For people who are unfamiliar with St. Louis, it can be an intimidating place to live. No matter what source you consult, the Gateway City is regularly named one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In recent years, St. Louis has experienced hundreds of murders and has one of the highest per capita homicide rates among major U.S. cities.
This does not mean that every part of St. Louis is equally dangerous. While there are certain areas where you should exercise additional caution, there are also neighborhoods with a rich history where you and your family can relax. Knowing where to find the latter communities while avoiding the former is key to staying safe.
The Safest Communities in St. Louis
Interactive crime maps help illustrate the rate of violent and property crimes throughout St. Louis and its numerous suburbs. Areas shaded in red experience above-average crime rates, while those in yellow experience an average amount of crime. Green neighborhoods enjoy a below-average crime rate compared to the rest of the city.
Generally, the city’s suburbs experience less criminal activity than neighborhoods within city limits. Furthermore, the farther west you travel from the Mississippi River, the safer the neighborhoods become. Similarly, the farther south you travel, the less likely you are to encounter crime. The following are the safest neighborhoods in St. Louis.
Clifton Heights
Take Hampton Avenue south past Manchester Avenue, past the interstate, and you will come upon Clifton Heights. The neighborhood does experience an average amount of property and other crime, but the violent crime rate is less than in other parts of the city closer to the river.
South Vandeventer and Shaw Boulevard
The area around and southeast of South Vandeventer and Shaw Boulevard is safer than areas immediately north and south of it. However, you should still exercise caution when traveling in and around this area. Compared to some of the suburbs farther south and east, the South Vandeventer and Shaw Boulevard neighborhood still has modest amounts of violent crimes.
DeBaliviere Place
DeBaliviere Place is bounded by Delmar Boulevard on the north, Union Boulevard on the east, and Lindell Boulevard on the south. This St. Louis neighborhood is north of Forest Park and experiences less violent crime than the areas surrounding it. You’ll likely feel safer when out and about in this neighborhood than in other parts of the city.
Compton Heights
Nestled between South Grand Boulevard, Nebraska Avenue, Shenandoah Avenue, and Russell Boulevard, the Compton Heights neighborhood appears as an oasis amidst a sea of red on crime maps. Compton Heights experiences only average amounts of violent crime, which is better than the above-average crime rates of the surrounding areas. If you are wondering, is Compton Heights St Louis safe to live in? The answer is yes.
Tower Grove Park South
Arsenal Boulevard forms the southern boundary of Tower Grove Park, and the neighborhoods just south of this road are generally safer than the park and other surrounding areas. Stay east of South Kingshighway and west of South Grand Boulevard to avoid some of the more dangerous parts of St. Louis.
Lindenwood Park
This neighborhood has a crime rate of 46.69 per 1,000 residents, placing it in the 33rd percentile for safety. Lindenwood Park is often ranked one of the best areas for families in St. Louis. Residents generally consider the northern part of the neighborhood to be the safest.
North Hampton
Known for its residential charm and community involvement, North Hampton offers a relatively low crime rate, making it a desirable location for families and professionals. It is a good option for commuters due to its proximity to Downtown St. Louis and Midtown.
Hi-Pointe
Hi-Pointe is appreciated for its quiet streets and close-knit community, which contribute to a sense of security among residents.
Central West End
While certain areas have higher crime rates, campaigns like the Neighborhood Security Initiative have contributed to a significant decrease in total crime over the years.
Ladue
Ladue is an affluent suburb of St. Louis that is known for its excellent schools, upscale homes, and low crime rates. It is one of the most desirable and safest communities in the area.
Soulard
Famous for its historic architecture and vibrant nightlife, Soulard has a crime rate of 75.64 per 1,000 residents, placing it in the 8th percentile for safety. Residents generally consider the southeast part of the neighborhood to be the safest.
Downtown St. Louis
Downtown St. Louis has a crime rate of 156.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it in the 1st percentile for safety. However, ongoing revitalization efforts aim to improve safety and attract businesses and residents back to the area.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in St. Louis
While St. Louis boasts several safe and vibrant communities, it’s important to acknowledge areas with higher crime rates.
Here are some neighborhoods that have been identified as having elevated crime levels:
- Gravois Park: Gravois Park’s crime rate is 323% higher than the national average, giving residents a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim.
- JeffVanderLou (JVL): This central neighborhood has a crime rate of 10,339 per 100,000 residents, 341% above the national average. Contributing factors include a median income that’s 63% lower than the national average.
- Dutchtown: Originally a German settlement, Dutchtown now faces challenges with poverty and urban decay. It has a crime rate that is 187% higher than the national average.
- Tower Grove South: Located in South St. Louis, this neighborhood has a crime rate that’s 66% higher than the Missouri average. Residents face a 1 in 20 chance of being a crime victim.
- Bevo Mill: Named after a historic mill, Bevo Mill has a crime rate that’s 102% higher than the national average. This gives residents a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim.
It’s important to remain diligent and watch your surroundings when visiting these areas.
Keep Safety in Mind When in St. Louis
St. Louis has earned its reputation as a dangerous city, and visitors and residents alike should keep this in mind when traveling through it. However, not all areas of the city are equally risky. Moreover, once you enter the suburbs and greater St. Louis County, the risk of being a victim of a violent or property crime decreases significantly.
To remain safe, keep valuables out of sight, pay attention to your surroundings, and do not travel alone if you can avoid it. Following these tips could prevent injuries and other unfortunate consequences.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in St. Louis due to someone else’s careless or negligent actions, contact an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. Your attorney will fight for fair compensation, and they don’t get paid unless you win.
For more information, contact the attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
