Lori Meadows
Saint Louis, Missouri, has a reputation for being a dangerous city, topping the list in 2022. However, locals and authorities argue that this reputation is due to skewed crime statistics that do not account for the city's small geographic boundary compared to the larger metropolitan area. While Saint Louis has a high crime rate, especially for property crimes, most criminal activity occurs outside of tourist areas and in specific neighbourhoods. Visitors can stay safe by staying vigilant, sticking to well-trafficked areas, and avoiding certain neighbourhoods at night. Saint Louis is as safe as any other major urban area in the United States, and crime has declined by nearly 50% over the past decade.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety for international students | St. Louis is generally safe for international students, with most crime concentrated outside tourist areas. |
| Crime rate | St. Louis has a high crime rate, especially for property crimes like theft and vehicle break-ins. However, locals and authorities argue that the city's reputation is harmed by imperfect statistical data that does not account for the surrounding metropolitan area. |
| Safe neighborhoods | Central, Western, and Southwestern corridors are considered very safe to reasonably safe. |
| Unsafe neighborhoods | Old North St. Louis, Baden, Wells-Goodfellow, Greater Ville, Tower Grove South, Dutchtown, and Bevo Mill are considered less safe. |
| Safety tips | Stay in well-trafficked areas, avoid certain neighborhoods to the north and parts of the south, keep valuables out of sight, and try to blend in with the locals. |
| Safety improvements | Neighborhood watch programs and community initiatives have contributed to improving safety in St. Louis. |
| Natural disasters | St. Louis is on an active seismic zone, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, but large earthquakes are infrequent. |
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What You'll Learn
Crime statistics and safety ratings
St. Louis, Missouri, has a reputation for being a "dangerous city", topping the list in 2022. However, locals and authorities argue that the city's reputation is due to imperfect statistical data. The crime rate in St. Louis is calculated based on the population of the city proper, excluding the surrounding metropolitan area and St. Louis County, resulting in a higher per-capita crime rate. When considering the combined population and crime statistics of St. Louis City and County, the murder rate for "St. Louis" as a whole is significantly lower.
St. Louis has a high crime rate, particularly for property crimes like theft and vehicle break-ins. However, most crimes are concentrated outside of tourist areas, and there are clear distinctions between safe and unsafe areas. The downtown area, including neighbourhoods such as Old North St. Louis, Baden, Wells-Goodfellow, and Greater Ville, experiences a significant amount of crime, especially at night. Southern neighbourhoods such as Tower Grove South, Dutchtown, and Bevo Mill are also considered less safe, with Tower Grove South's crime statistics being about 118% higher than the national average.
On the other hand, the central, western, and southwestern corridors of St. Louis City, including neighbourhoods like North Hampton, are considered relatively safe. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department actively patrols and responds to high-crime areas, utilising innovative strategies and technology to enhance safety. Crime in St. Louis has declined by nearly 50% over the past decade, and the city is taking measures to improve safety, such as neighbourhood watch programs and community initiatives.
While St. Louis has its challenges, it also has many safe neighbourhoods. Visitors can stay safe by being vigilant, keeping valuables out of sight, and avoiding high-risk areas, particularly at night. Overall, St. Louis is as safe as any other major urban area in the United States, and with the necessary precautions, international students can minimise their risk of becoming victims of crime.
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Tourist areas and safety precautions
St. Louis has a reputation for being a dangerous city, having been labelled the "Most Dangerous City" in the US in 2022. However, this reputation is largely due to skewed crime statistics that do not account for the city's small population size. In reality, St. Louis is as safe as any other major urban area in the United States. Crime in St. Louis has declined by nearly 50% over the past decade, and most crime occurs outside of tourist areas.
That being said, there are certain neighbourhoods in St. Louis that are less safe than others. These include neighbourhoods in the northern part of the city, such as Old North St. Louis, Baden, Wells-Goodfellow, and Greater Ville, as well as some neighbourhoods in the southern part of the city, such as Tower Grove South, Dutchtown, and Bevo Mill. The downtown area also sees a lot of crime, especially at night when businesses shut down and the streets become quieter.
To stay safe in St. Louis, it is recommended that you stick to well-trafficked areas like downtown during the day and avoid the neighbourhoods mentioned above. Keep your valuables out of sight and try to blend in with the locals. It is also a good idea to review the monthly neighbourhood crime statistics reports to see which areas are safest during your trip.
Other safety precautions to keep in mind when visiting St. Louis include avoiding shortcuts through alleys, gangways, and other unlit, isolated areas. It is also recommended to walk in groups, especially at night. Finally, be sure to bring layers of clothing, as the weather in St. Louis can vary, and don't forget bug spray to keep the mosquitos away during the humid summers.
