Is Lemay Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lemay

Lemay, Missouri, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a place to call home. This community provides a unique environment with a distinct character shaped by its history and its residents. Understanding the various facets of life in Lemay is key to determining if it aligns with your personal preferences and needs.

As you explore the possibility of moving to Lemay, it’s beneficial to examine its safety, cost of living, job market, climate, and community aspects. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear picture of what Lemay has to offer, from its local economy and housing market to its educational opportunities and overall quality of life.

Is it Safe to Live in Lemay?

Lemay’s overall crime rate is considered higher than the national average, with a crime rate of 74.00 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to AreaVibes). This places Lemay in the 3rd percentile for safety, indicating that it is safer than only 3% of U.S. cities, though this analysis is specific to Lemay’s official city boundaries. Residents often consider the southeast part of Lemay to be the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime varying significantly by neighborhood.

Violent crime in Lemay is also above the national average, with a rate of 4.934 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While the general perception is that the southwest part of the city is the safest for violent crime, your chance of being a victim can range from 1 in 171 in the south neighborhoods to 1 in 263 in the southwest. The cost of crime per resident in Lemay is approximately $958 annually, which is higher than both the national and Missouri state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Real Estate Trends

Home Prices

The housing market in Lemay presents a mixed picture, with recent data showing a decrease in home prices. In March 2026, Lemay home prices were down 41.7% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $102,000 (as reported by Redfin). The median home value in Lemay is currently $168,327, which has increased by 3.7% over the past year (according to Zillow). Another source indicates the median home value in Lemay is $152,200 (as reported by Niche).

The median listing home price in Lemay, MO, is $164,900 (according to Realtor.com®). Homes in Lemay are selling for a median price of $102K, with the median sale price per square foot at $118, down 12.9% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median property value in Lemay is $152,200 (according to Data USA).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, the average rent for an apartment in Lemay is $961, showing an 8.28% increase from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). One-bedroom apartments average $817 for 665 square feet, while two-bedroom units are priced at $1,009 for 890 square feet. Other sources indicate a higher average rent, with Zillow reporting $1,220 and Trulia noting $1,450 as the average rent in March 2026. Realtor.com® also lists the median rent at $1,298, with active rental listings numbering 13 (as of March 2026).

The median monthly rent in Lemay is $822 (according to Livability.com). For renters, the median household income in Lemay was $47,307 in 2022, with the rent-to-income ratio at 22.3% (as reported by Point2Homes). NeighborhoodScout reports the average rental price in Lemay at $1,528, which is lower in price than 42.9% of Missouri neighborhoods.

Cost of Living and Economic Landscape

Cost of Living

Lemay is recognized for its affordability, ranking among the suburbs with the lowest cost of living in Missouri. Niche ranks Lemay #12 out of 146 suburbs for the lowest cost of living in the state. The median home value in Lemay is $152,200, which is significantly lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Niche).

The median income in Lemay is $60,685 (according to Livability.com), and the median household income was $60,399 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Reporter). This median household income is about 80% of the amount in Missouri ($70,702) and about three-quarters of the amount in the St. Louis metro area ($80,196) (as reported by Census Reporter).

Job Market and Major Employers

The unemployment rate in Lemay stands at 2.5% (as reported by Point2Homes). This rate is lower than the national average and suggests a relatively stable job market within the community. The most common employment sectors for Lemay residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (according to Data USA).

Major employers in the broader St. Louis region, which would include opportunities accessible to Lemay residents, include BJC HealthCare, Washington University, Boeing, and Edward Jones (as reported by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center). Other significant employers in the St. Louis area encompass Emerson, Centene, and Enterprise Holdings (according to Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Temperatures and Seasons

Lemay experiences a climate with hot and muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies from 25°F to 89°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 9°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 89°F and a low of 70°F.

The cold season spans from late November to late February, with January being the coldest month. During January, the average low temperature is 26°F, and the average high is 41°F. Fall in Lemay sees a rapid decrease in temperatures, with daily high temperatures dropping from 85°F in early September to 50°F by late November (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall and Precipitation

The average annual rainfall in Lemay is approximately 42 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Precipitation is consistent throughout the year, though there are slight variations. Winter months typically bring snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of 14 inches (according to Livability.com).

