Median Income
$35,208
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,900
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
871/100K
129% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.2%
91% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.3%
112% higher than US avg
How Ruby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population180
Median Age52.0 yrs
Density26/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$35,208
Per Capita$21,637
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty26.3%
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,900
Ownership84.7%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units120
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent871/100K
Property2,348/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured12.8%
Smoking27.9%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease8.2%
Climate
Avg Temp26°F (-3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain13.9 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation576 ft (176 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.2%
High School+76.0%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute11 min
Broadband85.0%
Is Ruby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ruby receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Ruby has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ruby is $35,208, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 26.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ruby is $72,900, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 871 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,348 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
3.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Ruby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F. Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.9 inches, including 77.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Ruby has a population of 180 with a density of 26 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 52.0 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.6% female and 59.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (98.3%), with 1.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.7% of residents, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.0yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.7%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.3%
16% below US avg
The median household income in Ruby is $35,208, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,637 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 148 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,208 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,637 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,724 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% |
| 112% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 148 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 37.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Ruby is $72,900, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 120 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,900 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.3% |
| Housing Units | 120 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
In Ruby, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 36.9% have high blood pressure. 27.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 12.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Ruby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.9% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.9% |
| 99% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.1% |
| Uninsured | 12.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 68.2% |
| Dental Visits | 48.4% |
Food & Exercise
Ruby has a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 residents, 129% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,348 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. Overall, Ruby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ruby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 870.8/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,348.0/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ruby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 70°F. The area gets 274 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 13.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 77.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 576 feet.
Temperature
-10°F Jan (-23°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 26.0°F |
| 52% below US avg |
| January Average | -10°F (-23°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 576 ft (176 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.7233°N, 155.5005°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
225 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.9"
63% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.95"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
171 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 25, 2025.
| Feb 3, 2000 |
northern Alaska |
M5.6 |
68 km |
| Jun 4, 2001 |
54 km SSW of Tanana, Alaska |
M5.1 |
147 km |
| Jan 6, 2019 |
61 km WNW of Tanana, Alaska |
M5.1 |
129 km |
| Nov 5, 1997 |
19 km ENE of Ruby, Alaska |
M4.9 |
21 km |
| Apr 8, 2019 |
64 km WNW of Tanana, Alaska |
M4.8 |
125 km |
| Mar 2, 2023 |
44 km W of Lake Minchumina, Alaska |
M4.7 |
146 km |
| Sep 6, 2019 |
65 km SSW of Tanana, Alaska |
M4.6 |
150 km |
| May 17, 1999 |
15 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M4.5 |
144 km |
| Jan 10, 2001 |
54 km SW of Hughes, Alaska |
M4.4 |
114 km |
| Oct 5, 2002 |
95 km N of McGrath, Alaska |
M4.4 |
102 km |
| Apr 30, 2021 |
40 km SSW of Tanana, Alaska |
M4.3 |
148 km |
| Sep 13, 1998 |
26 km S of Nulato, Alaska |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Apr 22, 1996 |
54 km SSW of Tanana, Alaska |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| Nov 30, 2000 |
Central Alaska |
M4.1 |
143 km |
| Sep 3, 1994 |
46 km SW of Hughes, Alaska |
M4.1 |
119 km |
| Nov 21, 2000 |
26 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.9 |
135 km |
| Jun 25, 2022 |
70 km N of Lake Minchumina, Alaska |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
54 km SW of Hughes, Alaska |
M3.9 |
108 km |
| Aug 16, 2001 |
89 km NW of Lake Minchumina, Alaska |
M3.9 |
91 km |
| Aug 11, 2014 |
70 km SSW of Tanana, Alaska |
M3.9 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MIDDLE YUKON FIRES (407,461 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
MIDDLE YUKON FIRES |
407,461 |
40 km |
| 2004 |
BONANZA CREEK |
241,856 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
HOLTNATKATNA CREEK |
204,488 |
53 km |
| 1990 |
KUK 11 |
201,033 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
HOLTNAKATNA |
180,266 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
CAMP CREEK |
94,290 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
DULBI RIVER |
84,988 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
CAMP CREEK |
81,840 |
69 km |
| 2005 |
EAST FORK YUKI RIVER |
79,220 |
61 km |
| 2015 |
BERING CREEK |
76,296 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
LONG CREEK |
73,270 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
DONUT |
72,355 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
NOWITNA |
53,735 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
RADIO CREEK |
46,165 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
SULATNA RIVER |
44,423 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
BERING CREEK 2 |
43,846 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
DULBY HOT SPRINGS |
43,493 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
LITTLE MUD |
43,011 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
COFFEE CAN LAKE |
41,717 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
GLACIER |
37,893 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-10°F (-23°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
44°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
44°F (7°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
7°F (-14°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
-3°F (-19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Ruby has a seasonal temperature swing of 70°F / from -10°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.0") and May the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Ruby. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby
What is the population of Ruby?
Ruby has a population of 180 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 26 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.6% female and 59.4% male.
Is Ruby expensive to live in?
Ruby has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $35,208, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,900 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ruby safe?
Public safety is a concern in Ruby, with a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ruby receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ruby?
Ruby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winter temperatures average -10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.9 inches, with 77.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Ruby?
The job market in Ruby is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,724. There are 148 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ruby?
The median home value in Ruby is $72,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 84.7%.
How are the schools in Ruby?
Schools in Ruby have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.2% of adults in Ruby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.0% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ruby?
The obesity rate in Ruby is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.9% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 12.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Ruby?
The average commute in Ruby is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 37.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ruby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ruby is 1.7% White, 98.3% Hispanic or Latino. 88.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 30.9% of residents have a disability. 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
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