East St. Louis, IL Crime Rate & Safety

East St. Louis, IL has a crime safety grade of F as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 752% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 34 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 6 chance for property crime. East St. Louis has higher crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

East St. Louis has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of F. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting East St. Louis is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in East St. Louis is 2,982.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 683% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 36.4 per 100K (629% above average); aggravated assault at 2,284.9 per 100K (752% above average); robbery at 403.9 per 100K (447% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in East St. Louis is 15,636.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 753% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 6 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 2,356.3 per 100K (773% above average); larceny/theft at 10,666.2 per 100K (661% above average); vehicle theft at 2,613.5 per 100K (720% above average).

East St. Louis's overall crime rate is 752% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (773% above average), while robbery is 447% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, East St. Louis has higher crime than 100% of them.

Visitors to East St. Louis should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 753% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

Illinois as a whole has crime that is 3% above the national average. East St. Louis's crime rate is 752% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Illinois city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in East St. Louis, with an estimated rate of 10,666.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 661% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (15,636 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (2,983 per 100K) in East St. Louis, which is consistent with national trends.