Westboro, MO

Westboro is a small town located in the southwestern corner of St. Louis County. The population was 1,812 at the 2010 census. The town is bordered by Florissant to the north, Kirkwood to the east, Ferguson to the south and Hazelwood to the west.

The town was founded in 1859 and named for Westboro Baptist Church, which is located just outside of town on Highway 160. The church is best known for its anti-gay stance and protests against funerals of military personnel and other public events. In 2002, members of Westboro Baptist Church picketed the funeral of Matthew Shepard, a gay man who had been killed in Wyoming two years earlier.

Westboro is home to several small businesses including a grocery store, gas station and convenience store. There are also several churches in Westboro including First Presbyterian Church (established in 1868), Grace Lutheran Church (established in 1924) and Christ United Methodist Church (established in 1957).

The economy of Westboro depends largely on agriculture which includes cattle ranching, soybean farming and corn production. In addition there are several small businesses that provide services to farmers such as crop insurance agents, tractor dealerships and feed stores. There has been some growth in recent years with new businesses opening including a dental office, massage therapist business and a pet grooming salon. However much of this growth is due to people moving into Westboro from surrounding towns rather than new businesses being established specifically in Westboro itself.

The median household income was $51,000 per year according to 2010 census data which makes it one of the wealthier towns in St Louis County. This high income level is likely due to both the presence of large agricultural operations as well as relatively low unemployment rates which were 4% as of May 2012 . While there are no major employers located within Westborough itself there are several small businesses that provide services to farmers or support local economic activity such as trucking companies that transport goods between farms and markets outside of town . Despite its wealth however there are some challenges facing Westborough including high levels Of poverty (27% according to 2010 census data) , low levels Of educational attainment (only 17% Of residents have at least a bachelor's degree) , high levels Of crime (including violent crime) ,and limited access To affordable housing . These challenges can be seen most clearly when looking at demographics: while nearly half Of residents over age 25 have at least some college education , only 17% Of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher indicating that many residents face significant barriers To accessing quality education And career opportunities . In addition while poverty rates are high there appears To be little social stigma associated with being poor In contrast many other areas Of St Louis County where poverty rates are higher tend To experience greater social stigma associated with poverty . As a result many families who live In Poverty feel isolated from their community And struggle To find resources They need To improve their lives .