There are several things to note about Wellston's population, including its history and current state. The city has a strong community vibe and many businesses thrive. The Vi-John Laboratories, General Electric Lamp factory, Levin Brothers Poultry Co, and others are making a positive impact on the region. Some of these companies are even planning modest expansions. Residents of the city also feel that the town is getting a bad rap from people in St. Louis.
The city has few major roads. The Wellston station, located at 6402 Plymouth Avenue, is the MetroLink station for Wellston. There are 243 park and ride spaces. The Rock Road station is located at 7019 St. Charles Rock Road. The station serves about 1,569 passengers a day. The Normandy Schools Collaborative is responsible for the public education in the city. Several other schools are located in the city, including the Wellston High School.
The Wellston population declined nearly half a century ago. The city's school system struggled to improve its state ratings. The crime rate in the city has risen to over 17 percent. As a result, the city's population has decreased dramatically. According to the St. Louis County Police Department, the city reported 661 crimes in 1980, with eight-and-a-half out of every hundred homes being burglarized.
The current mayor of the city is Johnnie L. Henderson, a strong-willed leader, but the city's history is rich in controversy. The city's streets and parks have been improved by federal funding, while the town's old streetcar tracks have been buried under asphalt. Some neighborhoods resemble Dickens' London. A thriving business district once thrived, the city's former downtown area has fallen on hard times.