Is Des Peres Safe, Pros and cons of living in Des Peres
Des Peres, Missouri, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive location for many. This St. Louis County community is known for its well-regarded schools, stable housing market, and a generally safe environment. It provides a lifestyle that appeals to families and individuals seeking a balance between a peaceful residential setting and the dynamism of a larger metropolitan area.
The city boasts a strong sense of community, supported by its local government and active civic organizations. With a commitment to maintaining a high quality of life, Des Peres focuses on providing excellent public services and preserving its attractive neighborhoods. This dedication is reflected in its consistent appeal as a desirable place to live within the greater St. Louis region.
Is it Safe to Live in Des Peres?
Des Peres generally presents a safe environment for its residents, though crime rates can vary by specific neighborhoods. The overall crime rate in Des Peres is reported to be higher than the national average by some metrics, with a particular emphasis on property crime (as reported by AreaVibes). However, other analyses indicate that Des Peres is significantly safer than the city of St. Louis as a whole, with a much lower overall crime index (as reported by DoorProfit).
When examining crime statistics, it’s important to note that Des Peres has a lower rate of violent crimes compared to the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). While the total crime rate may be higher than the national average, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is relatively low (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by AreaVibes).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and assault, occur at a rate that is lower than the national average in Des Peres (as reported by AreaVibes). For instance, the reported violent crime rate per 100,000 individuals is significantly below the national figure (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a generally secure environment for personal safety.
Property Crime Trends
Property crimes, such as theft and burglary, represent a larger portion of the crime statistics in Des Peres when compared to the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The property crime rate per 100,000 residents is higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). This trend means that while violent crime is less of a concern, vigilance regarding property protection is advisable.
Cost of Living in Des Peres
The cost of living in Des Peres is notably higher than both the national and Missouri state averages, largely driven by housing expenses. Overall living expenses are approximately 14% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale), and significantly higher than the Missouri average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing costs in Des Peres are substantially above the national average, estimated to be around 57% higher (as reported by PayScale) and even 142% higher according to another source (as reported by AreaVibes). This premium on housing makes Des Peres one of the more expensive suburbs in the St. Louis area (as reported by Gateway Realty Group).
Housing Market Overview
The median home value in Des Peres is considerably higher than the state average, reflecting its desirability and the premium associated with its real estate market (as reported by Gateway Realty Group). As of March 2026, the average home value was $693,377, showing a 4.4% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Median home prices in March 2026 were reported at $690K, a decrease of 22.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices also reflect the higher cost of living, with the average rent in Des Peres being $2,753 per month as of April 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This is approximately 37.65% higher than the national average rent (as reported by Zillow). The median gross rent, which includes utilities, is reported at $1,750 per month (as reported by Point2Homes).
Income and Affordability
The median household income in Des Peres is significantly high, reported at $224,327 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). This high income level helps to offset the elevated cost of living for many residents. However, despite the high incomes, the housing affordability can still be a challenge, with a significant portion of residents indicating that housing is not affordable (as reported by Niche).
Job Market and Major Employers
Des Peres offers a robust employment landscape, with key industries contributing to its economic vitality. The primary employment sectors for residents include professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare and social assistance, and finance and insurance (as reported by Data USA).
Major employers in the broader St. Louis metropolitan area, which Des Peres is a part of, include prominent companies in various sectors. These include Centene, Edward Jones, Energizer, and Enterprise Mobility, among others, which play a significant role in the regional economy (as reported by Greater St. Louis, Inc.). Within Des Peres itself, companies like Lion’s Choice and Shoe Stop are noted as significant local businesses (as reported by Zippia).
Employment Trends
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Des Peres saw a slight decline of 5.47% (as reported by Data USA). The most common occupations held by residents are in management, sales, and healthcare professions (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Des Peres is reported to be around $35.6K per year, with the 75th percentile earning approximately $47.7K (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Missouri was 3.9% in March 2026, remaining unchanged from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts and Missouri Monthly Jobs Report). St. Louis County, where Des Peres is located, had an unemployment rate of 4.4% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). This rate is generally in line with or lower than the national average, indicating a stable job market in the region.
Climate in Des Peres
Des Peres experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 22°F to 89°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city receives an average annual precipitation of 44 inches, with approximately 12 inches of snowfall per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Livability.com). The summer months, particularly July and August, can be uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Summer and Winter Conditions
Summers in Des Peres are hot and humid, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 89°F and a low of 70°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, featuring average lows of 23°F and highs of 41°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The snowy period typically lasts from November to March, with January seeing the most snowfall (as reported by Time and Date).
Seasonal Comfort
The most comfortable weather for outdoor activities in Des Peres generally occurs from mid-April to June and from September to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This period offers milder temperatures and lower humidity levels, making it ideal for enjoying the city’s parks and recreational opportunities.
Education in Des Peres
Des Peres is served by highly-rated school districts, which is a significant draw for families considering a move to the area. The Parkway School District and the Kirkwood School District are the primary public school systems that serve the city, both receiving high marks for their educational quality (as reported by Des Peres, MO – Official Website and Niche).
These districts are recognized for their academic rigor and comprehensive programs, contributing to the desirability of Des Peres as a family-friendly community. Parents often choose Des Peres specifically because of the access to these well-regarded educational institutions.
School District Performance
Both the Parkway and Kirkwood school districts consistently rank among the best in the region and the state. They are evaluated based on factors such as state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality (as reported by Niche). The strong performance of these districts is a key factor in the high quality of life attributed to Des Peres.
Elementary and Secondary Education
Within these districts, numerous elementary, middle, and high schools serve the Des Peres student population. Schools like Mason Ridge Elementary School and others within the Parkway and Kirkwood districts have received high ratings (as reported by Niche). This commitment to providing excellent education from the elementary level through high school ensures a strong foundation for students.
Demographics of Des Peres
Des Peres is a moderately sized city with a population of approximately 9,170 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The population has seen a slight decline of -0.04% annually, decreasing by -0.28% since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review).
The demographic makeup of Des Peres is predominantly White, accounting for about 90.98% of the population (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). Other racial groups include Asian, Two or More Races, and smaller percentages of Black or African American, Native American, and other races (as reported by Data USA and Wikipedia).
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Des Peres is around 42.8 years, with slight variations between males and females (as reported by World Population Review). The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by World Population Review).
Household and Income Statistics
The median household income in Des Peres is notably high, reaching $224,327 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). This figure is substantially higher than both the national and state medians. The poverty rate in Des Peres is low, reported at 1.97% (as reported by World Population Review).