Median Income
$32,765
56% lower than US avg
Home Value
$226,700
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
384/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.9%
27% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$819
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.7%
49% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.2%
79% higher than US avg
How Ruston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population22,224
Median Age23.8 yrs
Density1,049/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 48%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$32,765
Per Capita$21,929
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty22.2%
County GDP$2,777M
Commute14 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$226,700
Rent$819
Ownership36.7%
Zillow$222,018
Housing Units9,151
Rent Burden41.2%
Crime
F
Violent384/100K
Property3,057/100K
Murder13.6/100K
Assault325/100K
Burglary474/100K
Health
Obesity47.7%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking20.3%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain55.6 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation296 ft (90 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.9%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+15.7%
School Score4.90
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute14 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Ruston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ruston receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ruston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ruston is $32,765, 56% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 22.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ruston is $226,700, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,057 per 100,000, 56% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Ruston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Ruston has a population of 22,224 with a density of 1,049 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 23.8 years, 39% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (48.2%), with 4.3% Hispanic, 42.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.3% of residents, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.8yrs
Median Age
39% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.3%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.7%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Ruston is $32,765, which is 56% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,929 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $889, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,509 business establishments, including 120 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,765 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,929 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $889 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,490 |
| Gini Index | 0.524 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,509 |
| County GDP | $2,777M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 120 |
| Healthcare | 163 |
| Retail | 177 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,888 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
The median home value in Ruston is $226,700, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,018. Homes sell for 93.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $819 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 36.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 9,151 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,888 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 41.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.9x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $226,700 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,018 |
| Median List Price | $277,250 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $277,250 |
| $/Sq Ft | $161 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.2% |
| Price Drops | 20.7% |
| Inventory | 58 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $819 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,153 |
| Rent Burden | 41.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 36.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 36.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 63.3% |
| Housing Units | 9,151 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,888 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.27% |
In Ruston, 47.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 44.3% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 34.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,505. The dentist ratio is 1:2,406. 75.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
6.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
7.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.7
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
142.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Ruston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.7% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.3% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.8% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 44.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,505 |
| Dentists | 1:2,406 |
| Mental Health | 1:215 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.4% |
| Dental Visits | 52.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,122/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 163 |
Ruston has a violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 325.1 per 100,000, robbery at 45.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 13.6 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,057 per 100,000, 56% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,551, burglary at 474, vehicle theft at 32 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ruston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ruston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 383.8/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| Murder | 13.6/100K |
| 115% above US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 45.2/100K |
| Assault | 325.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,056.7/100K |
| 56% above US avg |
| Burglary | 474.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,551.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 31.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ruston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 304 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 55.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 296 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.8°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 296 ft (90 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,049/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.5330°N, 92.6353°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Ruston Regional (RSN)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.6"
46% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.67"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.5 on Jan 18, 2025.
| Jan 27, 2024 |
4 km SSW of Hall Summit, Louisiana |
M3.6 |
78 km |
| Jan 18, 2025 |
0 km WSW of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| Apr 16, 2021 |
8 km WNW of Blanchard, Louisiana |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Jun 10, 1994 |
4 km E of Junction City, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
54 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
85 km |
| Mar 3, 2001 |
2 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Jan 6, 2025 |
4 km ESE of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Apr 1, 2021 |
7 km W of Blanchard, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
1 km S of Edgefield, Louisiana |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Jan 11, 2024 |
6 km SSW of Hall Summit, Louisiana |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| Dec 17, 2001 |
3 km WSW of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| Jan 9, 1997 |
6 km E of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| Feb 24, 2020 |
12 km ENE of Junction City, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| May 11, 2020 |
13 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
63 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
7 km SW of Hall Summit, Louisiana |
M2.7 |
82 km |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
8 km SSE of Doyline, Louisiana |
M2.7 |
71 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
5 km NNE of Edgefield, Louisiana |
M2.7 |
80 km |
| Apr 23, 2024 |
3 km N of Ringgold, Louisiana |
M2.7 |
63 km |
| Apr 13, 2024 |
4 km NW of Edgefield, Louisiana |
M2.6 |
85 km |
| Dec 24, 1997 |
7 km W of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
9 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Ida (2021, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 3 |
277 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 3 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
265 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 2 |
265 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 1 |
284 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
282 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
557 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 465 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 2010 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1983 |
EF4 |
59 km |
2 |
| Dec 13, 2022 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2019 |
EF3 |
4 km |
2 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
77 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 3, 1992 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,498 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,498 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
TD13 |
4,208 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
RX CAT C-40-41-42 |
3,635 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
C-110/111 |
3,516 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
3,408 |
57 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,925 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 38 PBURN |
2,902 |
59 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,860 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 56 PBURN |
2,852 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,782 |
62 km |
| 2024 |
RX WINN-40-115 |
2,724 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
WINN 13 17 18 |
2,683 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
WINN 110/111 |
2,642 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,639 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
WINN C40 / 115 |
2,626 |
62 km |
| 2022 |
C-32/33/34 |
2,580 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
2,539 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,523 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
WINN C-24 |
2,522 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
RX CAT C-8-9 |
2,513 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
56°F (14°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Ruston has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 46°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.7") and August the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Ruston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $678 |
| Toddler | $647 |
| Preschool | $622 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $592 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $599 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruston
What is the population of Ruston?
Ruston has a population of 22,224 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 1,049 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Ruston expensive to live in?
Ruston is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $32,765, 56% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $226,700 (20% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Ruston safe?
The violent crime rate in Ruston is 384 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,057 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ruston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ruston?
Ruston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Ruston?
The job market in Ruston is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $889. There are 1,509 business establishments in the area, including 120 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 12.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ruston?
The median home value in Ruston is $226,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,018. For renters, the median monthly rent is $819. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 36.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,888.
How are the schools in Ruston?
Schools in Ruston have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 42.9% of adults in Ruston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 15.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ruston?
The obesity rate in Ruston is 47.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 34.8% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 75.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,505.
What is transportation like in Ruston?
The average commute in Ruston is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ruston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ruston is 48.2% White, 42.5% Black or African American, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
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