Is Ferguson Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ferguson

Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and community engagement. With a population of approximately 18,500 residents, the city provides a more relaxed pace of life while remaining conveniently close to the amenities of a major metropolitan area. Its motto, “Proud Past. Promising Future!”, reflects a community that values its history while looking toward continued growth and development.

The city’s location is a significant draw, situated just five minutes from Lambert International Airport and easily accessible via major interstates like I-70, I-170, and I-270. This strategic positioning makes commuting and travel convenient for residents and businesses alike. Ferguson has also seen substantial commercial development in recent years, signaling a commitment to economic vitality and enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.

Is it Safe to Live in Ferguson?

Ferguson’s crime rate is a significant concern for potential residents. The city experiences a crime rate of 82.85 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably higher than both the national and state averages (as reported by various crime statistics sources). This places Ferguson in the bottom percentile for safety when compared to other U.S. cities, indicating a much higher rate of crime than is typical.

Neighborhoods within Ferguson vary in their safety profiles, with residents generally considering the northeast part of the city to be the safest. However, the chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 9 in the southeast to 1 in 14 in the northeast. Property crime, particularly motor vehicle theft, is notably high in Ferguson, with rates significantly above national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The overall crime rate is considered much higher than the average U.S. city, earning it a low safety grade (as reported by Crime Explorer).

Housing and Cost of Living

Ferguson presents a compelling option for those seeking affordability in the housing market. The median home value in Ferguson is approximately $109,900 (as reported by Niche), and recent data indicates a median home value of $116,377 as of March 2026, which is down 3.9% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Other estimates place the median home value even lower, at around $91,800 (as reported by Livability.com). This makes homeownership in Ferguson significantly more accessible compared to the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Niche).

Rental costs in Ferguson are also relatively affordable. The average rent for an apartment is around $771 for a one-bedroom unit and $951 for a two-bedroom unit (as reported by Apartments.com). Other sources indicate an average rent of $821 (as reported by Livability.com) or $1,350 across all property types (as reported by Zillow). These figures are substantially lower than the national average rent, making Ferguson an attractive option for renters seeking to manage their housing expenses.

The overall cost of living in Ferguson is considered low, ranking among the lower-cost areas in Missouri (as reported by Niche). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it a budget-friendly place to reside. However, it’s important to note that some analyses categorize Ferguson as having a higher cost of living relative to global and national averages, with an average cost of living of $2060 per month (as reported by LivingCost.org).

Job Market and Economy

Ferguson’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and a workforce of approximately 8.34k individuals (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA). Major employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Transportation & Warehousing, and Manufacturing. The median earnings for those employed in Ferguson are reported around $44,497 for men and $36,617 for women (as reported by Data USA).

While the city has experienced a slight decline in employment by 1.88% between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA), there are ongoing efforts to foster economic growth. The Ferguson Special Business District actively works to promote downtown revitalization and attract new businesses. The area benefits from proximity to major transportation routes and a significant number of employees from nearby Fortune 500 companies and educational institutions.

The average annual salary in Ferguson is approximately $55,013 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salaries can vary widely by occupation, with some high-paying roles like RN in ICU, Landman, and AI Engineer reported (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For those working in logistics, a Warehouse Associate position at Ferguson Enterprises in Missouri earns an average of $19.95 per hour, which is 15% above the national average (as reported by Indeed).

Climate and Weather

Ferguson experiences a climate that can be described as borderline humid subtropical-continental. The summers are typically hot and humid, while the winters are cold with potential for snow (as reported by Wikipedia). The temperature throughout the year generally ranges from 23°F to 89°F, with extreme recorded temperatures of -19°F and 115°F (as reported by Wikipedia).

During the summer months, July and August are the hottest, with average high temperatures around 89°F and lows near 70°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Spring is generally the wettest season, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 40-42 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). Winter months can bring a mix of rain and snow, with January typically seeing the most snowfall, averaging around 3.5 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).

The air in Ferguson can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer, particularly from July to August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Despite the seasonal variations, the climate is generally considered to have moderate climate risk (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Schools

The Ferguson-Florissant School District serves the city of Ferguson, encompassing multiple public schools. However, the district faces significant challenges, with many schools performing poorly compared to state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district as a whole is ranked in the bottom 50% of Missouri school districts, holding a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

While the district struggles overall, Steam Academy At Msb High School is noted as a standout, consistently ranking among the top schools in the state with strong graduation rates and impressive test scores (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Conversely, elementary and middle schools in Ferguson generally perform poorly, with several ranking near the bottom of the state and exhibiting low proficiency rates on state assessments (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). For instance, Ferguson Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% for overall test scores, with math and reading proficiency rates significantly below the Missouri state average (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Minority enrollment is high within the district, with about 94% of the student body being of minority background, predominantly Black (as reported by Ferguson-Florissant R-II School District). This reflects the broader demographic makeup of Ferguson itself.

Demographics

Ferguson, Missouri, is a diverse city with a population of approximately 18,527 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial makeup is predominantly Black or African American, constituting about 69.1% of the population, followed by White residents at approximately 26.09% (as reported by World Population Review). This demographic shift has occurred over several decades, with the city transitioning from a majority-white population in earlier years to its current composition.

The median age in Ferguson is around 34.5 years (as reported by World Population Review), with a slightly higher proportion of females to males. The median household income is reported at $47,524 (as reported by Census Reporter), with a poverty rate of 24.19% (as reported by World Population Review). A significant portion of households, 53%, fall into the under $50K income bracket (as reported by Census Reporter).

Citizenship is high, with 99.6% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). While most residents speak English at home, the diversity of the population reflects various backgrounds and experiences within the community.