Is Black Jack Safe, Pros and cons of living in Black Jack

Is it Safe to Live in Black Jack?

Black Jack, Missouri, presents a complex picture regarding safety. The overall crime rate in Black Jack is significantly higher than the national average, with some sources indicating it is 310% above the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Violent crimes are also elevated, being 9% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents have a notable chance of becoming a victim of crime, estimated at 1 in 50 annually (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, crime statistics can vary by neighborhood within Black Jack. Some reports suggest that the north and southeast parts of the city are considered safer by residents (as reported by AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org). While the overall crime rate is a concern, understanding these localized differences might offer a more nuanced view for potential residents.

Crime and Safety Statistics

Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate in Black Jack is a significant concern, with figures indicating it is substantially higher than the national average. One report states the violent crime rate is 4.403 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Another source estimates the violent crime rate at 1,584.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 316% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

This elevated rate means residents face a higher risk of becoming victims of violent crime. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is estimated at approximately 1 in 63 per year (as reported by DoorProfit). Neighborhoods within Black Jack show varying risks, with some areas having a higher chance of victimization than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Property Crime

Property crime rates in Black Jack also exceed national averages, contributing to the overall crime concerns in the city. Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in Black Jack, aligning with national trends (as reported by DoorProfit). The estimated property crime rate is 8,599.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 369% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Residents have a considerable chance of experiencing property crime, with estimates suggesting a 1 in 12 chance per year (as reported by DoorProfit). Larceny/theft is identified as the most common crime, with an estimated rate significantly above the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

General Safety and Rankings

Black Jack’s safety can be characterized by its low ranking compared to other U.S. cities. The city has a safety grade of D- as of 2026, indicating elevated crime levels (as reported by DoorProfit). It ranks in the 7th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 7% of cities nationwide (as reported by AreaVibes).

The cost of crime per resident in Black Jack is also higher than both the national and state averages. This translates to tangible costs for the community, including criminal justice system expenses, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders (as reported by AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living

Overall Affordability

Black Jack, Missouri, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average. The overall cost of living is approximately 8% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to various essential expense categories, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.

This lower cost of living means that residents’ incomes can stretch further, potentially allowing for a higher standard of living or greater savings. The affordability index for Black Jack is not explicitly stated, but the overall lower cost suggests a favorable economic environment for residents (as reported by Kurby AI).

Housing Costs

Housing expenses in Black Jack are a significant factor in its overall affordability, being substantially lower than the national average. Housing costs are 37% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). The median home value in Black Jack is reported around $193,000, which is considerably less than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA).

Rental costs also reflect this affordability. The median gross rent in Black Jack is approximately $1,166 per month (as reported by Point2Homes), and other sources place the average rent around $1,943 per month (as reported by Zillow, RentCafe). These figures are generally lower than national averages for rent, making Black Jack an accessible option for renters as well.

Other Expenses

Beyond housing, other everyday expenses in Black Jack are also generally lower than the national average. Utility prices are 6% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are also reduced by approximately 10% compared to the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Groceries in Black Jack are 3% cheaper than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Healthcare costs are on par with the national average, showing no significant difference (as reported by PayScale). These combined savings across various categories contribute to Black Jack’s appeal as an affordable place to live.

Job Market and Economy

Employment and Unemployment

The unemployment rate in Black Jack, Missouri, is a point of consideration for those looking to relocate. The unemployment rate is reported at 6% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is higher than the typically considered “healthy” range of 4% to 5%. Another source indicates a higher unemployment rate of 10.2% among residents aged 16 or older who are in the labor force (as reported by Census Reporter).

This unemployment rate suggests that job prospects in the immediate area might be more competitive. However, the broader St. Louis metropolitan area offers a more diverse job market, which can be accessible to Black Jack residents.

Major Employers and Salaries

Information on specific major employers within Black Jack itself is not readily available. However, as a suburb of St. Louis, residents likely have access to employment opportunities within the larger metropolitan area’s diverse economic landscape. The average annual household income in Black Jack was reported as $89,498 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), with a median household income of $78,331 (as reported by Data USA, World Population Review, Livability.com). The per capita income for the city was $49,427 (as reported by World Population Review).

