When choosing a place to live, safety is a top priority. Not just for yourself, but for your family and loved ones. One often-overlooked aspect of community safety is the risk of dog bites. In the St. Louis area, understanding which neighborhoods report the most dog bite incidents can help residents stay informed and take precautions.
In this new study, our St. Louis dog bite injury lawyers at Meyerkord & Kurth analyzed dog bite case data from the official City of St. Louis government records to identify neighborhoods with the highest reported incidents. By exploring trends over time, we aim to provide insights into how these cases are changing and what steps can be taken to promote safety, awareness, and accountability. All data in this report is drawn from the most recent records of the City of St. Louis Department of Health’s Animal Care and Control section, including updates from March 28th, 2013 through July 23, 2025.
Key Findings
- Kings Oak and Cheltenham reported the highest rates of dog bites, with 78.3 and 73.26 bites per 10,000 residents, respectively.
- 2023 marked the highest number of dog bite cases in St. Louis in the past two decades.
- In 2024, St. Louis ranked 4th in the nation for dog attacks on mail carriers.
Navigate This Page
- Which St. Louis Neighborhoods Rank Highest in Dog Bite Incidents Per Capita?
- Total Dog Bite Incidents to Per 10,000 Populations
- Dog Bite Trends in St. Louis from 2013-2025
- St. Louis Dog Bites Per Year (2013-2025)
- How Do Dog Bite Cases Compare To Other Animal Incidents in St. Louis?
- Who Is Most at Risk of Being Bitten?
- What to Do If A Dog Bites You in St. Louis, MO
- Missouri Dog Bite Laws
- What Is The Statute of Limitations on a Dog Bite in Missouri?
- Why Does This Matter?
Which St. Louis Neighborhoods Rank Highest in Dog Bite Incidents Per Capita?
When looking at dog bite incidents in St. Louis by raw numbers, it’s easy to assume that the most populated neighborhoods always carry the greatest risk. However, analyzing dog bite data per 10,000 residents paints a clearer picture of where residents are most likely to encounter a dog-related injury.
| Neighborhood | Dog Bites | Population | Per Capita (10,000 residents) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kings Oak | 17 | 167 | 78.30 |
| 2 | Cheltenham | 120 | 1260 | 73.26 |
| 3 | Tiffany | 26 | 915 | 21.86 |
| 4 | Marine Villa | 62 | 2530 | 18.85 |
| 5 | Benton Park West | 101 | 4238 | 18.33 |
| 6 | Patch | 67 | 2842 | 18.13 |
| 7 | Fountain Park | 24 | 1075 | 17.17 |
| 8 | Baden | 122 | 5465 | 17.17 |
| 9 | Walnut Park West | 56 | 2561 | 16.82 |
| 10 | Gravois Park | 98 | 4683 | 16.10 |
| 11 | The Hill | 52 | 2487 | 16.08 |
| 12 | Walnut Park East | 56 | 2757 | 15.62 |
| 13 | College Hill | 25 | 1243 | 15.47 |
| 14 | Hyde Park | 45 | 2271 | 15.24 |
| 15 | Benton Park | 70 | 3581 | 15.04 |
| 16 | Academy | 45 | 2355 | 14.70 |
| 17 | Mark Twain | 60 | 3257 | 14.17 |
| 18 | Carondelet | 142 | 7734 | 14.12 |
| 19 | Dutchtown | 277 | 15356 | 13.88 |
| 20 | Bevo Mill | 210 | 11941 | 13.53 |
| 21 | Clifton Heights | 48 | 2836 | 13.02 |
| 22 | Franz Park | 38 | 2260 | 12.93 |
| 23 | Riverview | 4 | 242 | 12.71 |
| 24 | Princeton Heights | 120 | 7364 | 12.53 |
| 25 | Penrose | 85 | 5243 | 12.47 |
| 26 | Soulard | 60 | 3831 | 12.05 |
| 27 | Fairground Neighborhood | 18 | 1157 | 11.97 |
| 28 | Hamilton Heights | 34 | 2187 | 11.96 |
| 29 | Holly Hills | 56 | 3647 | 11.81 |
| 30 | Boulevard Heights | 131 | 8690 | 11.60 |
| 31 | Southwest Garden | 79 | 5245 | 11.59 |
| 32 | Compton Heights | 21 | 1396 | 11.57 |
| 33 | Forest Park Southeast | 52 | 3458 | 11.57 |
| 34 | Kingsway West | 39 | 2604 | 11.52 |
| 35 | Vandeventer | 30 | 2041 | 11.31 |
| 36 | The Greater Ville | 66 | 4545 | 11.17 |
| 37 | McKinley Heights | 24 | 1668 | 11.07 |
| 38 | Lafayette Square | 31 | 2164 | 11.02 |
