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Elected Officials Representation
The rate of elected officials per 100,000 residents in the City of St. Louis
White residents are 7% more likely than black residents to be represented in elected office.
A score of 100 represents racial equity, meaning there are no racial disparities in outcomes. The lower the Equity Score, the greater the disparity.
For Elected Officials Representation, a score of 100 — a score reflecting racial equity — would mean black and white residents are equally likely to be represented in elected office.
More Information
What does this indicator measure?
Elected Officials Representation measures the rate of elected officials per 100,000 residents in the City of St. Louis. The elected offices included in this analysis include paid positions in municipal, state, and federal offices representing the residents of St. Louis City. In 2018, there were 52 elected officials, which equates to a rate of 16.7 elected officials per 100,000 residents.
Elected Officials Representation Analysis
Elected officials per 100,000 residents in St. Louis City.
| All | White | Black | Disparity Ratio | Equity Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elected officials | 52 | 26 | 26 | - | - |
| Population | 311,404 | 135,384 | 145,393 | - | - |
| Elected officials per 100,000 residents | 16.7 | 19.2 | 17.9 | 1.074 to 1 | 86 |
Data Source: City of St. Louis, 2018. American Community Survey 1-year estimates, 2016.
Data Note: This is a point-in-time count of elected officials as of October 2018. Elected offices include Mayor, Sheriff, Recorder of Deeds, Collector of Revenue, Circuit Attorney, Comptroller, Treasurer, License Collector, Board of Aldermen, State Representatives, State Senator, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Representative.
What does this analysis mean?
White residents are 7% more likely to be represented in elected office than black residents. White residents are represented at a rate of 19.2 elected officials per 100,000 people, while black residents are represented at a rate of 17.9 elected officials per 100,000 people. There are no elected officials of other racial backgrounds, including Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians. If elected officials representation were equitable, there would be two more black elected officials and six more elected officials of other racial backgrounds, including Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians.
Why does Elected Officials Representation matter?
The election of minority politicians not only has symbolic and social value, but minority elected officials often can better represent the concerns of minority constituents. A review of recent research found that minority legislators are more likely to initiate and support policies backed by minority constituents, increase minority political participation, and increase the adoption of policies supported by minorities in state legislatures.
Which Calls to Action from the Ferguson Commission report are linked with this indicator?
While there are no Calls to Action from the Ferguson Commission related to political representation, the report calls for ensuring communities’ ability to advocate for equity.
Questions for further investigation
- Why is there racial disparity in Elected Officials Representation?
- What can St. Louis do to reduce racial disparities in Elected Officials Representation?
- What initiatives are currently underway to reduce racial disparities in Elected Officials Representation?
