A Look Inside Ferguson, Missouri

— -- 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.

Looting, Vandalism After Vigil for Missouri Man Killed by Cop

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

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.

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.

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.