Is Breckenridge Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Breckenridge Hills
Is it Safe to Live in Breckenridge Hills?
Breckenridge Hills faces significant challenges regarding safety, with crime rates considerably higher than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is 88.7% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This statistic is largely driven by property crimes, which are 74.1% higher than the national average, and violent crimes, which are 165.6% higher than the national average (AreaVibes).
The risk of becoming a victim of crime in Breckenridge Hills is substantial. There is a 1 in 102 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, and an overall 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of any crime (AreaVibes). These figures place Breckenridge Hills in the bottom 10% of U.S. cities for violent crime, earning it a reputation as a dangerous area (AreaVibes). While some neighborhoods may offer a slightly better safety profile, with the south part of the city generally considered the safest, the overall risk remains elevated across the community (CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living
Breckenridge Hills offers a more affordable cost of living compared to the national average. Overall expenses are 18% lower than the national average (Payscale). This affordability is largely influenced by housing costs, which are significantly lower than the national benchmark.
Housing expenses in Breckenridge Hills are 56% lower than the national average (Payscale). The median home value is approximately $92,700 (Kurby AI), a stark contrast to the national median home value of $350,000 (Kurby AI). This makes homeownership a more accessible goal for many residents.
Utilities are also more affordable, costing 6% less than the national average (Payscale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are 10% lower than the national average (Payscale). Grocery prices are slightly lower as well, coming in at 3% below the national average (Payscale). Healthcare costs are comparable to the national average, showing no significant difference (Payscale).
Housing Market
The housing market in Breckenridge Hills is characterized by its affordability, with a median listing price of $109,950 (Realtor.com®) and a median home value of $124,338 (Zillow). These figures represent a significant decrease in home prices compared to the previous year, with a median sale price down 37.1% in February 2026 (Redfin). This downward trend suggests a buyer’s market, with opportunities for those looking to purchase a home.
The market currently has a modest inventory, with around 10 to 15 homes for sale at any given time (Realtor.com®, Zillow). Homes are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 25 days on the market in February 2026 (Redfin). The price per square foot has seen an increase, rising by 20.31% year-over-year (Realtor.com®).
Rental prices in Breckenridge Hills are also competitive. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $825 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,175 per month (Trulia). Two-bedroom houses tend to rent for about $1,000, and three-bedroom houses have median rents around $1,400 (Rentometer).
Job Market and Economy
The economic landscape of Breckenridge Hills presents a mixed picture, with a median household income that is below the national average but offset by a lower cost of living. The median household income in Breckenridge Hills is approximately $49,198 (Kurby AI), which is below the national average. However, the significantly lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of residents.
Employment in Breckenridge Hills is primarily concentrated in sectors such as Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (Data USA). Key job groups include Material Moving Occupations, Construction & Extraction Occupations, and Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations (Data USA). While specific major employers within Breckenridge Hills are not detailed, the broader St. Louis area offers diverse employment opportunities across various industries (Kurby AI).
The unemployment rate in Breckenridge Hills is reported at 7.1% (Niche), which is higher than the state average. The average pay for employees in Breckenridge Hills was $38,351 in 2024 (stltoday.com). The poverty rate stands at 25.9% (Niche), indicating a notable portion of the population facing economic challenges.
Climate
Breckenridge Hills experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 25°F to 89°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside of this range (myPerfectWeather). The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 79°F (myPerfectWeather). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 72°F (myPerfectWeather).
The cold season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures falling below 50°F (myPerfectWeather). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 25°F and highs of 41°F (myPerfectWeather). The area experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with May being the wettest month, averaging 4.1 inches of rain (myPerfectWeather). January sees the least rainfall, averaging 1.5 inches (myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 14 inches annually (myPerfectWeather).
Education
Information on school ratings specifically for Breckenridge Hills is limited. However, broader data for the area indicates a range of educational options. Niche provides ratings for public elementary schools, with some receiving high marks, such as North Side Community School and Old North Academy, both rated 5 out of 5 (Niche). Other schools, like Atlas Elementary, have lower ratings (Niche).
For high schools, ratings vary. Hiram Neuwoehner High School has a low rating of 1.67 out of 5, while Grand Center Arts Academy High School and North Tech High School have higher ratings of 3.91 and 3.82 out of 5, respectively (Niche). The Special School District of St. Louis County, which serves the area, has an overall rating of 3 out of 5 (Niche).
Demographics
Breckenridge Hills is a city with a population of approximately 4,458 residents as of the 2020 census (Wikipedia). The population is projected to be around 4,326 in 2026 and is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.48% (Data USA). The median age in Breckenridge Hills is 37.7 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (Kurby AI).
The racial composition of Breckenridge Hills is diverse. As of 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents make up a significant portion, followed by Hispanic or Latino and Black or African American residents (Data USA). Other demographic data indicates White at 47%, Hispanic at 22%, and African American at 18% (Niche). A notable percentage of residents, around 17.7%, were born outside the United States (Data USA).
Citizenship rates are lower than the national average, with 87.9% of residents being U.S. citizens as of 2024 (Data USA). The poverty rate in Breckenridge Hills is 25.9% (Niche), which is considerably higher than the national average. This economic factor is a significant aspect of the community’s demographic profile.
Pros and Cons of Living in Breckenridge Hills
Breckenridge Hills offers a compelling blend of affordability and suburban living, making it an attractive option for certain residents. The significantly lower cost of living, particularly in housing, stands out as a major advantage. With median home values well below the national average, homeownership is more attainable for many.
However, the community grapples with considerable safety concerns. Crime rates are substantially higher than national and state averages, posing a significant risk to residents. This elevated crime rate is a critical factor for anyone considering a move to Breckenridge Hills.
The job market presents a mixed outlook, with a median household income below the national average, although this is somewhat mitigated by the lower cost of living. Educational options are varied, with some schools receiving good ratings, but the overall quality can be inconsistent. The diverse demographics of Breckenridge Hills contribute to a rich cultural tapestry, but the poverty rate is a notable concern.
Major Employers
While specific major employers within Breckenridge Hills are not explicitly listed, the community benefits from its proximity to the broader St. Louis metropolitan area, which offers a diverse job market. Key employment sectors for Breckenridge Hills residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (Data USA). Job groups frequently held by residents are in material moving, construction, and food preparation (Data USA).
The St. Louis area’s economic landscape includes a wide array of industries, providing a substantial base of employment opportunities. Major employers in the wider region often include large healthcare systems, retail corporations, and manufacturing firms. For instance, healthcare is a significant sector in West Central Missouri, with hospitals like Golden Valley Memorial Hospital being substantial employers (Osage Valley Electric Cooperative).
Other industries in the broader Missouri region include manufacturing, with companies such as TC Transcontinental Packaging and Schreiber Foods (Osage Valley Electric Cooperative). Additionally, companies like Arm & Hammer also contribute to the employment base in nearby areas (Osage Valley Electric Cooperative). For those seeking employment, exploring opportunities within the greater St. Louis area would be beneficial.