Since 2010, the St. Petersburg population has grown 4.2%, from 245,715 to 256,031 in 2017. According to 2017 Census data, the largest demographic components of the city’s growth are Latinx, contributing 42% of growth, followed by White non-Hispanic at about 25% of growth. The Black population, the city’s second largest demographic group, contributed approximately 2% of the growth.

Despite this growth, St. Petersburg demographic proportions remain marginally unchanged, as does its housing characteristics. The graph below demonstrates the difference between the demographic make-up of St. Petersburg versus relative homeownership throughout the city. Note the two largest differences; Black and White non-Hispanic. Although, African-Americans compose 22.6% of the city’s population, there is clear disproportionality in home ownership as they represent only 13.8% of owner-occupied homes. In contrast, White non-Hispanics represent 63.1% of the population yet are 77.6% percent of owner-occupied households. It is important to note that these ratios have remained almost unchanged since 2010.

Grow Smarter seeks to promote equitable economic growth by narrowing gaps by race and place throughout St. Petersburg. Its Housing Workgroup specifically examines and disseminates data such as, homeownership rates, to organizations currently working to reduce these equity gaps because it and its partners believe it to be a key determinant of a successful strategy now and well into the future.