Is Wellston Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wellston
Wellston, Missouri, located in St. Louis County, is a community with a rich industrial past. Once a hub for major businesses and a provider of thousands of jobs, it has faced economic challenges in recent decades. However, current revitalization efforts aim to write a new chapter for this historic community. The city is working to attract developers and engage residents in shaping its future growth.
The community is characterized by a dense suburban feel, with most residents renting their homes. Wellston offers a variety of amenities, including bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, though many of these require vehicular or public transportation to access. The area’s population is predominantly African American, with a median age that is higher than the national average. Residents tend to have liberal political leanings.
Is it Safe to Live in Wellston?
Wellston faces significant challenges regarding crime rates. The overall crime rate is considerably higher than both the national and state averages. Property crime and violent crime rates are also elevated, leading to a severe crime risk assessment for the area.
The chance of being a victim of crime in Wellston varies by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing higher incident rates than others. The cost of crime per resident is also higher than the national and state averages. These statistics indicate that safety is a critical consideration for anyone contemplating a move to Wellston.
Crime Statistics
The crime rate in Wellston is 113.5 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This figure places Wellston significantly above the national average for crime rates. The city ranks in the 1st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 1% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Violent crimes are a particular concern, with a probability of 1 in 33 for residents (according to StatisNostics). Property crime also remains high, with a rate of 50.75 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). These statistics highlight a substantial risk of both violent and property-related offenses within the city limits.
Neighborhood Safety
Residents generally consider the south part of Wellston to be the safest area within the city. Conversely, your chance of being a victim of crime can range significantly by neighborhood, from 1 in 7 in the east to 1 in 12 in the south (according to CrimeGrade.org). The northeast parts of Wellston experience the most crime incidents annually, while the west part has the fewest.
The cost of crime per resident in Wellston is approximately $2,042 per year, which is substantially more than the national average (according to CrimeGrade.org). This financial impact underscores the pervasive nature of crime-related issues within the community.
Cost of Living and Housing in Wellston
Wellston offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in terms of housing expenses. The median home value is significantly below the national median, making it a more affordable option for prospective homeowners.
However, the housing market presents a mixed picture. While prices are low, the homeownership rate is also below the national average, suggesting that many residents rent their homes. The rent-to-income ratio indicates that a substantial portion of renters’ earnings goes toward housing costs.
Cost of Living
Everyday living expenses in Wellston, including goods, services, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities, are considerably below the national average (according to AreaVibes). This affordability can be a significant draw for individuals and families looking to reduce their monthly expenditures.
The cost of living score for Wellston is notably lower than the national average. This generally translates to more disposable income for residents or the ability to save more effectively.
Housing Costs
The median home value in Wellston is approximately $34,000 (as reported by Data USA), which is substantially lower than the national average of $332,700. This makes housing in Wellston highly affordable (according to Data USA, Niche).
The median rent in Wellston is $1,005 per month (according to Point2Homes). The rent-to-income ratio for renters is 42.2%, meaning a significant portion of their income is allocated to housing (according to Point2Homes).
Homeownership and Real Estate
The homeownership rate in Wellston is 49.3%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (according to Data USA). This suggests a higher proportion of renters in the city. The median property value has seen a decrease, standing at $34,000 in 2020 (according to Data USA).
The real estate market in Wellston is characterized by below-average home prices. While this offers affordability, it also indicates a potentially less stable market compared to areas with higher appreciation rates (according to AreaVibes).
Job Market and Economy in Wellston
Wellston’s job market is characterized by a mixed workforce, with a significant presence in healthcare, management, and administrative roles. The unemployment rate, however, is notably higher than the national average, presenting a challenge for job seekers.
Historically, Wellston was a hub for manufacturing, but many of these industries have since closed, impacting the local economy. Current efforts are focused on attracting new businesses and fostering job growth through initiatives like business incubators.
Employment and Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Wellston stands at 12.1% (according to Point2Homes), which is considerably higher than the typical healthy range of 4% to 5%. This high rate suggests fewer job opportunities and potential challenges for those seeking employment.
The employment rate in Wellston is currently 93.17% (according to BestNeighborhood.org). However, this figure represents the employed portion of the workforce, and the high unemployment rate still indicates economic strain.
Major Employers and Industries
The job market in Wellston is powered by 725 working residents. The most common employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance (386 people), Wholesale Trade (89 people), and Transportation & Warehousing (51 people) (according to Data USA).