| 39 | Southampton | 94 | 6647 | 10.88 |
| 40 | Shaw | 95 | 6919 | 10.56 |
| 41 | Ellendale | 19 | 1385 | 10.55 |
| 42 | Tower Grove South | 172 | 12719 | 10.40 |
| 43 | Hi-Pointe | 29 | 2151 | 10.37 |
| 44 | Old North St. Louis | 20 | 1488 | 10.34 |
| 45 | Lindenwood Park | 126 | 9387 | 10.33 |
| 46 | Tower Grove East | 76 | 5708 | 10.24 |
| 47 | Wells Goodfellow | 59 | 4473 | 10.15 |
| 48 | North Riverfront | 2 | 154 | 9.99 |
| 49 | Kingsway East | 32 | 2502 | 9.84 |
| 50 | North Pointe | 43 | 3396 | 9.74 |
| 51 | The Ville | 18 | 1427 | 9.70 |
| 52 | Downtown West | 63 | 5115 | 9.47 |
| 53 | Northampton | 92 | 7489 | 9.45 |
| 54 | Fox Park | 31 | 2545 | 9.37 |
| 55 | Mount Pleasant | 53 | 4376 | 9.32 |
| 56 | JeffVanderLou | 50 | 4209 | 9.14 |
| 57 | St. Louis Hills | 89 | 7516 | 9.11 |
| 58 | Botanical Heights | 14 | 1196 | 9.00 |
| 59 | O’Fallon | 50 | 4342 | 8.86 |
| 60 | Mark Twain I-70 Industrial | 10 | 902 | 8.53 |
| 61 | Near North Riverfront | 4 | 395 | 7.79 |
| 62 | West End | 62 | 6846 | 6.97 |
| 63 | DeBaliviere Place | 33 | 3651 | 6.95 |
| 64 | Clayton Tamm | 21 | 2348 | 6.88 |
| 65 | Lewis Place | 12 | 1359 | 6.79 |
| 66 | Visitation Park | 8 | 924 | 6.66 |
| 67 | Midtown | 58 | 6862 | 6.50 |
| 68 | Wydown Skinker | 9 | 1121 | 6.18 |
| 69 | Downtown | 40 | 5442 | 5.65 |
| 70 | Central West End | 122 | 16670 | 5.63 |
| 71 | The Gate District | 24 | 3419 | 5.40 |
| 72 | St. Louis Place | 16 | 2336 | 5.27 |
| 73 | Skinker DeBaliviere | 26 | 3899 | 5.13 |
| 74 | Columbus Square | 13 | 1978 | 5.06 |
| 75 | Covenant Blu-Grand Center | 15 | 3041 | 3.79 |
| 76 | LaSalle Park | 5 | 1088 | 3.54 |
| 77 | Peabody Darst Webbe | 8 | 2443 | 2.52 |
| 78 | Carr Square | 5 | 2236 | 1.72 |
According to reported incidents, Kings Oak tops the list with a rate of 78.30 bites per 10,000 residents, followed closely by Cheltenham (73.26). Even though Kings Oak has a much smaller population than most other neighborhoods, its high per capita rate suggests that each incident carries greater statistical weight, further indicating a disproportionately high occurrence of bites relative to its size.
* Data for 2013 starts March 28th; 2025 data is current through July 23, 2025
This pattern, along with similar trends in Cheltenham, may reflect a combination of dense pet ownership and other environmental or behavioral factors.
Total Dog Bite Incidents to Per 10,000 Populations
The map below displays the dog bite incidents in St. Louis included in our analysis. Use the zoom feature to explore specific areas, or select from the menu to view either total incidents or the rate per 10,000 people.
Dog Bite Trends in St. Louis from 2013-2025*
An analysis of dog bite cases in St. Louis from 2014 through 2025 reveals significant public safety trends. While incident numbers stabilized in the years following 2014, they remained consistently elevated, typically ranging between 300 and 500 annually. The sharp increase in 2022, peaking in 2023, indicates a growing concern for dog bite incidents in the city.
So far in 2025, reported cases are just below the 300 mark. If this upward trend continues through the remainder of the year, totals could surpass previous averages by year’s end.
St. Louis Dog Bites Per Year (2013-2025*)
| Year | Dog Bite Incidents |
|---|---|
| 2013* | 213 |
| 2014 | 348 |
| 2015 | 375 |
| 2016 | 358 |
| 2017 | 338 |
| 2018 | 336 |
| 2019 | 380 |
| 2020 | 416 |
| 2021 | 412 |
| 2022 | 420 |
| 2023 | 519 |
| 2024 | 427 |
| 2025* | 294 |
* Data for 2013 starts March 28th; 2025 data is current through July 23, 2025
Monitoring these trends over time is critical for allocating resources, shaping policies, and supporting initiatives in responsible pet ownership and animal control. However, the data underscores the ongoing need for targeted prevention and education efforts to reduce injuries and maintain community safety.
