Ferguson, MO
Population 18,350 · Missouri
About Ferguson, MO
Ferguson is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 18,350 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,106 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ferguson features a median home value of $99,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ferguson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,066, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,777 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (4,099 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (4,293 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ferguson shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ferguson have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.7% of Ferguson residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ferguson Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Ferguson, MO
Compared to national averages, Ferguson has a median household income of $46,106 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,300, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,066 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Ferguson's income is 24% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 34% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Ferguson, MO?
Ferguson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,066/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,106) that falls below the national average. However, Ferguson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ferguson has a population of 18,350 with a median age of 36 years. Compare Ferguson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Ferguson
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 18,189 | $92,839 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Spanish Lake | 18,183 | $51,125 | $121,300 | Compare |
| Creve Coeur | 18,643 | $119,454 | $566,100 | Compare |
| Concord | 18,028 | $84,389 | $279,400 | Compare |
| Farmington | 17,999 | $49,882 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Lake St. Louis | 17,538 | $123,427 | $375,300 | Compare |
| Kirksville | 17,493 | $48,063 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Republic | 19,233 | $64,364 | $190,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ferguson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ferguson
What is the population of Ferguson, MO?
The population of Ferguson, MO is 18,350 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Ferguson?
The median household income in Ferguson, MO is $46,106 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ferguson?
The median home value in Ferguson, MO is $99,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ferguson?
The median monthly rent in Ferguson, MO is $1,066, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ferguson?
The unemployment rate in Ferguson, MO is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ferguson, MO a good place to live?
Ferguson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,350 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ferguson, MO?
21.7% of residents in Ferguson aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ferguson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ferguson, MO: median home value is $99,300 (59% below national), median rent is $1,066/month, and median household income is $46,106. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ferguson?
The poverty rate in Ferguson, MO is 24.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ferguson, MO?
Ferguson's population is 0.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 69.7% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.