Data shows immigrants in the St. Louis region are making an economic impact

Although the St. Louis region's population growth has leveled off over the past decade, there has been a modest increase in the area's immigrant population. Demographers say this increase is a small but helpful contribution to the economic vibrancy of the region.

Immigrants living in the metropolitan area make up 4.8% of the total population. According to a recent analysis by the American Immigration Council, immigrant households in the area earned $5.9 billion in total income, paid $1.6 billion in taxes and held $4.3 billion in spending power.

Immigrant families play a vital role in the region's economic success, said Ness Sandoval, professor of demography and sociology at St. Louis University.

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