Is Cleveland or St. Louis City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cleveland is safer than St. Louis City (Safety Score 2/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,987 per 100,000 versus 7,076 for St. Louis City — 15% lower. Cleveland has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cleveland has a 44% lower rate.
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
St. Louis City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland, OH
St. Louis City, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cleveland | St. Louis City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,987.4 | 7,075.9 | -1,088.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,561.1 | 1,368.9 | +192.1 |
| Murder Rate | 30.1 | 54.1 | -24.0 |
| Rape Rate | 140.9 | 58.1 | +82.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 389.2 | 249.6 | +139.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,000.9 | 1,005.4 | -4.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,426.3 | 5,706.9 | -1,280.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 860.3 | 819.7 | +40.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,419.5 | 3,412.3 | -992.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,146.5 | 1,475.0 | -328.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or St. Louis City safer?
Cleveland is safer with a total crime rate of 5,987 per 100K vs 7,076 for St. Louis City — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 1,561.1 per 100K while St. Louis City has 1,368.9. St. Louis City has lower violent crime.
About Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, a city on Lake Erie, boasts a rich industrial past and is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Its diverse population reflects a blend of historic European immigrant communities and growing newer populations. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 362,762, Cleveland has a total crime rate of 5,987.4 per 100,000 residents.
About St. Louis City, MO
St. Louis City, Missouri, a major port on the Mississippi River, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch. With a population exceeding 300,000, it's a vibrant Midwestern hub with a rich German heritage. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 277,294, St. Louis City has a total crime rate of 7,075.9 per 100,000 residents.