St. Louis has gained a reputation for being an unsafe city, with a crime rate that is 234% higher than the US average. The city, with a population of over 300,000, reported nearly 4,400 violent crimes in 2022, including a high number of murders and assaults. The northern areas of the city are considered the most dangerous, while crime rates are relatively lower in the south. In 2023, the following nine neighborhoods are considered the most perilous in St. Louis.
9 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in St. Louis
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- Gravois Park
- JeffVanderLou
- Central West End
- Dutchtown
- Tower Grove South
- Bevo Mill
- Carondelet
- Downtown St. Louis
- Downtown West
1. Gravois Park
Gravois Park, one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in St. Louis, is considered the most dangerous neighborhood in the city. With a population of 5,567, this area has a crime rate of 9,919 per 100,000, which is 323% higher than the national average. Shockingly, residents have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. In 2022, Gravois Park had 271 reported crimes, including 38 robberies, 47 assaults, 45 burglaries, and 27 stolen vehicles.
2. JeffVanderLou
Located in central St. Louis, JeffVanderLou (JVL) is a neighborhood that poses significant risks. With a population of 4,209, JVL has a crime rate of 10,339 per 100,000, which is 341% higher than the national average. In 2022 alone, JVL recorded a total of 241 crimes, including three murders, 17 robberies, 69 aggravated assaults, and 28 burglaries. Poverty and unemployment are among the major issues facing this neighborhood, with a median income of $20,499, which is 63% lower than the national average.
3. Central West End
The Central West End, with a population of 15,762, is among the most perilous neighborhoods in St. Louis, notorious for its high rate of violent crimes. As of 2022, this area has been identified as 208% more dangerous than the national average, with a staggering crime rate of 7,217. The residents of this neighborhood have a 1 in 14 chance of falling prey to criminal activities, including gun violence, homicides, burglaries, and car thefts, which are alarmingly common.
4. DutchtownÂ
Dutchtown is identified as one of the most dangerous areas in St. Louis due to its high crime rate. This neighborhood, which was initially a German settlement, now houses a diverse immigrant population with a population of around 17,000. Unfortunately, the crime rate in Dutchtown is 187% higher than the national average, and it has been plagued by poverty and urban decay for decades. In 2022, the neighborhood witnessed two homicides, 47 robberies, 132 assaults, 88 burglaries, and 49 cases of stolen vehicles, highlighting the ongoing security concerns in the area.
5. Tower Grove South
Tower Grove, situated in South St. Louis, is known for its high crime rate, making it one of the most dangerous areas in the city. With a population of 13,719, the neighborhood has a crime rate of 5,110 per 100,000, which is 66% higher than the Missouri average. In 2022, Tower Grove reported 363 crimes, including 49 burglaries, 216 larcenies, 25 assaults, and 35 stolen vehicles. The median income in Tower Grove is $45,919, which is 17% below the national average.
6. Bevo Mill
Located around the historic mill at its center, Bevo Mill is unfortunately one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in St. Louis. This neighborhood, with a population of 11,941, has a crime rate of 4,731 per 100,000, which is 102% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, residents of Bevo Mill have a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of any type of crime. While Bevo Mill is a diverse neighborhood with many immigrants from the former Yugoslavia, it remains generally unsafe, despite a slow improvement of crime rates over the years.
7. Carondelet
Carondelet, with a population of 8,588, has a crime rate that is 175% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were a total of 315 crimes reported, including 15 robberies, 47 assaults, 41 burglaries, 165 larcenies, and 40 vehicle thefts. It is worth noting that there were no recorded murders in the area during the same year. The majority of crimes in Carondelet are related to property. These issues are believed to stem from poverty, with the median income in the area being $33,642.
8. Downtown St. Louis
The Downtown neighborhood of St. Louis is widely regarded as one of the most perilous areas in the city. This part of town has long been known for its high crime rates and violence, and unfortunately, 2022 was no exception. Last year alone, there were a staggering 672 reported crimes in Downtown, including two homicides, 27 robberies, 26 burglaries, and numerous instances of larceny. Due to the lack of adequate police protection, it’s highly recommended that people avoid going out after dark in this part of town.
9. Downtown West
The population of Downtown West currently stands at 4,690, with a crime rate that is 38% higher than the US average. Shockingly, there are 3,241 crimes per 100,000 people, making it quite dangerous for residents. The chances of becoming a victim of any type of crime are 1 in 31. In the year 2022, there were 16 burglaries, 311 counts of larceny, 42 robberies, and 52 assaults reported.