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Neighbourhood safety ratings
St. Louis has a reputation for being a dangerous city, and it has been referred to as the "Most Dangerous City" in the US. However, this reputation is largely due to skewed crime statistics that do not take into account the population size and the fact that most crimes occur outside of tourist areas. Crime in St. Louis has declined by nearly 50% over the past decade, and there are many safe neighbourhoods where families thrive.
The city has a medium risk of crime, with some neighbourhoods in the "don't go there" high-risk category. The downtown area, including neighbourhoods like Old North St. Louis, Baden, Wells-Goodfellow, and Greater Ville, sees a lot of crime. However, it is generally safe during the day, and there are secure parking facilities available. The southern part of St. Louis, including Tower Grove South, Dutchtown, and Bevo Mill, is also less safe, with Tower Grove South's crime statistics being about 118% higher than the national average.
On the other hand, the central, western, and southwestern corridors of St. Louis City are considered very safe to reasonably safe, including neighbourhoods like North Hampton. Washington University, located in this area, has attracted a growing influx of international students who have even chosen to settle in St. Louis after graduation.
To ensure safety, it is recommended to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and try to blend in with the locals. It is also advisable to avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night, and to use secure parking facilities.
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Transport safety
St. Louis has a public transportation system that includes the Metro Link and Metro Bus. The safety of these routes is largely dependent on the neighbourhoods where passengers wait for the bus and the routes taken. While there is no overwhelming risk in using public transportation, it is advisable to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are also readily available in St. Louis. If you plan to visit areas outside the city centre, having a rental car may be more cost-effective than relying solely on rideshares or taxis.
To enhance your safety while using any mode of transportation in St. Louis, consider the following tips:
- Keep your valuables out of sight when travelling through the city.
- Try to blend in with the locals to avoid standing out as a potential target.
- Park in designated downtown parking facilities that meet security standards.
- Trust your instincts and avoid areas or individuals that make you feel uncomfortable.
- Stay in well-lit and populated areas, avoiding shortcuts through alleys or isolated areas.
- Whenever possible, walk in groups, especially after dark.
By following these precautions and staying informed about the latest safety updates, international students can effectively minimise their risk of encountering transportation-related issues in St. Louis.
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University campus safety
St. Louis, Missouri, has historically been labelled as a dangerous city, with high crime rates and a reputation for violent crime. However, this reputation is largely due to skewed crime statistics that do not consider the surrounding metropolitan area, St. Louis County, resulting in inflated crime rates. In reality, St. Louis is as safe as any other major urban area in the United States, with crime rates comparable to other cities of similar populations.
While St. Louis does have a high crime rate, especially for property crimes like theft and vehicle break-ins, most criminal activity occurs outside of tourist areas and in specific neighbourhoods known for their high-risk categories. The downtown area, for example, sees a lot of crime, but it is generally safe during the day. Tourists and students can minimise their risk by sticking to well-trafficked areas, being vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and avoiding high-risk neighbourhoods, such as those to the north and certain parts of the south. Specific neighbourhoods to avoid include Tower Grove South, Dutchtown, and Bevo Mill, which have high crime statistics.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department actively patrols and responds to areas with high crime rates, utilising innovative strategies, tactics, and technology to keep citizens and visitors safe. The police force is focused on reducing crime in challenged areas, and their efforts have contributed to a nearly 50% decline in crime over the past decade.
Washington University, which has seen a growing influx of international students, is flanked by the west end of the park along Skinker Blvd. The university's campus safety data is reported to the U.S. Department of Education, and while the numbers reflect reports of alleged offences and not necessarily prosecutions or convictions, prospective students can use this data as a starting point for evaluating campus safety.
To ensure safety while in St. Louis, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, trust your intuition, and follow basic safety guidelines, such as avoiding isolated areas and walking in groups at night.
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Frequently asked questions
Saint Louis has a history of violent crime and has been labelled as one of the most dangerous cities in the US. However, locals and authorities argue that the city's reputation is harmed by skewed crime statistics. Crime in Saint Louis is largely concentrated outside of tourist areas and in specific neighbourhoods. While it is important to remain vigilant, Saint Louis is as safe as any other major urban area in the US.
Here are some general safety tips for visiting Saint Louis:
- Keep your valuables out of sight when travelling through the city.
- Try to blend in with the locals.
- Park in well-lit and secure areas.
- Avoid areas that don't seem "right" and find a safe place with people or security officers.
- Avoid panhandlers and do not encourage them.
- Do not take shortcuts through alleys, gangways, or other isolated areas.
- Walk in groups, especially at night.
Yes, there are safe neighbourhoods in Saint Louis. The central, western, and southwestern corridors of Saint Louis City, including neighbourhoods like North Hampton, are considered very safe to reasonably safe. Downtown Saint Louis also offers secure parking facilities, and the Mississippi River, which divides the city, is a popular tourist attraction.