The average salary in Black Jack, as of April 2026, is $25.41 per hour, equating to approximately $52,850 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries can vary widely depending on occupation and experience, with most salaries falling between $33,250 and $68,700 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Economic Trends

Black Jack’s economy, like many areas, experiences fluctuations. The median household income has seen an increase, with a reported 18.8% shift in median income over a recent period (as reported by Point2Homes). The homeownership rate in Black Jack is high, at 78.1%, which is above the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Despite the higher unemployment rate, the median home value has seen an increase, suggesting some stability or growth in the local real estate market. The cost of living being lower than the national average also contributes to the economic well-being of residents.

Climate

Temperature

Black Jack, Missouri, experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The temperature typically varies between 25°F and 89°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 8°F or exceeding 96°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The hot season, from late May to mid-September, brings average daily high temperatures above 79°F.

July is the hottest month, with average highs around 88°F and lows of 71°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). Conversely, the cold season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 50°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 25°F and highs of 40°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).

Precipitation and Rainfall

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year in Black Jack, with some seasonal variation. The month with the most rainfall is typically May, averaging about 4.1 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The least rainy month is January, with an average of 1.5 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).

The area experiences a wet season from late March to mid-September, with a greater than 28% chance of a wet day (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). May averages about 12.1 wet days. The drier season spans from mid-September to late March. The annual precipitation is around 42 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Seasonal Conditions

Summers in Black Jack are hot and muggy, while winters are very cold, snowy, and windy (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The year-round weather is generally partly cloudy (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months of July and August (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The clearest part of the year is typically from mid-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 (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).

Schools and Education

Public School Districts

Black Jack, MO, is served by the Hazelwood School District, a public school district in Florissant, MO (as reported by Niche, Homes.com). The district encompasses multiple schools catering to various grade levels. Niche provides ratings for school districts, with Hazelwood School District receiving an overall rating of 3.57 out of 5 based on numerous reviews (as reported by Niche).

While Hazelwood School District serves Black Jack, other nearby districts like Ferguson-Florissant R-II School District also operate in the broader region. These districts are evaluated based on state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality, among other factors (as reported by Niche).

School Performance and Ratings

Individual schools serving Black Jack receive varied ratings. For example, North Tech High School has a rating of 3.82 out of 5, while Hazelwood Central High School has a rating of 3.35 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Central Middle School, located in Florissant, MO, and serving Black Jack, has an overall Niche grade of C- (as reported by Niche).

State test scores for Central Middle School indicate that 14% of students are proficient in math and 12% in reading (as reported by Niche). These figures provide insight into the academic performance within the local school system.

Educational Attainment

The educational profile of Black Jack residents shows a range of academic achievements. Approximately 32.8% of the population has attended high school, and 26.2% have pursued college studies. Further academic pursuits include 8.6% holding associate degrees and 16.2% with bachelor’s degrees, while 15.4% have earned master’s or doctorate degrees (as reported by Point2Homes).

This distribution indicates a population with a solid foundation in education, with a significant portion having engaged in higher education. The median age in Black Jack is 42.7 years (as reported by Point2Homes), suggesting a mix of experienced and educated residents.

Demographics

Population and Diversity

Black Jack, Missouri, is home to a population of approximately 6,589 residents, according to recent census data (as reported by Data USA, Point2Homes, World Population Review). The population has seen a slight decline, with projections indicating a continued trend of decreasing numbers (as reported by World Population Review, Kurby AI).

The racial makeup of Black Jack is predominantly Black or African American, representing about 88.7% of the population. White residents constitute about 9% of the population, with smaller percentages for other racial groups and those identifying with two or more races (as reported by World Population Review, Kurby AI).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Black Jack is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median age (as reported by Point2Homes, World Population Review). The population distribution shows approximately 20.2% are children under 15, and about 24% are under 18 (as reported by Point2Homes, Census Reporter). A significant portion of the population, around 23.3%, falls into the 45-64 age bracket, with another 23.3% being 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Gender-wise, 46% of Black Jack locals are male, and 54% are female (as reported by Point2Homes). For every 100 females, there are approximately 85.3 males (as reported by World Population Review).

Household and Family Composition

Black Jack consists of approximately 2,683 households, with an average of 2.5 people per household, aligning with the national average (as reported by Point2Homes, Census Reporter). A majority of households, about 71%, are family-led, which is above the U.S. average (as reported by Census Reporter).

The homeownership rate in Black Jack is notably high, at 78.1%, exceeding the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a strong tendency for residents to own their homes rather than rent.