Violent Crime
566/100K
49% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ruth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population165
Median Age66.9 yrs
Density4/mi²
Male / Female69% / 31%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
Per Capita$40,761
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$598M
Housing
Ownership89.2%
Zillow$166,167
Housing Units230
Rent Burden23.4%
Crime
F
Violent566/100K
Property1,697/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking21.1%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain65.4 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation2,829 ft (862 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.04
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 43%
Broadband65.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Ruth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ruth receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Ruth has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 566 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ruth enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 65.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Ruth has a population of 165 with a density of 4 people per square mile, spread across 40.5 square miles. The median age is 66.9 years, 72% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 30.9% female and 69.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
66.9yrs
Median Age
72% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $40,761. The average weekly wage is $1,080, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 450 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $40,761 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,080 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,058 |
| Gini Index | 0.511 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 450 |
| County GDP | $598M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,108 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 76.0% |
| Public Transit | 24.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,167. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 230 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $4,108 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.8% |
| Housing Units | 230 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,108 |
| 17% above US avg |
In Ruth, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 29.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,353. The dentist ratio is 1:3,156. 91.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ruth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.2% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 23.3% |
| Physical Distress | 17.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,353 |
| Dentists | 1:3,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:301 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.2% |
| Premature Death | 12,354/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Ruth has a violent crime rate of 566 per 100,000 residents, 49% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,697 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ruth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ruth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 565.8/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,697.4/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ruth enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 269 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 65.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 2,829 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,829 ft (862 m) |
| Area | 40.5 sq mi (104.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 4/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2938°N, 123.3483°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Trinity County County |
| Nearest Airport | Redding Regional (RDD) 57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
65.4"
72% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
10.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,994 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 25, 1992 |
The 1992 Petrolia, California Earthquake |
M7.2 |
75 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
32 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M6.6 |
103 km |
| Jan 10, 2010 |
The 2010 Eureka, California Earthquake |
M6.5 |
121 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
30 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M6.5 |
104 km |
| Aug 17, 1991 |
30 km SSW of Scotia, California |
M6.0 |
80 km |
| Feb 4, 2010 |
61 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.9 |
137 km |
| Mar 9, 2020 |
69km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.8 |
148 km |
| Jan 28, 2015 |
40 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
107 km |
| Feb 13, 2012 |
26 km NNW of Willow Creek, California |
M5.6 |
102 km |
| Jan 22, 1997 |
33 km SW of Scotia, California |
M5.6 |
88 km |
| Jun 23, 2019 |
6km SSW of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
81 km |
| Dec 26, 1994 |
7 km WNW of Fields Landing, California |
M5.4 |
95 km |
| Jan 16, 1990 |
30 km NW of Shelter Cove, California |
M5.4 |
81 km |
| Feb 26, 2007 |
52km W of Ferndale, CA |
M5.4 |
134 km |
| Feb 26, 2007 |
51 km W of Ferndale, California |
M5.4 |
134 km |
| Apr 30, 2008 |
3 km NNW of Burnt Ranch, California |
M5.4 |
62 km |
| Jan 1, 2023 |
15km SE of Rio Dell, CA |
M5.4 |
54 km |
| Mar 8, 1992 |
27 km NW of Shelter Cove, California |
M5.3 |
78 km |
| Mar 18, 2020 |
15km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.2 |
94 km |
| Jun 17, 2002 |
29 km WNW of Fields Landing, California |
M5.2 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
9 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1958 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1978 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 2018 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2013 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1987 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1978 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.8 m (6 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1992 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
— |
82 km |
| 2024 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
142 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Clear Lake (155 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
155 km |
| Lassen Volcanic Center |
Stratovolcano |
3,187 m (10,456 ft) |
1917 |
157 km |
| Shasta |
Stratovolcano |
4,317 m (14,163 ft) |
1250 |
158 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AUGUST COMPLEX (1,068,802 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
AUGUST COMPLEX |
1,068,802 |
48 km |
| 2018 |
CARR |
233,710 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
MONUMENT |
226,125 |
48 km |
| 2021 |
HAYPRESS |
204,549 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
RED SALMON COMPLEX |
147,535 |
91 km |
| 1999 |
MEGRAM- ORLEANS |
125,337 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
MCFARLAND |
121,554 |
37 km |
| 2006 |
PIGEON |
100,962 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
YOLLA BOLLY COMPLEX (IRON) |
94,888 |
38 km |
| 2015 |
RIVER COMPLEX |
78,531 |
69 km |
| 2020 |
ZOGG |
56,941 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
MENDENHALL |
54,162 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
NORTH PASS |
43,689 |
51 km |
| 2008 |
SHU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (MOON) |
36,514 |
64 km |
| 2015 |
ROUTE COMPLEX |
35,444 |
38 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (EAGLE) |
32,397 |
49 km |
| 2015 |
PATTISON |
31,129 |
46 km |
| 2022 |
CAMPBELL |
30,392 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (BUCKHORN) |
29,446 |
61 km |
| 2008 |
SHU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (MOTION) |
29,346 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
10.0 in |
|
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
8.3 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
7.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| June |
58°F (14°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
0.2 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
9.3 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
10.3 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Ruth has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 40°F in December to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (10.3") and July the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Ruth. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $972 |
| Toddler | $774 |
| Preschool | $641 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,050 |
| Toddler | $921 |
| Preschool | $855 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruth
What is the population of Ruth?
Ruth has a population of 165 residents and is located in California. The population density is 4 people per square mile, spread across 40.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 66.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 30.9% female and 69.1% male.
Is Ruth expensive to live in?
Ruth is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is Ruth safe?
The violent crime rate in Ruth is 566 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 1,697 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ruth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ruth?
Ruth enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 65.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Ruth?
The job market in Ruth is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,080. There are 450 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Ruth?
Schools in Ruth score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Ruth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ruth?
The obesity rate in Ruth is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 29.2% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 91.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,353.
What are the demographics of Ruth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ruth is 92.7% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.