Everything You Should Know Before Moving to East St Louis, IL
Considering a move to East St Louis, IL? With a population of around 17,400, this city offers some of the most affordable housing in the region, with median home prices near $54,000 and rents averaging $750. While the cost of living is low, crime rates are significantly higher than average, so researching neighborhoods is important. Commute times are short at about 25 minutes, and the area sees a good amount of sunshine. Education options include public and private schools plus community college access, making it a budget-friendly option for those prioritizing affordability.
Demographics - East St Louis, IL
Demographics - East St Louis, IL
East St Louis is home to approximately 17,400 residents, with a predominantly Black community making up 96% of the population. The city has a youthful median age of 34.1 and a population density of 2,600 people per square mile, creating a close-knit urban environment.
Population:
17,400
Density:
2,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
2.0%
Black:
96.0%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in East St Louis, IL?
East St Louis offers an exceptionally low cost of living, with a median home value of just $54,000 and average rent at $750. Everyday expenses—such as utilities and groceries—are below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$54,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$860
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.0
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
31.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is East St Louis, IL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in East St Louis are notably high, with a violent crime rate of 2,400 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 42 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is also prevalent, making it important for newcomers to carefully research neighborhoods and take safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,600
Crime Index:
7,000
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 42
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 22
Weather
What is the weather like in East St Louis, IL year-round?
Residents of East St Louis experience four distinct seasons, with hot summers reaching highs near 89°F and cold winters dropping to around 23°F. The city enjoys about 60% sunny days annually and receives moderate rainfall, averaging 41.5 inches each year.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The median household income in East St Louis is $26,400, with a relatively high poverty rate of 31.5% and an unemployment rate of 15.3%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are under 25 minutes, making daily travel manageable.
Median Income:
$24,200
Household Income:
$26,400
Family Income:
$30,000
Per Capita Income:
$16,100
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$22,200
Poverty Rate:
31.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
15.3%
Public Transport Usage:
9.5%
Commute Time:
24.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.6%
Bachelors or More:
8.5%
Education
How are the schools in East St Louis, IL?
East St Louis offers a range of educational options, including public schools like East St Louis Senior High School, private institutions, and nearby access to higher education through Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Southwestern Illinois College. Class sizes are moderate, and local schools serve students from elementary through college levels.

Public Schools
Name:
East St Louis Senior High School
Street:
4901 State St
Phone:
618-646-3700
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Mason/Clark Middle School
Street:
5510 State St
Phone:
618-646-3500
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7

Private Schools
Name:
Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School
Street:
8213 Church Ln
Phone:
618-397-0316
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (East St Louis Center)
City:
East St Louis
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Name:
Southwestern Illinois College
City:
Belleville
State:
IL
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
9,000
Healthcare
East St Louis residents have access to general and surgical hospitals like Touchette Regional Hospital, with 89% of the population covered by health insurance. The area offers basic healthcare services, and there are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Touchette Regional Hospital
Address:
5900 Bond Ave, East St Louis, IL 62207
Phone:
(618) 332-3060
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Memorial Hospital Belleville
Address:
4500 Memorial Dr, Belleville, IL 62226
Phone:
(618) 233-7750
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in East St Louis, IL?
The housing market in East St Louis is highly affordable, with a median home price of $54,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $750. Around 40% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation and some rental vacancies, making it accessible for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$54,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
40.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.6%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility, conveniently located on State Street in East St Louis. Residents can handle licensing and registration needs both in person and online through the state website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
4519 State St, East St Louis, IL 62205
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.