Maryland Heights, Missouri

Maryland Heights is a second-ring West-Central suburb of St. Louis, located in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 26,339 as of 2006. The city was incorporated in 1985. Edwin L Dirck was elected the city's first mayor. Mark M. Levin has been City Administrator since August 1985.

Geography
Maryland Heights is located at 38.71955°N, -90.44747°W (38.719551, -90.447467). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 23.6 square miles (61.0 km2), of which, 21.4 square miles (55.4 km2) of it is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) of it (9.29%) is water.

Government
The city of Maryland Heights is a Third-Class Statutory City. It is governed by a Mayor who serves a four year term and a City Council made up of eight members. The city is divided into four wards. Two council-people are elected from each ward to serve on a city council for two year terms. The city is constructing a new government center to be completed in the summer of 2008. The city has offered internships in public administration since 1986.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 25,756 people, 11,302 households, and 6,419 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,204.4 people per square mile (464.9/km2). There were 11,846 housing units at an average density of 553.9 per square mile (213.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 85.35% White, 5.58% African American, 0.20% Native American, 7.11% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.71% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.33% of the population.

There were 11,302 households out of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.2% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out with 21.5% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 37.2% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

With nearly 2,000 businesses located in the city, the daytime population is estimated at 100,000.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,689, and the median income for a family was $58,487. Males had a median income of $40,700 versus $30,613 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,918. About 3.8% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
At one time, Express Scripts had its headquarters in Maryland Heights. Express Scripts announced in 2005 that it will build a new headquarters on the grounds of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The company planned to break ground for the facility in late 2005 and move into the facility in March 2007. On June 8, 2007, Express Scripts opened its new world headquarters.

Top Employers
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Attractions, parks and recreation
The city of Maryland Heights operates four parks as well as Aquaport, a waterpark; Sportport, a multi-use recreational facility; and Dogport, a park for dogs.

Creve Coeur County Park
Creve Coeur Memorial Park is operated by St. Louis County and was a summer resort in the early 1900s. It features a 320 acre lake as well as the picturesque "Dripping Springs" waterfall. It was St. Louis County's first park.

Vago Community Park
Vago Park is a 20 acre park located at the intersection of Fee Fee Road and Midland Avenue. It features three playgrounds, a paved walking trail, a sand volleyball court, three pavilions, a gazebo and picnic areas outfitted with barbecue grills. Visitors will want to be sure to note the "Veterans Memorial Walk," a sidewalk made of bricks imprinted with the names of Maryland Heights residents who have served in our country's armed forces.

Gerald A. Eise Memorial Park
Eise Park is located at the intersection of Glenview Drive and Bourbon Street, near Rose Acres Elementary School. It contains one pavilion seating about 25 people, a sand volleyball court, a playground, several picnic tables with barbecue grills, a walking path, a basketball slab, and restrooms.

Quiet Hollow Park
Quiet Hollow Park is a small park at the intersection of Marine Avenue and McKelvey Road.

Parkwood Park
Parkwood Park is located on 3145 Parkwood Lane, next to Parkwood Elementary School. It features a 0.7 mi paved walking trail with fitness stations, a playground, green space, restrooms and a small parking lot.

Westport Plaza
Westport Plaza is a 700,000+ square foot development featuring dining, entertainment venues, businesses and even radio stations. Westport is conveniently located at the intersection of Page Avenue and I-270 in the west-central area of St. Louis County.

Harrah's Casino
Maryland Heights is home to St. Louis County's first casino, Harrah's, which opened in 1997 in the Riverport area.