In 2006, St. Louis was rated the most dangerous city in the United States. Violent crimes increased by10.3% compared to 2005, 3.95% compared to Midwest region, and 3.7% compared to the nation. Rape increased an frightening 66% compared to 2005. To put this in perspective; 2004 St. Louis census estimates a population of approximately 350,000, 44% Caucasian, 51% African American, 2% Hispanic and 2% Asian. The Per capita personal income for 2004 was $34,735.

In light of St. Louis’ new classification, we must also explore its affects on our youth. To do this we will compare our data to that of the state of Missouri. Missouri boast of 857,667.39 students, with a 94% attendance rate for 2006, St. Louis proper has 35,821 students with a 83% attendance rate. Of these students there were 2,224 disciplinary incidents at 5.6 incidents per 100 students in St. Louis. This number is up from 3.8 per 100 in 2005. Moreover for the state of Missouri the incident rate was 2.1 per 100 in 2006. Even more alarming, the drop out rate for students in St. Louis has increased from 13% in 2005 to 18.7 % in 2006; 15% Asian, 18% black, 25% Hispanic, and 23% White. This rate is demonstratively larger than the rate of 4% drop outs in Missouri; which lends to a 62% St. Louis graduation rate and a 87% Missouri graduation rate.