Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Located in the state of Illinois, East St. Louis is a moderately-sized city with a population of 27,033 people. With a total of 97%, the Black or African American racial group makes up the majority of the population in East St. Louis. The next most represented races are 2% White and 0% Asian. East St. Louis is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 29% married, this city falls well below the national average. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in East St. Louis, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in East St. Louis, Illinois could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in East St. Louis and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare East St. Louis to Illinois and the national average.
With a livability score of 69 out of 100, East St. Louis is ranked #8,245 in the United States and #401 in Illinois. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that East St. Louis ranks very well for housing (A-). There are some categories that East St. Louis scores poorly for, including: amenities (D), crime (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In East St. Louis, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 23.72% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making East St. Louis an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The East St. Louis market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in East St. Louis is actually affordable. The median home price for East St. Louis homes is $96,566, which is 68.7% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in East St. Louis, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 22.9% lower than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | East St. Louis | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.1% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.9% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.4% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.7% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.2% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
Most Dangerous States In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Illinois
See the best places to live in East St. Louis