One reason St. Louis is frequently mentioned in the U.S. is its high crime rate.

However, looking at the actual data reveals a much more complex context than simply labeling it as a "dangerous city." Based on annual data released by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and the St. Louis Police Department, we have organized the trends of major crime types.

Let's start with the murder rate. The City of St. Louis has consistently ranked among the highest in the U.S. for murders per 100,000 people for several years. In 2017, the murder rate exceeded 66 per 100,000 people, and while it has fluctuated since then, it has remained significantly above the national average. Data from 2021 to 2022 also shows a murder rate of 40 to 60 per 100,000 people. However, it is important to note that the population of the City of St. Louis is trending down to about 300,000, which can skew the per capita statistics higher.

Motor Vehicle Theft has consistently recorded high numbers throughout St. Louis. During the period from 2022 to 2023, the number of vehicle thefts reported in the City of St. Louis and surrounding counties has significantly increased. This coincides with a nationwide surge in thefts of a specific vehicle model, the Kia Boyz (certain Hyundai and Kia models), leading to an increase in victimization among owners of these vehicles in St. Louis. If you own a Hyundai or Kia, it is advisable to consider upgrading to a steering wheel lock or alarm system.

Looking at the overall trend of Property Crime, which includes Larceny-Theft, Burglary, and Motor Vehicle Theft, there has been a decrease in some categories compared to the late 2010s. However, there are categories that have seen a resurgence in 2021 to 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic, so recent trends should be monitored closely. Notably, Porch Piracy is a nationwide phenomenon, and complaints about package theft from doorsteps have been increasing in St. Louis as well.

It is important to distinguish between St. Louis County and the City. The City of St. Louis has been an independent jurisdiction from the county since 1876. When citing crime statistics, whether "St. Louis" refers only to the city or includes the entire county can significantly affect the numbers. Generally, statistics cited for high crime rates are based on the city, while the overall county average shows much lower figures.

The St. Louis Police Department publishes monthly crime statistics reports on the official St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) website. Additionally, the Missouri State Highway Patrol shares weekly traffic accident and crime-related data. If you are considering moving to a specific address, it is best to check the district of that police department and review several months of their monthly reports.

One more thing to consider when looking at crime data is that there may be discrepancies between reported crime rates and actual occurrences. In some areas, cultural factors may discourage reporting, or minor property crimes may go unreported, meaning official statistics may not fully reflect the real situation. It is necessary to interpret the data with this in mind.