St. Louis consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., primarily due to its high violent crime rates. In 2024, St. Louis had 2,082 violent incidents per 100,000 residents, making it the city with the highest violent crime rate in the nation.
The city’s homicide rate is alarmingly high, with 64.9 murders per 100,000 people.
Poverty and gang-related violence contribute significantly to these statistics, especially in certain neighborhoods closer to the city’s center.
Although some areas on the western edges are safer, overall, St. Louis faces major challenges in addressing crime.