Historically, major employers included Wagner Electric and General Electric, which provided thousands of jobs. Today, companies like GE, Community Choice Financial, Vi-Jon, and Federal-Mogul Powertrain operate in or near Wellston (according to Indeed.com). STLVentureWorks also supports small businesses and startups in the area (according to Metro Transit).
Income and Salary
The average annual household income in Wellston was $49,014 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes). The median household income was $44,957 (according to Point2Homes, Niche, Wellston Population 2026). This is below the national median household income of $80,734 (according to Niche).
The average salary in Wellston is approximately $26.42 per hour or $54,955 per year (according to ZipRecruiter). However, the median wage is reported as $52.2K per year (according to ZipRecruiter).
Climate in Wellston
Wellston experiences distinct seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. Summers are hot and muggy, while winters are cold with snowfall. The city has a moderate amount of annual rainfall, with the spring months typically seeing the most precipitation.
The climate is generally partly cloudy throughout the year. The area also experiences significant seasonal variation in daylight hours, with June having the longest days and December the shortest.
Temperatures
The hot season in Wellston lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 79°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows around 71°F (according to myPerfectWeather, Wellston Climate).
The cold season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 50°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 26°F and highs around 41°F (according to myPerfectWeather, Wellston Climate).
Rainfall and Snowfall
Wellston receives an average of 30.59 inches of precipitation annually (according to Wellston, MO – Climate and weather forecast by month). Rain falls throughout the year, with May typically having the most wet days (12.2 days) and January the fewest (5.2 days).
Snowfall occurs from January through March, and again in November and December. The city accumulates an average of 8.19 inches of snow per year (according to Wellston, MO – Climate and weather forecast by month). The annual precipitation is around 43 inches, with approximately 12 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education in Wellston
Educational opportunities in Wellston are provided through various public and private institutions. The former Wellston School District was closed and merged into the Normandy School District due to academic performance issues.
Currently, students in Wellston are served by districts like the University City School District and Normandy School District. There are also several private schools and specialized educational centers available within the city and surrounding areas.
Public Schools
The Wellston School District, which previously served the community, was closed in 2010 and merged into the Normandy School District (according to Wikipedia). This decision was made due to academic performance concerns, with the district having been unaccredited by the state since 2003.
Students in Wellston are now primarily served by surrounding school districts, including the University City School District, which has a rating of 4.03 out of 5 (according to Niche). The Normandy School District also serves parts of the area.
Private Schools and Ratings
Several private schools operate in or near Wellston, offering alternative educational options. These include MAP St. Louis, DaySpring Arts & Education, and Miriam School and Learning Center, which have received high ratings from Niche.
For example, DaySpring Arts & Education has an overall Niche Grade of B, with a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 (according to Niche). MAP St. Louis and Miriam School and Learning Center both have a 5 out of 5 rating on Niche.
Demographics and Population
Wellston has a population of approximately 1,628 residents (as of 2024, according to Point2Homes). The population is predominantly African American, making up about 96.5% of residents (according to Point2Homes, Wellston Population 2026). The median age in Wellston is 48.1 years (according to Point2Homes, Wellston Population 2026).
The racial makeup of Wellston is overwhelmingly African American, with smaller percentages of White, Asian, and multiracial populations. The gender distribution shows a higher percentage of females than males. The median age is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting an older population demographic.
Pros and Cons of Living in Wellston
Wellston offers a unique blend of characteristics, with notable advantages in affordability and a strong sense of community history. However, significant challenges exist in areas of safety, employment, and educational opportunities.
The city’s revitalization efforts present a potential for future growth and improvement, making it a place to watch for those interested in urban renewal and community development.
Pros
The cost of living in Wellston is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing expenses (according to AreaVibes). This affordability can make it an attractive option for those on a budget.
Wellston has a dense suburban feel and a rich history, with many pre-World War II buildings contributing to its unique character (according to NeighborhoodScout). The community is also working towards revitalization, indicating a proactive approach to improving the area.
Cons
Crime rates in Wellston are a major concern, being significantly higher than both national and state averages (according to CrimeGrade.org, StatisNostics). The high unemployment rate, currently at 12.1%, also poses economic challenges (according to Point2Homes).
The median household income is below the national average, and a substantial portion of families live in poverty (according to Niche, Wellston Population 2026). Educational outcomes have also been a challenge, with the former school district being closed due to academic performance issues (according to Wikipedia).