St. Louis, Missouri, has been named the best city for singles to live in, but it also carries the grim distinction of having one of the highest homicide rates in the United States.

According to a recent analysis by the online rental platform Zumper, St. Louis ranks at the top for singles due to its compelling mix of factors that include a vibrant social scene and an affordable cost of living.

The city was evaluated based on various criteria such as the size of its single population, affordability, social opportunities, and the strength of its job market. Despite its challenges, St. Louis emerged as a prime location for singles seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The city’s affordable housing, a stable job market, and a bustling nightlife contribute significantly to its appeal, making it an attractive destination for those navigating the single life.

Crystal Chen, one of the report’s co-authors, highlighted, “St. Louis offers a unique blend of affordability, nightlife, and entertainment options per capita,” as she explained the findings to CNBC.

‘All of that combined really offers an appealing and social opportunity for singles,’ she added.

While nearly half its population single, St Louis ranks top five nationally for evening entertainment, but also holds one of the highest murder rates in the US.

St Louis’s homicide rate was one of the highest in the country at 57.9 per 100,000 residents in 2024, NewsNation reported.

This harrowing statistic is approximately 11 times higher than the national homicide rate.

Downtown St Louis view of the Gateway Arch, this city was voted as the top spot for mingling singles

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (pictured)  as the city holds the title for one of the highest homicide rates in the country

Aerial view of Henderson, Nevada, at sunset, this city was voted as one of the worst US locations for singles

Despite this, the homicide rate has dropped almost 50 percent since 2020, following Missouri Gov Mike Kehoe’s bill to govern the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

‘It’s 50 percent reduction from what we were in 2020. I call that progress very difficult,’ police Chief Robert Tracy told NewsNation in August.

‘Of the 85 murders that we have right now, you try to tell a family member a crime is being reduced, in their world, it isn’t because they’ve lost a loved one.’

St Louis still remains the champion of Zumper’s list despite it’s violent history.

Henderson in Nevada was named as the worst location to be living alone as the ‘least single-friendly’ city in the country, despite it’s vast growing population.

With a population over 350,000, Henderson, just southeast of Sin-City, is called ‘safe, easily-accessible, and charming heart of Southern Nevada,’ according to it’s website.

‘As a suburban community outside Las Vegas, Henderson tends to attract more families and couples rather than singles looking to date or socialize,’ she told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. 

St. Louis, Missouri, USA downtown cityscape with the old courthouse at dusk, it’s homicide rate was one of the highest in the country at 57.9 per 100,000 residents in 2024

The bustling Missouri city for mingling singles holds one of the highest murder rates in the US 

Henderson’s suburban community tends to attract more families and couples rather than singles looking to date or socialize

In response to the study, a city spokesperson praised Henderson, writing in an email: ‘The City of Henderson has long been recognized for its exceptional safety and outstanding quality of life.’

‘In our most recent community survey, more than 90 percent of residents said Henderson is a great place to live and raise a family,’ the spokesperson added.