ST. CHARLES, Mo. — Population growth is masking a different problem in St. Charles County: fewer children, a larger senior population and new-home prices that officials say are making it harder for young families to settle here.

The county’s November 4 demographic update puts seniors at 19 percent of residents and children 15 and younger at 17 percent. In 2020, children outnumbered seniors. Assessor Travis Welge reported an average sale price of $548,000 for 845 newly occupied homes this year; that figure covers those new homes, not every county home sale.

Council Chair Mike Elam said four district superintendents at an October 29 Municipal League discussion expected enrollment declines to continue. He described elementary enrollment as falling and high-school enrollment as flat.

The implications extend beyond classroom counts. A smaller generation of children means fewer future workers in healthcare, public safety and other services, while an older population changes demand for housing and medical care.

Elam wants a council discussion with housing specialists, developers and municipalities. The update identifies concerns and a proposed discussion, not an adopted affordable-housing program or a verified forecast for each school district.