Smithton is a family oriented community in St. Clair County
About 20 miles southeast of Saint Louis , Smithton is a village of about 4,000 in St. Clair County. Its quiet, rural surroundings have attracted new residents for decades, even as neighboring communities like Belleville saw a population decline. “It’s quiet here,” says Pastor Robert Endsley of the village’s First Baptist Church. “Crime’s increasing all over, but you really don’t see it here.” Smithton has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. Educational opportunities, proximity to jobs and local camaraderie also appeal to potential homeowners with families. “We have a sense of community, good schools and excellent amenities for a village of our size," says George Liyeos, Smithton's village administrator.
New housing developments popped up in the 2000s
Lots surrounding the village center are generally a quarter-acre or smaller, with minimal front lawns and backyards shaded with mature trees. Many houses have driveways leading to attached garages, though street parking remains popular. Some neighborhoods have sidewalks that connect them to commercial zones around Main Street. Homes here are typically from the early to mid-20th century and priced between $180,000 and $230,000. New developments began on the north and south sides during the early 2000s, creating contemporary neighborhoods with New Traditional homes. Lots here are generally a quarter-acre or larger. These newer houses typically sell between $330,000 and $550,000, depending on amenities.
Belleville High School East's basketball teams made the playoffs
Smithton Elementary School teaches kindergarten through eighth grade and has an A-minus from Niche. Older students can attend Belleville High School East, which has a B-plus. In 2024, the high school’s football team made the playoffs, while its boys and girls basketball teams made their respective playoffs in 2025.
Fishing, hiking and baseball are popular with locals
Smithon Park attracts residents from spring to fall with walking trails, a fishing pond, baseball fields and a skate park. Anglers are fond of Draabs Lake, where they cast lines searching for bass, catfish and crappie. Formerly a coal mining site, St. Clair County’s Foley Park now serves the community with a baseball field, fishing ponds and picnic pavilions.
Local restaurants serve smash burgers and ice cream
Shopping options line Main Street, including locally owned businesses, restaurants and grocery stores like Dollar General Market. With a full bar and TVs always tuned to the latest game, Pete’s Hard-Stop has all the makings of a classic sports bar and grill. Wings and smash burgers are on the menu, and every Wednesday is poker night. Not content to sell nothing but sweet stuff, Walton’s Ice Cream has a full menu that includes BBQ nachos, chili dogs and chicken salad. But the local favorites remain the concrete milkshakes, sundaes and dipped cones.
Live events are hosted at The Roost and Turner Hall
Live music of every genre frequently plays at local venues like The Roost. The Smithton Turner Society dedicates itself to family oriented celebrations and events, hosting community picnics, holiday parties and trivia nights at Turner Hall.
St. Louis and Scott Air Force Base are less than half an hour away
The village is centered around State Route 159, its main street leading to St. Louis and Scott Air Force Base, 20 and 16 miles away, respectively. The closest hospital is Memorial Hospital Belleville, about 12 miles north.
