The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in St. Louis (2025)
Go Back To Previous PageSt. Louis, Missouri, is often perceived as an unsafe city. With a population exceeding 300,000, it has a crime rate that is 234% higher than the national average. In 2022, the town reported nearly 4,400 violent crimes, which included a significant number of murders and assaults. The most dangerous areas of St. Louis are in the northern parts of the city, while crime rates tend to be lower in the southern regions.
Below is a list of the ten most dangerous neighborhoods in St. Louis.
Is St. Louis Dangerous?
St. Louis faces a significant crime issue and is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. The total crime rate in St. Louis stands at 7,847 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 234% higher than the national average.
In 2023, the city recorded 70 murders, 280 robberies, and over 1,000 assaults. The violent crime rate is even more alarming, at 298% higher than the national average. This means that the likelihood of becoming a victim of a crime in St. Louis is 1 in 12.
However, it’s important to note that much of the crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods. By taking proper precautions and avoiding the city’s most dangerous areas, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering danger.
1. Wells-Goodfellow
Wells-Goodfellow is recognized as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in St. Louis. Located in the no
rthwestern part of the city, the Wells-Goodfellow community is bordered by Martin Luther King Drive, Natural Bridge Avenue, Union Boulevard, and the city limits of St. Louis.
It has a notorious reputation for violence, with a violent crime rate of 2,883 incidents per 100,000 residents. This rate is 96% higher than the average for St. Louis and 680% higher than the national average.
Additionally, the property crime rate in Wells-Goodfellow is 380% greater than the national average, making the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime 1 in 9.
2. Gravois Park
Gravois Park is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in St. Louis. This area, with a population of 5,567, is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in the city. The crime rate in Gravois Park is 9,919 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 323% higher than the national average.
Residents face an alarming 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. In 2022, there were 271 reported crimes in Gravois Park, including 38 robberies, 47 assaults, 45 burglaries, and 27 stolen vehicles.
3. JeffVanderLou
Jeff VanderLou (JVL) is a dangerous neighborhood in St. Louis. Located in central St. Louis, it has a population of 4,209 residents. The crime rate in JVL is 10,339 per 100,000 people, which is 341% higher than the national average.
In 2022, there were a total of 241 reported crimes, including three murders, 17 robberies, 69 aggravated assaults, and 28 burglaries. The area faces significant challenges related to poverty and unemployment, with a median income of $20,499, which is 63% lower than the national average.
4. Central West End
The Central West End is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in St. Louis. With a population of 15,762, it has some of the highest rates of violent crime in the city. As of 2022, this area was reported to be 208% more dangerous than the national average, with a crime rate of 7,217 incidents per 100,000 people.
Residents face a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of crime, including issues such as gun violence, homicides, burglaries, and car thefts.
5. Dutchtown
One of the most dangerous areas in St. Louis is the Dutchtown neighborhood. This neighborhood has a population of approximately 17,000 and a crime rate of 6,731 incidents per 100,000 people. Originally established as a German settlement, Dutchtown is now home to a diverse immigrant community.
The crime rate in Dutchtown is 187% higher than the national average, and the neighborhood has faced ongoing issues related to poverty and urban decay for decades. In 2022, there were two homicides, 47 robberies, 132 assaults, 88 burglaries, and 49 reports of stolen vehicles according to the Saint Louis metropolitan police department.
6. Tower Grove South
Tower Grove is one of the most violent areas in St. Louis. Located in South St. Louis, this neighborhood has a population of 13,719. The crime rate in Tower Grove is 5,110 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 66% higher than the Missouri state average.
In 2022, a total of 363 reported crimes were recorded in Tower Grove, including 49 burglaries, 216 larcenies, 25 sexual assaults, and 35 stolen vehicles. The median income in Tower Grove is $45,919, which is 17% lower than the national average.
7. Bevo Mill
Bevo Mill is one of the less desirable neighborhoods in St. Louis because of its high crime rates. Named after the historic mill located in the center of the area, Bevo Mill has a population of 11,941. The crime rate in Bevo Mill is 4,731 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 102% higher than the national average.
Residents have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Though Bevo Mill is a diverse neighborhood with many immigrants from the former Yugoslavia, crime rates have been gradually improving; however, the area is still generally regarded as unsafe.
8. Carondelet
Carondelet has a population of 8,588 and a crime rate that is 175% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were a total of 315 reported crimes, which included 15 robberies, 47 assaults, 41 burglaries, 165 larcenies, and 40 vehicle thefts.
The majority of crimes in Carondelet are related to property, and notably, there were no murders reported in 2022. The city faces challenges related to poverty, with a median income of $33,642.
9. Downtown St. Louis
Downtown is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in St. Louis. This area has consistently ranked among the most violent parts of the city. In 2022, there were over 672 reported crimes, including two homicides, 27 robberies, 26 burglaries, and hundreds of thefts.
The police are unable to provide adequate protection in this part of the city, and it is advisable to avoid going out after dark.
10. Downtown West
Downtown West is one of the most troubled neighborhoods in St. Louis, primarily because of its high crime rates. The area has a population of 4,690 residents, and its crime rate is 38% higher than the national average.
Specifically, Downtown West experiences 3,241 crimes per 100,000 people, which means that residents have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. In 2022, there were 16 reported burglaries, 311 instances of larceny, 42 robberies, and 52 simple assaults in the neighborhood.
