[Mulch]

St. Louis metro has two very bad areas that distort the statistics. North and East St. Louis(actually in Illinois) are akin to third world countries in terms of crime, poverty, unemployment, welfare, etc.
St. Louis is also one of the most racially segregated cities in US. Guess where the bulk of the crime is.

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

"North and East St. Louis(actually in Illinois) are akin to third world countries in terms of crime, poverty, unemployment, welfare, etc."

Had a buddy in 'Nam from East St. Louis--draftee just like me. He gladly reenlisted and became a lifer. "Ain't no way I'll ever go back there if I have any say 'bout it."