Top 10 Worst Neighborhoods in St Louis

By: ROS Team

When it comes to deciding on the perfect place to call home, the neighborhood you choose can make or break your experience.

In St. Louis, there are countless communities, each with its own distinct charm and appeal. However, not every neighborhood is a picture-perfect paradise.

In this article, we will delve into the darker side of St. Louis, exploring the top 10 worst neighborhoods in the city, where safety concerns and quality of life issues take precedence.

St Louis Worst Neighborhoods

1. Peabody-Darst-Webbe

Population: 2,378
Violent Crime: 5,081 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 7,540 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

Peabody-Darst-Webbe is one of the neighborhoods in St. Louis that faces significant challenges, particularly concerning crime rates.

According to the data analyzed, this neighborhood experiences a staggering 438% more total crime than the national average. Moreover, it has 242% more crime compared to the city of St. Louis as a whole.

Beyond crime, Peabody-Darst-Webbe might also face challenges related to socio-economic factors, including poverty rates, lack of access to quality education, and limited healthcare resources.

These issues can exacerbate the neighborhood’s struggles and create barriers to residents’ opportunities for improvement and growth.

2. Hyde Park

Population: 2,668
Violent Crime: 3,642 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 8,738 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

Hyde Park is another neighborhood in St. Louis that ranks among the worst in terms of crime rates. The data analysis reveals that Hyde Park experiences a significant 428% more total crime than the national average. Additionally, it has 145% more crime compared to the city of St. Louis as a whole.

The prevalence of crime in Hyde Park can have far-reaching consequences for its residents and the overall community. High crime rates can instill fear and anxiety among residents, impacting their quality of life and well-being.

It may also deter potential investors and businesses from investing in the area, hindering economic growth and development.

3. Jeffvanderlou

Population: 5,557
Violent Crime: 3,586 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 6,753 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

Jeffvanderlou is yet another neighborhood in St. Louis that struggles with crime-related challenges, according to St. Louis Crime Tracker, the per-capita crime rate over the past six months stands at 38.33 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is higher than that of 37 neighborhoods out of a total of 77 neighborhoods in St. Louis.

The high per-capita crime rate in Jeffvanderlou indicates that residents in this community face a higher risk of becoming victims of various types of crimes. Such a situation can have a significant impact on the sense of safety and security among the neighborhood’s residents.

4. Wells-Goodfellow

Population: 5,895
Violent Crime: 4,119 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 7,867 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

Wells-Goodfellow is a neighborhood in St. Louis that has faced crime-related challenges, but there are some signs of improvement. According to the St. Louis Crime Tracker, the total reported crime has decreased by 8.02% from the same six-month period last year.

This reduction in overall crime is a positive development and indicates efforts to address safety concerns in the neighborhood.

However, despite the decline in reported crime, Wells-Goodfellow still faces a per-capita crime rate of 40.88 crimes per 1,000 residents over the past six months. This rate is higher than that of 47 neighborhoods out of a total of 77 in St. Louis.

Although progress is being made, the community still grapples with crime-related issues that impact the well-being of its residents.

St Louis Worst Neighborhoods — Photo Credit: Canva

5. Old North Saint Louis

Population: 1,916
Violent Crime: 4,169 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 9,275 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

Old North Saint Louis is a neighborhood with a relatively small population, but it faces significant challenges related to crime. In 2022, the neighborhood recorded one murder and a total of 514 violent and property crimes (as reported by Passsecurity).

With a population of 1,916 residents, this results in a total crime rate of 34.54 per 1,000 residents and a murder rate of 67.20 per 1,000 residents.

The high crime rates in Old North Saint Louis are deeply concerning and demand urgent attention. The murder rate, in particular, stands out as a major safety concern for the community. This situation can instill fear and anxiety among residents and hinder the neighborhood’s growth and development.

6. Academy

Population: 2,816
Violent Crime: 4,020 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 6,217 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

The Academy neighborhood in St. Louis grapples with various significant challenges, including crime, begging, and drug addiction.

The area has seen a concerning increase in criminal activities. This rise in crime has raised safety concerns for both residents and visitors alike.

According to crime data, the Academy’s crime rates are a staggering 336% higher than the national average.

This statistic highlights a significant crime problem in the neighborhood, emphasizing the urgency to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior effectively.

The presence of beggars and drug addicts roaming the streets further compounds the issues faced by the community. Such conditions not only affect the neighborhood’s safety but also impact its overall quality of life and economic potential.

7. Hamilton Heights

Population: 3,105
Violent Crime: 3,986 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 6,005 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

Hamilton Heights is a rectangular-shaped neighborhood situated between the Wells/Goodfellow and West End neighborhoods on the western edge of the City of St. Louis. While it has a unique geographical location, the neighborhood also faces socio-economic challenges, particularly concerning unemployment.

The unemployment rate in Hamilton Heights stands at 17.6%, reflecting a significant portion of the population that may be struggling to find stable employment opportunities.

High unemployment rates can have detrimental effects on the community, impacting household incomes, access to essential resources, and overall economic stability.

8. Walnut Park West

Population: 3,349
Violent Crime: 3,803 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 6,106 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

Walnut Park West is a neighborhood in St. Louis that faces significant crime-related challenges; according to St. Louis Crime Tracker, the per-capita crime rate over the past six months is 42.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is higher than that of 48 neighborhoods out of a total of 77 in St. Louis.

The elevated per-capita crime rate in Walnut Park West indicates that residents in this community are at a higher risk of experiencing various types of crimes.

Such crime rates can significantly impact the sense of safety and well-being among the neighborhood’s residents, making it crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to these issues.

9. Baden

Population: 7,268
Violent Crime: 3,779 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 8,834 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

Baden is a historic neighborhood in St. Louis, having become a part of the city in 1876. Unfortunately, the community faces significant challenges related to streetwalkers and drug use, which can have adverse effects on the overall well-being and safety of its residents.

The presence of streetwalkers and drug users in Baden can contribute to a range of social issues and safety concerns. Such activities may impact the neighborhood’s reputation, discourage potential investments, and hinder the community’s growth and development.

10. The Ville

Population: 1,868
Violent Crime: 3,878 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 1,484)
Property Crime: 6,132 per/100k people (St. Louis Average: 5,463)

The Ville is a neighborhood in St. Louis that faces challenges related to crime and unemployment. According to recent data, the per-capita crime rate over the past six months is 33.19 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is higher than that of 31 neighborhoods out of a total of 77 in St. Louis. Additionally, the neighborhood’s unemployment rate stands at 11.9%.

The elevated per-capita crime rate in The Ville indicates that residents are at a higher risk of experiencing various types of crimes. These crime rates can impact the community’s sense of safety and well-being, making it vital to address the underlying factors contributing to these issues.

Worst Neighborhoods In St Louis: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the analysis of the top 10 worst neighborhoods in St. Louis reveals the pressing challenges these communities face. High crime rates, socio-economic struggles, and safety concerns impact the well-being of residents in these areas. However, there is hope for positive change by recognizing these issues and working collaboratively.