City · 34,685 residents · St. Louis County, Missouri
University City, Missouri
In University City, a typical home is worth $306,700 and typical rent is $1,319 a month. Compared with all of St. Louis County, the typical home value is 11% higher, typical rent is 9% higher, and the share of households that own their home is 13 points lower.
Typical home value from Zillow, September 2021 to September 2026: from $228,631 to $269,128.
Typical rent
$1,517a month
▲ 7.1% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent from Zillow, September 2021 to September 2026: from $1,112 to $1,517.
From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).
University City is in St. Louis County. The FHA loan limit ($541,287 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of St. Louis County. See the county
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
1
Nearby, in Overland, the typical home value is $131,900: 57% less than in University City ($306,700).
2
56% of households in University City own their home, against 69% in St. Louis County.
3
Nearby, in Overland, the typical rent is $1,112: 16% less than in University City ($1,319).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
The homes here
Housing in University City
What homes there are in University City, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).
What homes there are
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Kind of home
Detached houseAttached houseBuilding of 2 to 4Apartments (5 or more)Mobile homeBoat, RV and otherUnreliable estimate
University City
St. Louis County
Missouri
United States
Kind of home: University City and its comparisons
Measure
University City
St. Louis County
Missouri
United States
Detached house
61%
72%
71%
61%
Attached house
3%
5%
4%
6%
Building of 2 to 4
18%
7%
8%
8%
Apartments (5 or more)
19%
17%
13%
19%
Mobile home
Unreliable estimate
0%
5%
6%
Boat, RV and other
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
0%
0%
Detached houses are the majority in University City (61%), but less so than in St. Louis County (72%).
Year built
Before 19601960–19791980–19992000–20092010 or later
University City
St. Louis County
Missouri
United States
Year built: University City and its comparisons
Measure
University City
St. Louis County
Missouri
United States
Before 1960
72%
34%
27%
26%
1960–1979
13%
34%
25%
24%
1980–1999
9%
21%
25%
25%
2000–2009
2%
6%
13%
14%
2010 or later
4%
4%
10%
11%
Homes in University City are older: the typical year built is 1949; in St. Louis County, 1969.
Homes in University City are smaller: 47% have 3 bedrooms or more; in St. Louis County, 61%.
What it costs here
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Value of owner-occupied homes
Under the limitOver the limit
Under $100K8%
$100K–$200K26%
$200K–$300K16%
$300K–$500K25%
$500K–$750K15%
FHA limit: $541,287
$750K–$1M8%
$1M or more3%
Value of owner-occupied homes: University City and its comparisons
Measure
University City
Under $100K
8%
$100K–$200K
26%
$200K–$300K
16%
$300K–$500K
25%
$500K–$750K
15%
$750K–$1M
8%
$1M or more
3%
By price, most homes in University City sit under the FHA limit for St. Louis County ($541,287): about 77%.
Monthly rent with utilities
Unreliable estimate
Under $500Unreliable
$500–$99919%
$1,000–$1,49945%
$1,500–$1,99918%
$2,000–$2,49911%
$2,500–$2,999Unreliable
$3,000 or moreUnreliable
Monthly rent with utilities: University City and its comparisons
Measure
University City
Under $500
Unreliable estimate
$500–$999
19%
$1,000–$1,499
45%
$1,500–$1,999
18%
$2,000–$2,499
11%
$2,500–$2,999
Unreliable estimate
$3,000 or more
Unreliable estimate
With a mortgage
$1,928 a month
St. Louis County: $1,753 a month
Without a mortgage
$790 a month
St. Louis County: $698 a month
Owners with a mortgage
68%
St. Louis County: 64%
Owning costs more in University City: with a mortgage, the typical cost is $1,928 a month; in St. Louis County, $1,753. Without one, $790.
How it changed
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024
Change since 2015–2019
Typical home value
University CityNo clear change
St. Louis County+39%
Missouri+47%
United States+53%
Typical rent
University City+24%
St. Louis County+23%
Missouri+25%
United States+33%
Typical household income
University City+32%
St. Louis County+23%
Missouri+28%
United States+29%
Change since 2015–2019: University City and its comparisons
Measure
University City
St. Louis County
Missouri
United States
Typical home value
No clear change
+39%
+47%
+53%
Typical rent
+24%
+23%
+25%
+33%
Typical household income
+32%
+23%
+28%
+29%
Since 2015–2019, home values in University City moved so little that the Census cannot say whether they rose or fell.
Much as in St. Louis County, the typical rent in University City rose 24% since 2015–2019.
How people live
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
How people live: University City and its comparisons
Measure
University City
St. Louis County
Missouri
United States
Rental vacancy
7.2%
5.0%
5.0%
5.5%
Homeowner vacancy
Unreliable estimate
0.7%
0.9%
0.9%
More than one person per room
Unreliable estimate
1.4%
1.7%
3.4%
People per household
2.10
2.36
2.40
2.53
Drive alone
64%
71%
75%
69%
Carpool
6%
6%
8%
9%
Public transit
4%
1%
1%
3%
Walk or bike
5%
2%
2%
3%
Work from home
19%
18%
13%
15%
Other means
Unreliable estimate
1%
1%
2%
Typical commute
Unreliable estimate
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
There is more rental housing open in University City: 7.2% is empty and offered for rent, against 5.0% in St. Louis County.
