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Ferguson, MO

Photo: Wikipedia

Ferguson, MO

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Demographics

Predominantly BlackSimpson's Diversity Index: 45
Population18,350
Foreign Born0.2%
Population Density2,975people per mi²
Median Age36.0 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
DecliningSince 2010, this city's population has declined but racial composition has been relatively stable.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
A-
Great

A high quality of life with strong walkability, manageable living costs, healthy neighborhood signals, and solid amenity access.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

69/100

31% below national average

A+

The Real Cost of Living in Ferguson, Missouri

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $17k$32k
Comfortable $27k$39k
Luxury $80k+$124k+
Elite (Top 5%) $94k+$146k+
Affordability Ratio

117%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean89%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
20
Positive
40
Poor
3
Negative
4

Groceries

5 within 10 miles

0.6mi

Gas

20 within 10 miles

0.8mi

Hospital

20 within 20 miles

3.1mi

Airport

Indianapolis International Airport

224.3mi

Post Office

USPS — Ferguson, MO

0.7mi

Critical Amenities

Golf7Nearest 3.6 mi
Camping16Nearest 10.4 mi
Marina0Nearest 10.9 mi
Winery0Nearest 10.1 mi
Ice Rink1Nearest 9.6 mi
Gun Range1Nearest 8 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
F
Distressed

A low-income area with significant economic hardship. Household wealth and educational attainment are well below national averages.

Median HHI
$46k-2.8%
39% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$217k
67% below US avg
College Educated
21.7%
38% below US avg
WFH
14.5%
1% above US avg
Homeownership
48.8%
25% below US avg
Median Home
$99k
65% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
F
High Risk

Significantly higher crime rates than 85% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
45.1
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
+9.7%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr+21.8%
Homicide
0.50 / 1k Residents617% above state avg
Robbery
0.95 / 1k Residents125% above state avg
Aggravated Assault
8.98 / 1k Residents177% above state avg

Property Crime

5yr−2.4%
Burglary
6.19 / 1k Residents180% above state avg
Larceny-Theft
19.01 / 1k Residents70% above state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
8.59 / 1k Residents195% above state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: D+29Solidly Liberal

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Ferguson, Missouri
Dem Rep
20%30%40%50%60%70%80%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B+
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
B-
Fair9.3% of income
Property Rights
C
FairIJ Grade C
Firearm Rights
A-
GreatFPC Grade A-
Homeschooling
A+
GreatNo notice required

Energy independence: Importer (15% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A-
OpenFarm sales legal
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Growing Season199 days279 frost-free
Annual Rainfall59.9"
Elevation561 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
D+
Vulnerable

Multiple tactical vulnerabilities. Population density, target proximity, or disaster risk are likely compounding. A retreat property and exit planning is required.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
D-
Poor9.9 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
D-
Poor2,975/sq mi
Fallout Danger
C
Weak3 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
F
PoorHeat Wave, Inland Flooding, Earthquake, Cold Wave, Hail
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 514 mi · coast 569 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$752.7M/yrfor the county

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-21T10:43:02.000Z

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