St. Louis, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in St. Louis, MO

When we analyze the latest crime report, the St. Louis crime rate is 275.5% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of St. Louis, there were 4212 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1472 per 100,000 individuals, 298.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, St. Louis recorded 20750 property crimes, amounting to 7254 per 100,000 residents, 271.2% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 8726 crimes per 100,000 people, the St. Louis crime rates stand at 275.46 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in St. Louis, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

St. Louis ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1472 per 100,000 people, St. Louis is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in St. Louis, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, St. Louis ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In St. Louis, there were a total of 200 murders, translating to 70 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

St. Louis faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 7254 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in St. Louis stands at 1 in 14, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

With a total of 7294 vehicle thefts last year, St. Louis has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 2550 per 100,000 people. This lands St. Louis in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 40.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in St. Louis?

AreaVibes surveyed 416 local residents in St. Louis to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 19% of people answered that there was very little crime in St. Louis and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 81% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is St. Louis a Safe Place to Live?

Is St. Louis a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, St. Louis has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 275%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 68.39 daily incidents, encompassing 11.54 violent crimes and 56.85 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of St. Louis as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in St. Louis Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in St. Louis has increased by 21.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not St. Louis is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 4%, while property crime has increased by 28.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in St. Louis.

St. Louis Neighborhood Crime Rates

The St. Louis area comprises a diverse array of over 79 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Hi-Pointe, Missouri Botanical Garden and Princeton Heights which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Peabody-Darst-Webbe, Old North Saint Louis and Wells-Goodfellow exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different St. Louis neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in St. Louis

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. St. Louis currently has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

St. Louis has a population density of 4935.7 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower St. Louis crime rates.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in St. Louis is $143,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

St. Louis crime map