Is St. Matthews Safe, Pros and cons of living in St. Matthews

St. Matthews, Kentucky, offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility, making it an attractive location for many. Nestled just east of Louisville, this city provides a distinct identity while benefiting from proximity to a larger metropolitan area. Residents often appreciate the balance of a strong community feel with convenient access to amenities and employment opportunities.

The city is known for its well-established neighborhoods, diverse population, and a variety of local businesses that contribute to its unique character. Whether you are drawn by the potential for career growth, a desire for a family-friendly environment, or simply a change of pace, understanding the nuances of St. Matthews is key to making an informed decision about a potential move.

Is it Safe to Live in St. Matthews?

When considering a move, safety is a paramount concern for individuals and families alike. St. Matthews presents a mixed picture regarding crime rates, with some sources indicating higher-than-average figures while others suggest a more moderate outlook depending on the specific metrics used. It is important to examine these statistics closely to understand the nuances of safety within the city.

For instance, one analysis indicates that St. Matthews has a crime rate of 51 per one thousand residents, which is considered high compared to national averages. This same report notes that property crime, particularly motor vehicle theft, is a notable concern. However, another perspective suggests that violent crime rates are around average for communities across America. Residents generally consider the northern parts of the city to be the safest, with varying chances of being a victim of crime depending on the neighborhood (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and Crime Grade).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The cost of living in St. Matthews, KY, is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average, though specific figures can vary by source. One report indicates that the overall cost of living is 7% higher than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor, running about 31.5% higher than the average city (as reported by AreaVibes). Another source suggests that St. Matthews, South Carolina’s cost of living is 21% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 56% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

The housing market in St. Matthews, KY, shows a dynamic trend with a median listing price of $348.8K. Recent data indicates a year-over-year home price growth of 6.65%, suggesting ongoing demand and appreciation. The median sale price of a home in St. Matthews, KY, was $365K in March 2026, showing a significant increase of 40.4% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin and Houzeo). The median rent for an apartment in St. Matthews, KY, is around $1,487 per month, which is approximately 9% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Housing Costs Breakdown

For those looking to rent, the average rent for an apartment in St. Matthews, KY, stands at approximately $1,487 per month as of May 2026. This figure is about 9% lower than the national average rent price (as reported by Apartments.com). Studio apartments are the most budget-friendly option, averaging $949 per month, while one-bedroom apartments are around $1,487, and two-bedroom units are about $1,703 (as reported by Apartments.com).

In terms of homeownership, the median home price in St. Matthews, KY, was $365,000 in March 2026, marking a substantial increase of 40.4% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a competitive market for buyers. For those considering St. Matthews, SC, the median property value was $204,200 in 2024, with a homeownership rate of 67.1% (as reported by Data USA).

Job Market and Economy

St. Matthews, KY, presents a robust job market with a median household income that is notably higher than the national average. The median household income in St. Matthews, KY, is $82,681, which is 24.9% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes and Livability.com). The city’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to its employment landscape.

The unemployment rate in St. Matthews, KY, was 5.2% as of the latest available data (as reported by Niche). For St. Matthews, SC, the unemployment rate is not directly provided, but data shows 793 people employed with a 12.2% increase in occupations (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers and Industries

While specific major employers for St. Matthews, KY, are not detailed in the provided search results, the city’s proximity to Louisville suggests access to a broad employment base within the metropolitan area. For St. Matthews, SC, there is mention of industrial fiberglass products, specialty timbers, and mattress manufacturing as local industries (as reported by Labor Resources for St. Matthews, South Carolina).

The workforce in St. Matthews, SC, is largely employed in professional or administrative positions, making up 71.6% of the working population, while 28.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of employment also comes from private companies (55.9%) and the public sector (23.3%) (as reported by Point2Homes).

Climate and Weather Patterns

St. Matthews, KY, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and can be humid, while winters are cold. The average high temperature throughout the year ranges between 65°F and 87°F, with July typically being the hottest month, averaging a high of 87°F. January is the coldest month, with average highs around 43°F and lows around 27°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Weather Spark).

The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 49 inches, with May being the wettest month, averaging around 5 inches of rain. Snowfall averages approximately 10 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). For St. Matthews, SC, summers are hot and muggy, with July temperatures reaching highs around 90°F, and winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging a low of 37°F. Annual precipitation in St. Matthews, SC, is about 4.2 inches, with August being the wettest month.

Education and Demographics

St. Matthews, KY, has a population of approximately 17,577 residents, with a median age of 36.5 years. The racial composition is predominantly White, at 85.6%, followed by Multiracial (4.3%), Black (4.1%), Hispanic (3.5%), and Asian (2.3%) (as reported by Census Dots and St. Matthews, Kentucky – Wikipedia).

In St. Matthews, SC, the population is around 1,645, with a significant Black or African American population (50%) and White population (48%) (as reported by Data USA and Census Reporter). The median age in St. Matthews, SC, is approximately 37.6 years (as reported by Census Reporter).

School Ratings and Quality

St. Matthews Elementary School in St. Matthews, KY, has an overall Niche grade of C+ and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. According to state test scores, 42% of students are proficient in math and 46% in reading (as reported by Niche). There are other schools in the vicinity, such as Bloom Elementary School (rated B) and Anchorage Independent Public School (rated A+).

For St. Matthews, SC, specific school ratings are not detailed in the provided search results. However, general demographic data indicates that 22% of residents hold a Bachelor’s degree, and 39% have some college or an associate’s degree (as reported by Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in St. Matthews

Living in St. Matthews, KY, offers several advantages, including a strong sense of community and access to amenities. The city is known for its robust shopping districts and numerous annual events that foster community engagement, such as the Community Street Festival (as reported by Apartments.com). Its location provides convenient access to I-64 and I-264, connecting residents to downtown Louisville.

However, potential drawbacks include a cost of living that is slightly higher than the national average, particularly in housing costs. The crime rate, while varying by neighborhood, is also a factor to consider. For St. Matthews, SC, the cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, but the poverty rate is high at 31.1% (as reported by Payscale and Niche).