Households in University City are smaller: 2.10 people on average; in St. Louis County, 2.36.
In University City, 5% of workers walk or bike to work; in St. Louis County, 2%.
Do the math
What would you pay each month for a home in University City?
A typical home costs more than the typical income allows
We start with a typical home in University City, worth $306,700, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 39% of the typical household income in University City, which is $80,694 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $111,756 a year.
The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of St. Louis County.
Change the price, the down payment or the loan: the payment updates right away.
Your numbers
Local data
$
Starts at the typical home value in University City. Change it to the price you have in mind.
Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.
Down payment
%
That is $10,735 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.
This week's average ± a quarter or half point.
National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.
Adjust advanced details⌄
Estimated monthly payment
Local data
$2,608
at 7.18% · 30 years
Loan amount
$301,144
Total interest
$433,276
Paid off in
November 2056
Includes $5,179 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.
Does it fit the income?
Comfortable
up to $1,883 a month
Tight
$1,883 to $2,421 a month
Hard
more than $2,421 a month
Your payment · 39%
Compared with the typical household income in University City ($80,694 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.
Monthly payment breakdown
Principal & interest
$2,040
Property tax
$304
Home insurance
$128
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)
$136
You need at least $10,735 for the down payment, plus closing costs.
This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.
Total monthly payment $2,608; principal and interest $2,040.
The city and its county
University City and St. Louis County
University City is in St. Louis County, Missouri. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).
University City
Map of St. Louis County, Missouri, with University City marked. Around it, the neighboring counties.
University City
St. Louis County
Other cities with a page
University City's own numbers
Typical home value
$306,700
Typical monthly rent
$1,319
Typical yearly household income
$80,694
Households that own their home
56%
Effective property tax rate
1.19%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).
Numbers for all of St. Louis County
FHA limit, one-unit home
$541,287
Conventional limit, one unit
$832,750
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,349
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+44%
Homes in a high flood-risk zone
1%
HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.
Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of St. Louis County.
A typical home in University City is worth $306,700: 11% above the county and 33% above Missouri. With the typical household income in University City ($80,694 a year), a typical home costs 3.8 times what the household earns in a year.
Years of income to pay for a typical home
The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.
University City3.8 years
St. Louis3.3 years
Missouri3.3 years
United States4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024
How prices have changed in St. Louis County
According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in St. Louis County rose 75% in the 10 years through 2025.
FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of St. Louis County.
Yearly change in FHFA’s price index in St. Louis County, 2016 to 2025
2016: +4.4% +4.4% 2016
2017: +4.6% +4.6% 2017
2018: +3.9% +3.9% 2018
2019: +4.0% +4.0% 2019
2020: +3.0% +3.0% 2020
2021: +8.8% +8.8% 2021
2022: +12.6% +12.6% 2022
2023: +7.3% +7.3% 2023
2024: +5.3% +5.3% 2024
2025: +3.8% +3.8% 2025
Change in FHFA’s price index in St. Louis County, Missouri and the United States
Period
County
Missouri
U.S.
Last year (2025)
+3.8%
+3.7%
+2.9%
5 years (2020–2025)
+44%
+51%
+47%
10 years (2015–2025)
+75%
+88%
+85%
The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data
University City next to St. Louis County, Missouri and the U.S.
Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.
Typical home value
University City$306,700
St. Louis$276,800
Missouri$230,300
United States$332,700
Typical monthly rent
University City$1,319
St. Louis$1,209
Missouri$1,033
United States$1,413
Typical yearly household income
University City$80,694
St. Louis$82,936
Missouri$70,702
United States$80,734
See the full table
University City next to St. Louis County and Missouri
Measure
University City
St. Louis County
Missouri
U.S.
Typical home value
$306,700 ▲11% above the county
$276,800
$230,300
$332,700
Typical monthly rent
$1,319 ▲9% above the county
$1,209
$1,033
$1,413
Typical yearly household income
$80,694 ▼3% below the county
$82,936
$70,702
$80,734
Households that own their home
56% ▼13 points below the county
69%
68%
65%
Typical yearly property tax
$3,640 ▲9% above the county
$3,335
$1,948
$3,119
Effective property tax rate
1.19% ▼0.01 points below the county
1.2%
0.85%
0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income
44% ▼4 points below the county
48%
46%
51%
“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below St. Louis County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
Four ways to pay for a typical home in University City
For a typical $306,700 home in University City, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, University City's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.
FHA, 3.5% down$2,608a month
Least cash to close
Down payment
$10,735
Cash to close
$19,936
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
FHA MIP · $136
Conventional, 5% down$2,551a month
Down payment
$15,335
Cash to close
$24,536
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
PMI · $146
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI$2,094a month
Down payment
$61,340
Cash to close
$70,541
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
ITIN, 15% down (example)$2,378a month
Down payment
$46,005
Cash to close
$55,206
Rate
8.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
Four ways to pay for a typical home in University City
Loan
Monthly payment
Down payment
Loan amount
Rate
Mortgage insurance
Cash to close
Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down Least cash to close
$2,608
$10,735
$301,145
7.18%
FHA MIP · $136
$19,936
580
Conventional, 5% down
$2,551
$15,335
$291,365
7.18%
PMI · $146
$24,536
620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI
$2,094
$61,340
$245,360
7.18%
None
$70,541
620*
ITIN, 15% down (example)
$2,378
$46,005
$260,695
8.18%
None
$55,206
Set by the lender
The option that asks for the least cash to close is FHA, 3.5% down.
Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.
Property tax and flood insurance raise or lower what you pay each month. Here are the numbers for University City and for St. Louis County.
Property tax
Effective rate in University City
1.19%of the home’s value each year
$3,640 a year for the typical owner in University City.
University City1.19%
St. Louis1.2%
Missouri0.85%
What Missouri publishesDeadline to appeal the assessment to the county board of equalization (Missouri Revisor of Statutes (Revised Statutes of Missouri))
Typical rent in University City is $1,319 a month: 9% above the county. In University City, 44% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of St. Louis County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($1,349 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $25.94 an hour working full time.
What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.
HUD fair market rent in St. Louis County (Fiscal year 2027)
Size
Fair rent a month
Hourly wage
Yearly income
Studio
$1,064
$20.46
$42,560
1 bedroom
$1,104
$21.23
$44,160
2 bedrooms
$1,349
$25.94
$53,960
3 bedrooms
$1,731
$33.29
$69,240
4 bedrooms
$1,997
$38.40
$79,880
Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
Fair market rent by ZIP code in University City
HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). University City has 2 ZIP codes with their own.
For 2 bedrooms it runs from $1,480 in 63130 to $1,640 in 63132.
2 of the 2 are above the fair market rent for St. Louis County ($1,349).
Fair market rent by ZIP code and size in University City, fiscal year 2027.
63130
$1,170
$1,210
$1,480
$1,900
$2,190
63132
$1,290
$1,340
$1,640
$2,100
$2,430
ZIP code2 bd3 bd
63130 $1,480$1,900
63132 $1,640$2,100
2 of these ZIP codes cross the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for University City when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)Fiscal year 2027Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship fileData from 2020 dataCensus Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (external site)
HUD lists 11 buildings with rents for lower incomes in University City. These are the largest.
Parkview Place701 Westgate Ave, University City 63130156 low-income homes · Studio: 39 · 1 bd: 117 · In service since 2004 · For older adults(314) 721-7067
University Commons6416 Olive Blvd, University City 63130133 homes, 131 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2002
Parkview Gardens Rehabilitation I6305 Cabanne Ave, University City 6313064 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1996
University Commons Apartments6417 North Dr, University City 63130133 homes, 37 low-income · For families(314) 725-3411
720-22 Eastgate720 Eastgate Ave, University City 6313012 low-income homes · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1989
You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.
There are 5 HUD-approved agencies with an office in St. Louis County; none says it serves in Spanish.
No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for University City or St. Louis County. The ones below are statewide in Missouri: they work in University City the same as in the rest of the state.
Missouri state commission mortgage for first-time buyers and veterans, with the option of cash assistance for the down payment and closing costs.Offered by Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC).
Missouri state commission mortgage for buyers who earn more than First Place allows, with a second loan of 4% of the mortgage for the down payment and closing costs that is forgiven after ten years.Offered by Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC).
The HUD-approved agencies closest to the center of University City, in a straight line, nearest first. If one says it serves in Spanish, its card says so.
1 of the 3 agencies on this list says it serves in Spanish.
Ask for service in Spanish
When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.
Housing authorities of University City
HUD’s record names them for University City or St. Louis County. They run public housing or Section 8 vouchers. Ask whether their waiting list is open.
Housing Authority of St. Louis CountyPublic housing and Section 8 vouchers(314) 428-3200
No legal help resource on our list is for University City or St. Louis County in particular.
If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.
Short answers with the numbers for University City and all of St. Louis County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.
How much does a typical home cost in University City?
The typical home value in University City is $306,700, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in St. Louis County it is $276,800.
How much does it cost to rent in University City?
Typical rent in University City is $1,319 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in St. Louis County is $1,349.
What is the FHA loan limit in University City?
University City uses the FHA limit for all of St. Louis County (2026): $541,287 for a one-unit home and $1,041,125 for a four-unit home.
How much property tax do owners pay in University City?
The typical homeowner in University City pays $3,640 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 1.19% of the home’s value; in St. Louis County, the rate is 1.2%.
Where can I find free help to buy or rent in University City?
There are 5 HUD-approved counseling agencies with an office in St. Louis County. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.
