MissouriPop. 288,512Big cities
Is St. Louis a Good Place to Live? St. Louis, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
St. Louis ranks #1200 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #50 of 53 big cities and #20 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($997/mo, #4 of 53) and affordable homes ($197,500, #7 of 53), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #53 of 53) and high violent crime (1,230 per 100,000, #48 of 50).
St. Louis by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with St. Louis's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in St. Louis?
St. Louis's cost of living index is 95.1, 5% below the US level of 100 and #439 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $997/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $197,500.
| Measure | St. Louis | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 95.1#439 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $197,500#219 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $997/mo#209 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 21.3%#594 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is St. Louis safe?
St. Louis recorded 1,230 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.9 times Missouri's 418. That ranks #1060 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #48 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Louis Police Department. Property crime runs 5,048 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | St. Louis | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 1,230#1060 of 1,085 | 418 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 5,048#1075 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in St. Louis?
The median household in St. Louis earns $56,160, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | St. Louis | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $56,160#1123 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 20.6%#1132 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.8%#1052 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in St. Louis?
The median resident of St. Louis is 36.8 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #439 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | St. Louis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 36.8 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 41.1%#439 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 45.3% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are St. Louis's schools and health?
St. Louis's 95 public schools graduate 71.6% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $21,253 spent per pupil. 36.8% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | St. Louis | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 71.6%#1025 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 11.9#74 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $21,253#152 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 36.8%#929 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.4%#575 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 28,387 students are enrolled in St. Louis's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in St. Louis?
The average commute in St. Louis is 22.1 minutes (Missouri 24); 5.7% of workers take transit and 17% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index St. Louis scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77°F and winters 35°F, with 40.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | St. Louis | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 22.1 min#514 of 1,312 | 24 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 64.1% | 74.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.7% | 1% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 3.8% | 1.8% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 1% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 17% | 11.8% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.1#142 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40.2 | 24.1 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 45.6 | 27.6 | 2 |
| Mar | 56.3 | 36 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 67.5 | 45.5 | 4.5 |
| May | 76.7 | 56.5 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 85.7 | 64.7 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 89 | 68.8 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 87.8 | 66.1 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 80.7 | 57.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 69.4 | 46.1 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 55.3 | 35.9 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 44.3 | 28.6 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cahokia St Louis Downtown Airport.
| Measure | St. Louis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 56.5°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 77°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 35°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 40.8 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cahokia St Louis Downtown Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in St. Louis?
St. Louis city's air had a median air quality index of 55, and 34% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St. Louis city's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | St. Louis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 55#982 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.21%#963 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for St. Louis city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, St. Louis city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.045% | 91% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 82% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.016% | 76% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 42% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does St. Louis compare with similar-size cities?
St. Louis is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #50 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 288,512.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #1200 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 | 22.1 min |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #390 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 | 18.4 min |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #369 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 | 36.8 min |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #537 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 | 22.3 min |
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #261 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 | 25.4 min |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #888 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 | 18.8 min |
| Gilbert, AZPop. 280,262 | #224 | 63.8 | $122,551 | $2,110/mo | 117 | 25.9 min |
| North Las Vegas, NVPop. 278,595 | #1042 | 49.1 | $79,542 | $1,705/mo | 362 | 26.7 min |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #161 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 | 19.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does St. Louis compare with the rest of Missouri?
St. Louis ranks #20 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 45 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 22% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 2.9 times the statewide rate.
| City | Rank in MO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #1 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #2 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #3 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #4 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #5 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #6 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #7 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #8 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #9 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #10 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #11 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #12 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #13 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #14 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #15 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #16 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #17 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #18 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #19 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #20 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 |
All 20 Missouri cities we track, by overall score. Missouri statewide: median income $71,589, violent crime 417.8 per 100,000.
How is St. Louis's score calculated?
St. Louis scores 45 out of 100, #1200 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Missouri's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in St. Louis. Similar-size median 53.8.
41.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by St. Louis's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
6.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in St. Louis. Similar-size median 54.8.
43.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in St. Louis's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
61.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
St. Louis's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
80.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in St. Louis. Similar-size median 47.2.
26.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in St. Louis. Similar-size median 42.4.
31.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in St. Louis. Similar-size median 53.7.
63.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across St. Louis's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
27.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: St. Louis's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories St. Louis has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in St. Louis
Is St. Louis, MO a good place to live?
St. Louis ranks #1200 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #50 of 53 big cities and #20 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($997/mo, #4 of 53) and affordable homes ($197,500, #7 of 53), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #53 of 53) and high violent crime (1,230 per 100,000, #48 of 50).
What is the cost of living in St. Louis?
St. Louis's cost of living index is 95.1, 5% below the US level of 100 and #439 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $997/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $197,500.
What is the crime rate in St. Louis?
St. Louis recorded 1,230 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.9 times Missouri's 418. That ranks #1060 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #48 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Louis Police Department. Property crime runs 5,048 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in St. Louis?
The median household in St. Louis earns $56,160, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in St. Louis?
Median rent in St. Louis is $997/mo (Census), #209 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 21.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in St. Louis?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in St. Louis is $197,500, #219 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in St. Louis?
St.
How long is the commute in St. Louis?
The average commute is 22.1 minutes, #514 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in St. Louis?
St. Louis averages 56.5°F over the year, 77°F in summer and 35°F in winter, with 40.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is St. Louis walkable?
St. Louis scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is St. Louis at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St.
How is the air quality in St. Louis?
St. Louis city's air had a median air quality index of 55, and 34% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Louis city's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
Who lives in St. Louis?
St. Louis has 288,512 residents. The median resident of St. Louis is 36.8 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #439 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does St. Louis compare with the rest of Missouri?
St. Louis ranks #20 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 45 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 22% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 2.9 times the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to St. Louis?
The tracked cities in other states closest to St. Louis's population of 288,512 are Lincoln, NE (#390 overall), Jersey City, NJ (#369 overall), Durham, NC (#537 overall), Plano, TX (#261 overall), and Anchorage, AK (#888 overall). St. Louis is #1200.