A Look Inside Ferguson, Missouri

Missouri town is at the center of a cop shooting controversy.

ByABC News
August 12, 2014, 10:41 AM

— -- The images coming out of Ferguson, Missouri, this week have been shocking: police in riot gear lined up across from angry protesters, candlelight vigils held for an unarmed teen shot dead by a police officer, and tear gas filling the streets.

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But before the city of Ferguson was embroiled in turmoil over the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown, the city's majority of African-American, moderate-income residents were used to daily life consisting of summer concerts, July 4th parades, and a weekly food truck festival. Though the city has a high percentage of residents living below the poverty line, it also has a majority of residents who own their own homes.

Ferguson, Missouri, Fact Sheet

    Population
  • 21,203

    Size
  • 6.19 square miles

PHOTO: The Ferguson Police Department is seen here in this undated photo from Google Maps.
The Ferguson Police Department is seen here in this undated photo from Google Maps.

    Location
  • 12 Miles to downtown St. Louis, including Busch Stadium and the St. Louis Arch.
  • 5 Miles to St. Louis International Airport.

    Demographics
  • 15,115 adults
  • 6,088 children
  • 88 percent of residents have high school degree or higher; 23 percent have a Bachelor's Degree or higher.
  • Median income: $37,500, about $10,000 less than the Missouri state median.
  • Percent living below poverty level: 22 percent.

PHOTO: First Baptist Church of Ferguson, Mo. seen in this file photo.
First Baptist Church of Ferguson, Mo. seen in this file photo.

    Racial Breakdown
  • 14,297 African American
  • 6,206 White
  • 260 Hispanic
  • 187 Other

    Housing
  • 4,891 homes are owner-occupied.
  • 3,301 homes are renter-occupied.
  • Median home value of owner-occupied homes: $95,000.
  • Three properties use low-income housing tax credits, providing 22 units.

PHOTO: City Hall is seen here in this undated photo from Google Maps.
City Hall is seen here in this undated photo from Google Maps.

    Police Force
  • 53 officers.
  • 3 African American officers.
  • 3 female officers.
  • 2 Pacific Islander officers.
  • 1 Hispanic officer.

      • Features
    • January Wabash Park: an historical park that contains the most heavily fished urban lakes in Missouri.
    • Ferguson Station Depot: the historic rail and streetcar depot has been restored and acts as a town center.
    • Citywalk: Ferguson's downtown commercial district, with 10 blocks of retail and eateries and home to concerts, community festivals and art shows.

    Data from The City of Ferguson and the The U.S. Census Bureau.