Cloud cover also varies seasonally. Lemay experiences its clearest skies from late June to late October, with August being the clearest month. Conversely, the cloudier period extends from late October to mid-June, with February being the cloudiest month, often having overcast or mostly cloudy conditions (as reported by Weather Spark).

Demographics and Community Life

Population and Age Distribution

Lemay is home to approximately 16,228 residents, making it the 55th most populated city in Missouri out of 1,062 (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Reporter). The median age in Lemay is 36.7 years (according to Point2Homes and Census Reporter). The population is distributed with about 20.5% under 15 years old, 8.5% between 15 and 24, 30.6% between 25 and 44, 25.4% between 45 and 64, and 15% aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Gender-wise, 47.2% of Lemay’s population is male, and 52.8% is female. The community has 6,241 households, with an average of 3 members per household. Approximately 61.8% of these households are families, while 38.2% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).

Race and Ethnicity

The racial makeup of Lemay is predominantly White, with 84.4% of locals identifying as Caucasian (as reported by Point2Homes). Other racial groups include 3.4% African American, 1.8% Asian, and smaller percentages for Indigenous American, Pacific Islanders, and those identifying with two or more races. Approximately 7.4% of residents identify with two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes).

Regarding citizenship, 84.4% of Lemay’s population are U.S.-born citizens, while 10.9% have gained naturalized citizenship, and 4.7% are non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). Data USA notes that 95.3% of Lemay residents are citizens, which is higher than the national average.

Education and Schools

Public School Performance

Public schools in Lemay, primarily serving the Hancock Place School District, face significant academic and socioeconomic challenges. Neither Hancock Place Elementary nor Hancock Place Middle are considered exceptional performers, with rankings and ratings below the Missouri state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Test scores in Mathematics, Science, and English Language Arts are notably below state averages, with proficiency rates as low as 25.4% in 3rd-grade math at Hancock Place Elementary.

Both schools exhibit high chronic absenteeism rates of 25.3%, which may contribute to academic struggles. Additionally, 100% of students at both schools qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high poverty level within the student population. Despite spending a relatively high amount per student, funding may not be the primary issue affecting performance (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

School District Ratings

While specific school ratings within Lemay itself are varied, the broader school districts serving the area show a range of performance. The Bayless School District receives a rating of 3.76 out of 5 based on 91 reviews, and Bayless Elementary School has a rating of 3.4 out of 5 from 5 reviews (according to Niche). Mehlville High School has a rating of 3.83 out of 5 from 325 reviews.

The Bayless School District as a whole is rated 4.43 out of 5 based on 14 reviews. Neighboring districts like Affton School District are rated 4.27 out of 5, and MEHLVILLE R-IX district has a rating of 4 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in Lemay

Pros

Lemay offers a more affordable cost of living compared to many other areas in Missouri and the nation. The median home value is significantly lower than the national average, and rental prices are also more accessible (as reported by Niche and Livability.com). The community also boasts a lower-than-average unemployment rate of 2.5%, indicating a stable job market for residents (as reported by Point2Homes).

Residents appreciate the sparse suburban feel of Lemay, which provides a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of St. Louis. The area is characterized by a significant number of restaurants and parks, contributing to a comfortable living environment. Furthermore, Lemay is noted for having a higher proportion of single-family homes than most neighborhoods in the U.S., appealing to those seeking detached housing (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cons

Lemay’s crime rates are a significant concern, being higher than both national and state averages for total and violent crimes (as reported by AreaVibes and CrimeGrade.org). The chance of becoming a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, with some areas being considerably less safe than others. This elevated crime rate contributes to a higher cost of crime per resident compared to national and state figures (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

The public school system in Lemay faces considerable challenges, with low test scores and high chronic absenteeism rates reported for local schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). While the area offers a suburban feel, some reviews mention issues such as fast driving and a lack of safety for pets due to unleashed animals and litter (as noted by Trulia user reviews).