Vacant properties have become a major concern in St. Louis, draining city resources and significantly lowering home values in impacted neighborhoods.
In 2024, the city will spend $21 million annually to manage the growing issue, which includes demolition, mowing overgrown lots, and responding to public safety calls.
With an estimated 24,000 vacant parcels, nearly all situated north of the Delmar Divide, the city is taking aggressive action to curb this longstanding issue.
The Scope of the Problem
The scale of vacant land in St. Louis is staggering. While only 4% of land south of Delmar remains vacant, a whopping 40% north of Delmar is empty or abandoned.
This geographic disparity highlights the uneven economic development and historical neglect of North St. Louis neighborhoods.
Economic Impact on Homeowners
According to city data, these vacant properties are costing residents an estimated $310 million in unrealized wealth.
Homeowners in areas affected by widespread abandonment face falling property values, which not only impacts their net worth but also weakens neighborhood stability and investment potential.
Breakdown of Annual Costs and Responsibilities
The city’s annual $21 million expenditure will go toward the following efforts:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Allocation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mowing/lot maintenance | $5 million | Prevent overgrowth and maintain neighborhood appeal |
| Demolition of structures | $8 million | Remove dangerous, dilapidated buildings |
| Public safety services | $6 million | Respond to fires, vandalism, and illegal dumping |
| Administrative & staff | $2 million | Inspections, enforcement, and planning |
| Total | $21 million | Annual cost to manage vacant parcels |
Property Tax Losses and City Revenue Decline
Besides the direct maintenance costs, St. Louis is losing $25 million each year in uncollected property taxes due to these vacant parcels.
With homes sitting empty and often deteriorating beyond repair, property assessments plummet, leading to massive tax revenue shortfalls. These funds are vital for schools, public infrastructure, and other city services.
Policy Shift: Proposition V Amendment
In a landmark move, St. Louis voters passed Proposition V in November, eliminating fine limits for owners of vacant properties.
This new enforcement measure is expected to motivate property owners—particularly out-of-town investors—to either maintain their properties or face increased financial penalties.
This legislative change empowers the city to hold absentee landlords accountable, which city officials hope will speed up the cleanup and repurposing of blighted lots.
Future Plans and Recommendations
The city is expected to release its final policy recommendations regarding vacant land management next month. These may include:
- Incentives for redevelopment
- Land banking strategies
- Increased funding for affordable housing
- Public-private partnerships for revitalization
With growing public and political will to act, city leaders are optimistic that coordinated action can help reclaim large swaths of abandoned land.
Community and Neighborhood Revitalization
Beyond numbers, vacant properties impact real lives. Abandoned buildings attract crime, decrease curb appeal, and foster hopelessness among residents.
A city-led investment of $21 million annually could restore more than just buildings—it could rebuild trust, improve safety, and bring economic revival to long-neglected neighborhoods.
St. Louis is taking a bold step toward revitalizing its neighborhoods by investing $21 million each year to address the vacant property crisis.
With tens of thousands of parcels sitting unused, the city faces a massive challenge—but also a unique opportunity.
Through stronger enforcement, community involvement, and equitable planning, St. Louis aims to transform these urban scars into community assets.
As the city prepares to unveil its next round of strategies, residents and investors alike are watching to see how this ambitious effort unfolds.