Missouri town is at the center of a cop shooting controversy.
By
COLLEEN CURRY
August 12, 2014, 10:41 AM ET
• 3 min read
— -- 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.
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
21,203
6.19 square miles
12 Miles to downtown St. Louis, including Busch Stadium and the St. Louis Arch.
5 Miles to St. Louis International Airport.
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.
14,297 African American
6,206 White
260 Hispanic
187 Other
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.
53 officers.
3 African American officers.
3 female officers.
2 Pacific Islander officers.
1 Hispanic officer.
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.