Ferguson, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,213
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,524/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,335
-4.5% year-over-year change

Ferguson population

How many people live in Ferguson

Ferguson is home to 18,213 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of Ferguson locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
18,213
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
8,240
Female
54.8%
9,973
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,240 45.2% -4.1%
Female 9,973 54.8% 2.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ferguson is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.5% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.9% of the population, while another 21.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.5%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
31.9%
45 to 64
21.6%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,913 21.5% 4.6%
15 to 24 1,975 10.8% -3.5%
25 to 44 5,810 31.9% 3.4%
45 to 64 3,942 21.6% -7.8%
Over 65 2,573 14.1% -3.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ferguson, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 26.1% of locals are Caucasian, 69.1% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,913 98.4% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 219 1.2% 37.7%
Non-citizens 81 0.4% 170.0%
Racial breakdown
White
26.1%
Black or African American
69.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.3%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 4,752 26.1%
Black or African American 12,585 69.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0%
Asian 22 0.1%
Two or more races 599 3.3%
Other 252 1.4%

Households in Ferguson

A peek inside Ferguson households

Ferguson has 8,097 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.1% are families, while the remaining 45.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,097
-3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,714
Family households
4,383
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,714 45.9% -8.2%
Family households 4,383 54.1% 0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ferguson

The housing landscape of Ferguson

Ferguson's housing consists of 9,335 units, with 70.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,335
-4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,619 70.9%
1 unit, attached 325 3.5%
2 units 382 4.1%
3 or 4 units 615 6.6%
5 to 9 units 813 8.7%
10 to 19 units 211 2.3%
20 to 49 units 162 1.7%
50 or more units 189 2%
Mobile home 19 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ferguson

In Ferguson, the median construction year is 1957. About 15.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,463 15.7% -7.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,215 13% 1.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,881 30.9% -9.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,089 22.4% 5.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 835 8.9% -3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 275 3% -2.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 153 1.6% 4.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 310 3.3% -16.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 114 1.2% -34.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ferguson occupancy rates

Out of the 8,097 occupied housing units in Ferguson, 48.2% are owner-occupied, while 51.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,097
-3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,193
Owner occupied
3,904
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,193 51.8% -2.3%
Owner occupied 3,904 48.2% -4.8%
Unoccupied housing units
13.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ferguson housing costs

Housing costs in Ferguson come to a median of $1,083 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,119.

Median housing costs per month
$1,083/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ferguson
$1,119/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ferguson

Ferguson education at a glance

About 44.1% of the population in Ferguson went to high school, while 25.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 13.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 347 2.6% -0.9%
High school diploma 5,934 44.1% -4.8%
College diploma 3,428 25.5% -3.0%
Associate degree 951 7.1% 6.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,851 13.8% -4.4%
Graduate degree 948 7% 1.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ferguson

How much people earn in Ferguson

The average annual household income in Ferguson was $63,253 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,524, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ferguson
$63,253/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ferguson
$47,524/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Ferguson income by age

In Ferguson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,068. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,063 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,951, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,629 in earnings. Overall, 76.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,951 N/A
25 - 44 $40,068 -2.2%
45 - 64 $59,063 3.6%
Over 65 $51,629 2.5%
Above poverty level
13,541
Below poverty level
4,252
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,541 76.1% 0.3%
Below poverty level 4,252 23.9% -3.5%

Average renter income in Ferguson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ferguson, their median household income was $36,175 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,175
Rent-to-income ratio
37.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ferguson

Workforce and job types in Ferguson

The job market in Ferguson is powered by 8,338 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.3% run their own businesses, 72.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,338
-1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
6,492
Blue collar
1,846
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,492 77.9% 0.1%
Blue collar 1,846 22.1% -8.4%
Employer type
Self employees
4.3%
Private companies
72.8%
Governmental workers
13.7%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 358 4.3% -22.0%
Private companies 6,071 72.8% 0.2%
Governmental workers 1,140 13.7% -11.3%
Not for profit companies 769 9.2% 10.2%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
-9.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ferguson stands at 5.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ferguson

How people get around in Ferguson

Commuting methods vary: 73.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,884 73.1% -4.2%
Taxicab 10 0.1% -63.0%
Bus or trolleybus 468 5.8% 2.4%
Subway or elevated 35 0.4% N/A
Railroad 19 0.2% 26.7%
Motorcycle 16 0.2% -27.3%
Bicycle 16 0.2% N/A
Walk 54 0.7% -41.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ferguson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
63135 18,381 7,997 $52,328 $67,653
63136 40,929 17,457 $41,154 $54,436

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Ferguson demographics 

What is the total population of Ferguson?

Ferguson has a total population of 18,213 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ferguson?

The gender ratio in Ferguson is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (8,240 residents)
  • 54.8% females (9,973 residents)

What is the median age in Ferguson?

The median age in Ferguson is 34.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ferguson?

The age distribution in Ferguson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.5% (3,913 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (1,975 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.9% (5,810 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.6% (3,942 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (2,573 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ferguson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ferguson is as follows:
  • White: 26.1% (4,752 residents)
  • Black or African American: 69.1% (12,585 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (22 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.3% (599 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (252 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ferguson are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Ferguson.

How many housing units are there in Ferguson?

There are 9,335 housing units in Ferguson, reflecting a -4.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ferguson and what is the average household size?

Ferguson has a total of 8,097 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ferguson?

Ferguson has a median household income of $47,524, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ferguson?

The employment rate is 94.1% in Ferguson, with a workforce of 8,338 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.9% (6,492 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.1% (1,846 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.3% (358 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.8% (6,071 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.7% (1,140 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (769 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025