How Do Dog Bite Cases Compare To Other Animal Incidents in St. Louis?
Significantly, dog bites are more common in St. Louis than any other type of animal bite incident. This means residents are more likely to encounter aggressive or unrestrained dogs than cats or wild animals such as raccoons, snakes, or bats. Because these incidents occur most frequently in certain neighborhoods, being aware of these areas can help residents and visitors take extra precautions, such as avoiding unfamiliar dogs, supervising children closely, and reporting stray or aggressive animals to local authorities.
This awareness isn’t just about prevention; it’s also about reducing the severity of potential injuries, ensuring faster medical treatment, and improving community safety through timely reporting and responsible pet ownership.
Who Is Most at Risk of Being Bitten?
While anyone can be bitten by a dog, certain groups are at a significantly higher risk. Children, especially those under 10, are among the most common victims. Due to their smaller size and lack of understanding about how to safely interact with animals, kids are more likely to suffer serious injuries, often to the face or neck. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that over 50% of dog bite victims are children, making it crucial for parents to educate their kids on safe behavior around dogs, even family pets.
St. Louis Ranks 4th in Nation for Dog Attacks on Mail Carriers in 2024
Another high-risk group is mail carriers and delivery workers. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), St. Louis ranked 4th in the nation for reported dog attacks on mail carriers in 2024, with 47 incidents recorded. Nationwide, USPS documented over 5,800 incidents involving dogs and their employees that year.
Below are the top 5 U.S. cities where USPS mail carriers experienced the most dog bite incidents:
| Rank | City | # of Dog Bites or Attacks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles, CA | 77 |
| 2 | Houston, TX | 65 |
| 3 | Chicago, IL | 57 |
| 4 | St. Louis, MO | 47 |
| 5 | Cincinnati, OH | 44 |
These figures highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and increased awareness, especially when expecting deliveries.
What to Do If A Dog Bites You in St. Louis, MO
Seek medical attention right away, even if the bite appears minor, as dog bites can lead to serious infections or complications. It’s also important to report the incident to St. Louis Animal Control and collect details about the dog and its owner, including contact information and vaccination records if possible. Be sure to document any injuries you sustained, such as:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations or deep cuts
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
Keep thorough records of all medical treatment, photographs of your injuries, and any communications related to the incident. You may also want to consult a dog bite attorney who is experienced in St. Louis dog bite cases and can guide you through your legal options.
Reporting A Dog Bite to Animal Control
In St. Louis, all dog bites should be reported to Animal Control immediately. This ensures the dog is evaluated for rabies, aggressive behavior, and vaccination status. Provide details such as the date, location, dog description, owner contact (if known), and any witnesses.
- St. Louis City: Call (314) 622-4800 or use the online Citizen’s Service Bureau form.
- St. Louis County: Call (314) 615-0650.
Filing a report not only protects public safety but also creates an official record that can support your legal case.
Missouri Dog Bite Laws
Missouri follows a combination of strict liability and common law negligence when it comes to dog bite incidents. Generally, a dog owner can be held responsible if their dog bites someone without provocation, especially if the person was legally on the property or in a public space.
Under Missouri law, if a dog bites someone in a public place or someone lawfully on private property, the owner may be automatically liable, even if the dog has no history of aggression. This strict liability provision means that the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s temperament may not matter in these circumstances. However, in some cases, if the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, they can be held accountable under common law negligence principles.
What Is The Statute of Limitations on a Dog Bite in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for a dog bite personal injury claim is 5 years from the date of the incident. This means a victim has up to 5 years to file a lawsuit against the dog owner for injuries sustained from the bite.
The five year time frame begins on the date the dog bite occurs, giving victims a defined window to pursue legal action. However, even though the law allows five years, filing sooner is strongly recommended. Evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and photos of injuries are much easier to collect and preserve shortly after the dog bite incident occurs in St. Louis.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding which neighborhoods in St. Louis have higher rates of dog bite incidents is more than just an interesting statistic; it’s a crucial step toward improving community safety. This awareness empowers residents to take preventative measures, such as supervising children around unfamiliar dogs, following leash laws, and reporting dangerous animals promptly. It also equips victims with the knowledge that they are not alone and have options for seeking justice and compensation.
By staying informed and proactive, residents can help create safer streets and parks for everyone. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, knowing your rights and contacting an experienced St. Louis dog bite injury attorney at Meyerkord & Kurth can be the first step toward holding negligent owners accountable.