Median Income
$48,125
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,000
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$707
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.4%
137% higher than US avg
How Ruth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population526
Median Age41.6 yrs
Density1,252/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,125
Per Capita$22,367
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty29.4%
County GDP$2,490M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,000
Rent$707
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$191,438
Rent Burden39.3%
Health
Obesity41.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease8.3%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain52.1 in/yr
Elevation969 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+82.9%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 26%
Commute23 min
Broadband86.9%
Libraries3
Is Ruth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ruth receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ruth offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ruth is $48,125, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 29.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ruth is $122,000, 57% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ruth enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Ruth has a population of 526 with a density of 1,252 people per square mile. The median age is 41.6 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (82.5%), with 1.7% Hispanic.
Population
41.6yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 88.6% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Spanish | 11.4% |
| 15% below US avg |
The median household income in Ruth is $48,125, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,125 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,367 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,859 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.4% |
| 137% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,498 |
| County GDP | $2,490M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 136 |
| Retail | 205 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,341 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Ruth is $122,000, 57% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $707 (39% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,438.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,000 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $191,438 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $707 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,341 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.74% |
In Ruth, 41.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.7% report depression. 32.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Ruth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.6% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 11.0% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,778/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 136 |
Crime Rates: Ruth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
Safety Score
Ruth has an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation is 52.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 58.7°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 52.1 inches |
| 37% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 969 ft (295 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,252/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3824°N, 81.9448°W |
| County FIPS | 37161 |