Is Ferguson or St. Louis City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ferguson is safer than St. Louis City (Safety Score 7/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,211 per 100,000 versus 7,076 for St. Louis City — 40% lower. Ferguson has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ferguson has a 51% lower rate.
Note: St. Louis City is 15.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ferguson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
St. Louis City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ferguson, MO
St. Louis City, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ferguson | St. Louis City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,210.8 | 7,075.9 | -2,865.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 712.1 | 1,368.9 | -656.9 |
| Murder Rate | 33.6 | 54.1 | -20.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 58.1 | -30.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 123.4 | 249.6 | -126.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 527.1 | 1,005.4 | -478.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,498.7 | 5,706.9 | -2,208.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 555.1 | 819.7 | -264.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,040.9 | 3,412.3 | -1,371.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 902.7 | 1,475.0 | -572.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ferguson or St. Louis City safer?
Ferguson is safer with a total crime rate of 4,211 per 100K vs 7,076 for St. Louis City — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ferguson has a violent crime rate of 712.1 per 100K while St. Louis City has 1,368.9. Ferguson has lower violent crime.
About Ferguson, MO
Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, has a rich history rooted in its founding in 1894 as a railroad stop. Today, its diverse population of around 18,000 residents reflects a community with a median age in the early 30s. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 17,835, Ferguson has a total crime rate of 4,210.8 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.