Is St. Robert Safe, Pros and cons of living in St. Robert
Is it Safe to Live in St. Robert?
St. Robert, Missouri, presents a mixed picture regarding safety. The city experiences a property crime rate of 23.77 per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade.org). Overall crime rates in St. Robert are reported to be 21% lower than the national average, with violent crimes also being 10% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). However, another source indicates that St. Robert has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to communities of all sizes, with a chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime at one in 30 (NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in St. Robert occurs at a rate of 3 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is higher than in most communities of all sizes in America (NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, occur at a rate of 31 per 1,000 population (NeighborhoodScout). While some sources suggest St. Robert is safer than a significant percentage of U.S. cities, others highlight a higher-than-average crime rate, particularly for property crimes.
Pros and Cons of Living in St. Robert
Cost of Living
St. Robert offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living index is reported to be 97, meaning it is 3% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Housing costs are particularly affordable, with a cost of living index for housing at 1% higher than the national average (AreaVibes), and a median home value of $231,890 (Zillow). Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,093, and for a family of four at $4,738 (Salary.com).
However, some expense categories are slightly above the national average. Food expenses run 5.2% above average (Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are 13.0% lower than the national average (Salary.com). Overall, St. Robert is considered one of America’s least expensive cities (Salary.com).
Housing Market
The housing market in St. Robert is characterized by relatively affordable prices. The median home value is approximately $231,890, showing a 4.8% increase over the past year (Zillow). The median list price is around $265,000, with homes selling for about 98% of their list price (realtor.com®). Homes typically go pending in about 30 days (Zillow).
Rental prices are also competitive. The average rent in St. Robert is $1,075 per month (Zillow). For apartments, the average rent is $835 per month, with studios averaging $545, one-bedrooms at $835, and two-bedrooms around $909 (Apartments.com). Rent has seen a year-over-year increase of 10.4% (Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
St. Robert’s economy is significantly influenced by its proximity to Fort Leonard Wood, which is the region’s largest employer (City Of St Robert). Fort Leonard Wood employs thousands of military personnel and civilians, including Department of Defense civilians and other support staff (City Of St Robert). Beyond the military installation, major employers in the area include Walmart, Lowe’s Home Improvement Store, and the Waynesville R-VI School District (City Of St Robert).
The leading industries in St. Robert are Accommodation and Food Services, Retail, Banking, Finance and Insurance, and Education (ZoomProspector). The city has a labor force of 3,602 people, with an unemployment rate of 3.44% (townfolio.co). The average civilian wage in the region is approximately $44,871 per year (City Of St Robert).
Climate
St. Robert experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Temperatures typically range from 21°F to 90°F throughout the year (myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 67°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs of 43°F and lows of 22°F (myPerfectWeather).
The city receives an average annual precipitation of 47 inches, including rain and melted snow (myPerfectWeather). May typically sees the most precipitation, averaging around 5 inches. The area can experience uncomfortably humid conditions during the summer months, specifically from July to August (myPerfectWeather).
Schools
The public schools in St. Robert are generally well-regarded. Freedom Elementary School, for instance, has an overall Niche grade of A- and is rated among the top elementary schools in Missouri (Niche). State test scores indicate that 49% of students are proficient in math and 49% in reading at Freedom Elementary (Niche).
Other public schools in the area also receive positive ratings. For example, some schools in St. Robert have an overall Niche grade of B+ (Niche). The Waynesville R-VI School District, which serves the area, is also a significant employer in St. Robert (City Of St Robert).
Demographics
As of the most recent census data, St. Robert has a population of 5,192 (US Census Bureau). The median age in the city is 30.3 years, with a notable percentage of residents under 18 (28.3%) and a smaller percentage aged 65 and older (7.6%) (US Census Bureau). The gender distribution is nearly equal, with slightly more males than females (100.9 males per 100 females) (US Census Bureau).
The racial makeup of St. Robert includes a majority White population, with significant percentages of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents (US Census Bureau). Approximately 92.2% of residents live in urban areas, while 7.8% reside in rural areas (US Census Bureau).