Is Hazelwood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hazelwood
Hazelwood, a northern suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, offers a suburban lifestyle with access to urban amenities. This community provides a blend of residential areas and commercial development, making it a place of interest for those seeking a balance between quiet living and convenient access to a larger metropolitan area. The city is characterized by its parks, recreational facilities, and a diverse population.
The demographic makeup of Hazelwood is varied, with a significant portion of its residents identifying as White or Black or African American. The population includes individuals from various backgrounds, contributing to the community’s diverse cultural landscape. Hazelwood is home to a population of approximately 25,100 residents, with a median age around 38 years old (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The citizenship rate is high, with over 97% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
Is it Safe to Live in Hazelwood?
Hazelwood’s crime rates present a complex picture, with some statistics indicating higher-than-average rates compared to national benchmarks. The city experiences a total crime rate that is notably higher than the national average, with some sources indicating it is 42% higher per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes and property crimes are both reported at rates exceeding national averages.
Analysis of FBI crime data reveals that Hazelwood has a higher rate of motor vehicle theft than many other communities across the nation. Property crime rates are also a concern, with a chance of being a victim of property crime estimated at one in 40 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city’s overall crime rate is considered high when compared to similar-sized communities and is higher than in over 90% of communities within Missouri (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent offenses, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, are tracked in Hazelwood. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Hazelwood is approximately one in 206 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Over a five-year period, the city recorded a significant number of violent crimes, with the average violent crime rate being 193.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 81.8% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer).
Specific violent crimes like murder and rape have also been noted at rates higher than national averages. For instance, the murder rate in Hazelwood has been analyzed by NeighborhoodScout as being among the higher rates in the nation when compared to cities of all sizes. Aggravated assault rates are also above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer).
Property Crime Overview
Property crimes, encompassing burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, are a significant concern in Hazelwood. The rate of property crime is reported to be 25 per one thousand population, with a chance of victimization at one in 40 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Motor vehicle theft, in particular, has been identified as an issue with rates higher than the national average.
Over a five-year span, Hazelwood recorded a substantial number of property crimes. The property crime rate is 229.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 40.1% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). While some neighborhoods are considered safer, the overall property crime rate contributes to the city’s higher overall crime statistics.
Cost of Living in Hazelwood
Hazelwood’s cost of living is generally more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living in Hazelwood is estimated to be 15% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, utilities, and transportation.
However, specific costs can vary, and some categories may be closer to or slightly above national averages. For example, grocery costs in Hazelwood are reported to be slightly lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). The cost of living is also influenced by factors such as salary and the local real estate market.
Housing Costs
Housing expenses in Hazelwood are significantly lower than the national average. Housing costs are reported to be 43% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). The median home price in Hazelwood is approximately $154,900 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute), and the median home value is around $163,202 (as reported by Livability.com).
Rental prices also reflect this affordability. The average rent for an apartment in Hazelwood is around $1,064, with a notable increase of 8.25% compared to the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). The median monthly rent was previously reported at $856 (as reported by Livability.com).
Median Home Price and Rent
The median home price in Hazelwood is approximately $154,900 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute), making it an attractive option for homebuyers. This figure is further supported by Livability.com, which lists the median home value at $163,202. These prices are substantially lower than many other areas, contributing to the city’s overall cost-effectiveness.
For renters, the market offers competitive pricing. The average rent for an apartment has seen an increase, now standing at $1,064 (as reported by RentCafe). One-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $945, while two-bedroom units average $1,143 (as reported by RentCafe).
Job Market and Economy
Hazelwood’s job market is supported by a workforce of over 12,000 residents. The employment rate is robust, with a significant majority of the working population employed in professional or administrative positions. A substantial portion of the workforce, around 79.4%, holds white-collar jobs, while 20.6% are in blue-collar roles (as reported by Point2Homes).
The primary industries employing Hazelwood residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Transportation & Warehousing. Many residents are employed by private companies, with a smaller percentage working for governmental or non-profit organizations (as reported by Data USA).
Average Salary and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Hazelwood is approximately $57,472, which translates to about $27.63 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income was reported at $55,908 (as reported by Data USA and Livability.com). However, other sources indicate a median individual income of $37,320 (as reported by Data Commons) and a median household income of $55,930 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
The unemployment rate in Hazelwood has varied, with some reports indicating a rate of 10.4% (as reported by Point2Homes), while others cite a more recent figure of 5.5% for February 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). The employment rate is generally high, with over 89% of the workforce employed (as reported by Point2Homes).
Major Employers
While specific major employers are not consistently listed across all data sources, the employment landscape in Hazelwood is diverse. Key employment sectors include healthcare, retail, and transportation. Many residents also find employment in administrative and professional roles within private companies.
The city’s economy benefits from a mix of industries, contributing to job availability for its residents. Top-paying jobs in Hazelwood have included specialized roles such as Anesthesiology Doctor and Radiologist Nurse (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate in Hazelwood
Hazelwood experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 25°F to 89°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside of this range (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Weather Spark).
The city receives a significant amount of rainfall annually, with May being the wettest month. Winters can bring considerable snowfall, contributing to the cold season’s overall weather pattern. The climate is generally partly cloudy year-round.
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
Summers in Hazelwood are hot and muggy, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 80°F from late May to mid-September. July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows near 72°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The cold season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures falling below 50°F.
January is the coldest month, with average lows around 26°F and highs near 41°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Hazelwood receives an average annual precipitation of about 43 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Livability.com). May typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 4.0 inches, while January receives the least at approximately 1.5 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education in Hazelwood
Educational opportunities in Hazelwood are provided through the Hazelwood School District. The district serves the city and surrounding areas, offering a range of programs for K-12 students. Data on specific school ratings for Hazelwood is not consistently available across the surveyed sources.
However, general educational attainment levels for adults in Hazelwood indicate a population with a high school diploma or equivalent as the most common educational credential. A significant portion of adults have also pursued some college or an associate’s degree.
Demographics of Hazelwood
Hazelwood is a city with a diverse population. The racial makeup includes a substantial percentage of White and Black or African American residents, with smaller proportions identifying with other races or two or more races (as reported by Niche and Data USA). The population is approximately 25,100, with a slight majority of females.
The median age in Hazelwood is around 38.4 years old (as reported by Data Commons and Census Reporter), indicating a mix of age groups within the community. The population is characterized by a high rate of U.S. citizenship, with over 97% of residents being citizens (as reported by Data USA).
Age and Gender Distribution
The age distribution in Hazelwood shows a significant segment of the population in the adult working and middle-aged brackets. Approximately 15.5% of the population is under 15, with 18.7% aged 15 to 24. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1%, and those aged 45 to 64 constitute 25.6% of the population. Those aged 65 and older represent about 17.2% (as reported by Point2Homes).
Gender distribution shows a slightly higher percentage of females than males. Females constitute about 52.8% of the population, while males make up approximately 47.2% (as reported by Point2Homes).
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Hazelwood is diverse. White residents make up about 45.7% of the population, followed closely by Black or African American residents at approximately 40.9% (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche). Residents who identify with two or more races constitute about 10.1% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes).
Hispanic or Latino individuals represent a smaller percentage of the population, at around 3.0% (as reported by Wikipedia). Asian residents make up about 1.6% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes).