St. Louis is a city known for its rich history, culture, and diverse population. However, it also has a reputation for being one of the more dangerous cities in the United States.
In 2020, according to the FBI, St. Louis had the highest rate of violent crimes among cities with over 100,000 residents, with 1,927 incidents per 100,000 people. Additionally, it had the highest homicide rate in the country, with 263 murders, or 88.1 per 100,000 residents.
While crime is a complex issue affecting every part of St. Louis to some extent, certain areas experience higher levels of violence and property crime. Based on data from the City of St. Louis and NeighborhoodScout, here are the five neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in St. Louis city/county, Missouri:
Near North Riverfront
This area, situated north of downtown by the Mississippi River, has the highest crime rate in St. Louis. There are 953 crimes for every 1,000 residents. The neighborhood has around 2,236 people, and the average household income is $14,714.
It’s mostly industrial and empty, offering limited amenities and services for its residents. There’s a violent crime rate of 140 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 813 per 1,000 residents.
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The Ville
This area in north St. Louis used to be a lively African American community, home to famous individuals like Josephine Baker, Chuck Berry, and Dick Gregory. Sadly, over the years, it has faced neglect, separation, and financial struggles, resulting in elevated levels of crime and social issues.
This neighborhood is home to about 4,545 residents, with an average yearly household income of $18,776. The violent crime rate is 109 incidents per 1,000 people, and the property crime rate is 573 incidents per 1,000 people.
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JeffVanderLou
This area in north-central St. Louis has a rich black history but has faced serious decline over time. It’s home to around 4,209 people with a median household income of $16,026. Unfortunately, it also experiences high crime rates, with 106 violent crimes and 551 property crimes per 1,000 residents.
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Carr Square
This part of north-central St. Louis, close to downtown, is one of the city’s poorest and most crowded areas. It’s home to about 2,236 people, with a typical household income of $10,873. The area also experiences a high rate of violent crime, with 102 incidents per 1,000 residents, and property crime is also prevalent, with 381 incidents per 1,000 residents.
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Hamilton Heights
This area in northwest St. Louis, near the city limits, is mostly residential. However, it has faced problems like neglected buildings and people leaving. Around 2,187 people live here, with a typical household income of $24,792. In terms of safety, there are 97 violent crimes and 467 property crimes for every 1,000 residents.
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Conclusion
These neighborhoods are dangerous not only for the people who live there, but also for visitors and those from outside the area who may not be aware of the dangers and difficulties the residents must contend with.
Nevertheless, these areas are also home to a sizable population that is tenacious and resourceful, and its residents are actively fighting to better their circumstances and bring about positive change in their communities.
In addition, there are a great number of organizations and programs that are focused on assisting these communities in overcoming the challenges they face and realizing their full potential.
