities are called municipalities, which are like towns or cities with their own local governments. Besides the 88 municipalities, there are also 10 unincorporated census-designated places. These are areas that don't have their own local government but are still recognized as distinct communities.

Understanding Municipalities in St. Louis County
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Understanding Municipalities in St. Louis County

St. Louis County has many different types of communities, each with its own way of being governed. These communities are called municipalities, and they can be cities, towns, or villages. There are also areas known as census-designated places (CDPs) that are not officially incorporated.

What is a Municipality?

A municipality is a community that has its own local government. This means it has its own mayor, city council, and local laws. They manage things like local police, fire departments, and public services. In St. Louis County, municipalities can be called cities, towns, or villages, depending on their size and how they were set up.

City: This is the most common type of municipality. Cities usually have a larger population and more services.
Village: Villages are often smaller than cities. They still have their own government but might offer fewer services.
Town: In Missouri, "town" is another term for an incorporated municipality, similar to a city or village.

What is a Census-Designated Place?

A census-designated place (CDP) is a community that doesn't have its own local government. It's not officially a city, town, or village. However, the U.S. Census Bureau identifies these areas for statistical purposes. This helps them collect and share information about the population living there. People in CDPs get their local services from the county government.

Big and Small Places in the County

St. Louis County is home to a wide range of communities, from very small villages to large, bustling cities. The population and size of these places can vary a lot. For example, some places might have only a few dozen residents, while others are home to tens of thousands of people.

Chesterfield is one of the largest cities in St. Louis County. It has a population of over 46,000 people and covers a large area of about 32.7 square miles.
Florissant is another big city, with more than 51,000 residents.
Wildwood is the largest in terms of area, covering about 66 square miles, with a population of over 32,000.
On the other hand, a place like Champ is very small, with only about 12 residents.
Country Life Acres is another small village, with around 81 people living there.

These differences in size and population mean that each community has its own unique feel and services.

Interesting Spots and Places to Visit

Many municipalities in St. Louis County have their own special places and attractions. These can include parks, shopping centers, historic buildings, and more.

In Ballwin, you can visit Queeny Park, a large park with trails and recreation areas.
Chesterfield is home to the Chesterfield Mall, a popular shopping destination.
If you're looking for fun, Eureka has Six Flags St. Louis, a well-known amusement park.
In Creve Coeur, you can find Temple Emanuel, a notable religious building.
Frontenac features Plaza Frontenac, an upscale shopping center.