Is Spanish Lake Safe, Pros and cons of living in Spanish Lake

Spanish Lake, Missouri, offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and community-focused living. This St. Louis County census-designated place provides residents with a distinct atmosphere, characterized by its established neighborhoods and a diverse population. As you consider a move to this area, understanding its key attributes—from safety and cost of living to local amenities and job opportunities—will be essential in making an informed decision.

The community has a history rooted in agriculture, evolving over time into a residential area with a mix of housing types. Spanish Lake’s demographic landscape is varied, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. This profile aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Spanish Lake, covering essential aspects for potential new residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Spanish Lake?

Crime Overview

Spanish Lake experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported at 90.68 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This places Spanish Lake in the 1st percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than only 1% of U.S. cities, but less safe than 99% (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Violent crime rates are also a concern, with a rate of 7.007 per 1,000 residents (according to CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $1,319 annually, which is significantly higher than both the national and Missouri state averages (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with fewer incidents reported there compared to the southern neighborhoods (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Understanding Crime Statistics

When evaluating safety, it’s important to look at specific crime types. Violent crimes in Spanish Lake are reported to be 61% higher than the national average, while property crimes are 38% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). There is a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Spanish Lake (according to AreaVibes).

Recent data indicates that shootings have been a notable concern, making up about 50% of reported crimes in a recent three-month period. Other reported crimes during that time included assaults, with no robberies or burglaries recorded (according to SpotCrime).

Pros and Cons of Living in Spanish Lake

Demographic Snapshot

Spanish Lake is home to approximately 17,900 residents (as of 2024) (according to Data USA). The population is predominantly African American, making up about 80.3% of residents, with White residents comprising about 14.1% (according to Data USA and Niche). The median age in Spanish Lake is 33 years (according to Data USA).

The community has a higher poverty rate than the national average, with 14.8% of the population living below the poverty line (according to Data USA). Females aged 25-34 represent the largest demographic living in poverty (according to Data USA).

Economic Landscape

The median household income in Spanish Lake was approximately $55,920 in 2024 (according to Data USA and Point2Homes). However, the median income for households led by residents aged 25 to 44 is considerably lower, around $41,667 (according to Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Spanish Lake is reported at 7.2% (according to Point2Homes), which is higher than the national average.

Key employment sectors for residents include healthcare and social assistance, accommodation and food services, and administrative and support services. Major employers in the broader St. Louis region include large corporations like Centene, Edward Jones, and Enterprise Mobility, indicating a diverse job market in the wider area (according to Greater St. Louis, Inc.).

Housing and Cost of Living

The median property value in Spanish Lake was around $135,600 in 2024 (according to Data USA). The homeownership rate is 49.2%, which is lower than the national average (according to Data USA). The average rent for an apartment in Spanish Lake is approximately $999 per month, with a decrease of 4.51% over the past year (according to RentCafe).

Spanish Lake is generally considered more affordable than the national average. The cost of living is about 14% less expensive than the national average, with more affordable costs for food, transportation, and housing (according to ERI). However, healthcare costs are less affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Precipitation

Spanish Lake experiences a humid subtropical climate. The average annual temperature hovers around 58.05°F (14.47°C) (according to Climate-Data.org). Summers are warm, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 86.7°F (30.39°C), while winters are cold, with average low temperatures in January dropping to approximately 26.1°F (-3.28°C) (according to Climate-Data.org).

The area receives an average of about 1.86 inches of precipitation annually (according to Climate-Data.org), spread across roughly 44 rainy days per year (according to Climate-Data.org). May and April typically receive the most rainfall, with about 6.97 inches in May (according to WorldWeatherOnline).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, with average highs in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. Winters can be harsh, with average temperatures below freezing and occasional snowfall. The community’s climate is characterized by distinct seasons, providing a varied weather experience throughout the year.

The average annual snowfall is around 17 inches (according to Livability.com), and average annual rainfall is about 41 inches (according to Livability.com). Humidity levels can be moderate to high, particularly during the summer months.

Education and Community Resources

School District Information

Spanish Lake is served by various public schools. While specific school ratings for Spanish Lake itself are not detailed in the provided data, nearby school districts are often evaluated by platforms like Niche and GreatSchools. For instance, Spanish Lake Elementary School in Florida is noted for its B grade and strong test scores (according to Homes.com and Niche).

It is advisable for prospective residents to research the specific school districts and individual schools serving their intended neighborhoods within Spanish Lake. Factors such as student-teacher ratios, test proficiency rates, and overall school ratings from sources like Niche can provide valuable insights into educational quality.

Community Amenities and Demographics

Spanish Lake is a suburban neighborhood with a population density that supports a community feel. The area has a diverse population, with a significant African American demographic. None of the households in Spanish Lake reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language (according to Data USA).

The community is characterized by a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes, with many residences built between 1940 and 1969 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Spanish Lake has a vacancy rate of 11.1%, which is above the U.S. average, suggesting a potential abundance of available housing (according to NeighborhoodScout).