Median Income
$60,119
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,500
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
269/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.6%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$876
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
30% lower than US avg
How Rusk Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,332
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density737/mi²
Male / Female72% / 28%
Largest GroupWhite 52%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,119
Per Capita$15,931
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty8.7%
County GDP$2,080M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$153,500
Rent$876
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$205,969
Crime
F
Violent269/100K
Property1,509/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault234/100K
Burglary359/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain50.1 in/yr
Elevation540 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+68.8%
School Score5.05
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute26 min
Libraries3
Is Rusk a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rusk receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Rusk has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rusk is $60,119, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rusk is $153,500, 46% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $876 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rusk is below the national average at 269 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,509 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.
Education
8.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rusk enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Rusk has a population of 5,332 with a density of 737 people per square mile. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (52.1%), with 29.7% Black.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 85.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Spanish | 14.5% |
| 8% above US avg |
The median household income in Rusk is $60,119, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,119 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,931 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $983 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,120 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 906 |
| County GDP | $2,080M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 130 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,873 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Work from Home | 25.1% |
The median home value in Rusk is $153,500, 46% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $876 (25% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,969.
Home Values
| Census Median | $153,500 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,969 |
| Median List Price | $120,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $120,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $118 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 13.0% |
| Inventory | 23 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $876 |
| 25% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $895 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,175 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,451 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,606 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,873 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.48% |
In Rusk, 36.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 22.1% report depression. 31.3% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Rusk vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.3% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,652/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Rusk has a violent crime rate of 269 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,509 per 100,000 (23% below US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Rusk vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 269.5/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 35.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 233.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,509.2/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| Burglary | 359.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,060.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 89.8/100K |
| Arson | 18.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rusk has an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 50.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.9°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 50.1 inches |
| 32% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 540 ft (165 m) |
| Area | 7.2 sq mi (18.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 737/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.7978°N, 95.1488°W |
| County FIPS | 48073 |