AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in St. Louis, MO — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every St. Louis neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,050/mo
Median Rent
301,578
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
BJC HealthCare
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why St. Louis? What Renters Need to Know

St. Louis averages around $1,050 per month for a one-bedroom, one of the lowest among major Midwest cities.

Quick Facts

Population 301,578
Median Rent $1,050/mo
Top Employer BJC HealthCare
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,050 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

St. Louis median rent is $450 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in St. Louis is BJC HealthCare, making the Clayton area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in St. Louis

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Clayton

Score: 90/100
Safety A
Walk Score 74
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 9/10
#2

Central West End

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 88
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 7/10
#3

Soulard

Score: 78/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 79
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 6/10

Ready to find your perfect neighborhood?

Get Your Full Report — $19
#4

Shaw

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 76
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 6/10
Unlock full rankings
#5

Tower Grove South

Score: 82/100
Safety B
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#6

The Hill

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 68
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 8/10
Unlock full rankings
#7

Benton Park

Score: 75/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $900
Schools 5/10
Unlock full rankings
#8

Lafayette Square

Score: 83/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 77
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings

See All 8 St. Louis Neighborhoods Ranked

Get the full report with detailed scores, rent comparisons, commute maps, and personalized recommendations.

How It Works

How ListWise Scores St. Louis Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every St. Louis renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for St. Louis.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with St. Louis properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About St. Louis

What is the average rent in St. Louis?

St. Louis averages around $1,050 per month for a one-bedroom, one of the lowest among major Midwest cities. Clayton and Central West End command $1,400–$1,700, while neighborhoods like Benton Park offer rents under $1,000.

Is St. Louis safe to live in?

St. Louis has neighborhoods with high crime but also many safe, thriving communities. Clayton, Central West End, and The Hill are considered very safe, and focusing on neighborhood-level data rather than city-wide statistics gives a clearer picture.

What are the best neighborhoods in St. Louis for families?

Clayton, The Hill, and Tower Grove South are top picks for families. Clayton has some of the best public schools in the state, and both The Hill and Tower Grove offer strong community character and safe streets.

How is the cost of living in St. Louis?

St. Louis is one of the most affordable major metros in the US, with housing costs well below national averages. The combination of low rents, inexpensive groceries, and no earnings tax in many suburbs makes it a strong value proposition.

What is the job market like in St. Louis?

St. Louis has a strong anchor in healthcare and biomedical research, with BJC HealthCare and Washington University being the largest employers. The city also has significant presence in finance, defense contracting, and a growing startup ecosystem.

Ready to Find Your St. Louis Apartment?

Stop scrolling 47 Zillow tabs. Tell us what matters and get a ranked list of St. Louis apartments that actually fit your life.

Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.