Home Value
$71,000
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
2,678/100K
605% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.8%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.2%
211% higher 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
Population266
Median Age71.1 yrs
Density760/mi²
Male / Female74% / 26%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans31.8%
Economy
Per Capita$30,764
Unemployment11.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,332M
Housing
Home Value$71,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$199,414
Housing Units167
Rent Burden17.7%
Crime
F
Violent2,678/100K
Property3,585/100K
Health
Obesity32.8%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking18.1%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain12.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,866 ft (2,093 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+89.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.23
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 20%
Broadband87.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Ruth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ruth receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Ruth has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
At 11.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ruth is $71,000, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
With 2,678 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 3,585 per 100,000, 83% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Ruth has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches, including 63.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Ruth has a population of 266 with a density of 760 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 71.1 years, 83% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 25.9% female and 74.1% male. The city is predominantly White (99.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 31.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
71.1yrs
Median Age
83% 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 $30,764 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,468. The unemployment rate is 11.2% (above 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 270 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $30,764 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,468 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,867 |
| Gini Index | 0.365 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.2% |
| 211% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 270 |
| County GDP | $1,332M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,225 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 50.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ruth is $71,000, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,414, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,135 for a one-bedroom to $1,428 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 167 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $3,225. 17.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $71,000 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,414 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,056 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,135 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,428 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 167 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,225 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.54% |
In Ruth, 32.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.1% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,312. The dentist ratio is 1:2,929. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ruth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,312 |
| Dentists | 1:2,929 |
| Mental Health | 1:230 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.9% |
| Dental Visits | 60.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,771/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Ruth has a violent crime rate of 2,678 per 100,000 residents, 605% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,585 per 100,000, 83% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ruth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ruth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 2,677.6/100K |
| 605% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,584.9/100K |
| 83% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ruth has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 330 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 12.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 63.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 6,866 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,866 ft (2,093 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 760/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2793°N, 114.9900°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | White Pine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elko Regional (EKO) 115 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.6"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.30"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
239 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Sep 10, 2019 |
44 km E of Austin, Nevada |
M4.6 |
138 km |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
45 km E of Austin, Nevada |
M4.5 |
135 km |
| May 16, 1997 |
43 km ESE of Lamoille, Nevada |
M4.4 |
148 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
47 km SW of Eureka, Nevada |
M4.2 |
118 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
35 km ESE of Austin, Nevada |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| Jul 21, 1992 |
Nevada |
M4.1 |
55 km |
| Jun 3, 2016 |
14 km NE of Eureka, Nevada |
M4.0 |
80 km |
| Feb 28, 2015 |
27 km W of Preston, Nevada |
M3.9 |
53 km |
| Jan 25, 2019 |
82 km N of Rachel, Nevada |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Mar 14, 2006 |
24 km N of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.8 |
94 km |
| Sep 10, 2019 |
46 km W of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Sep 8, 2011 |
33 km ESE of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Dec 8, 1990 |
25 km WNW of Preston, Nevada |
M3.8 |
39 km |
| Oct 12, 2013 |
23 km W of Preston, Nevada |
M3.8 |
49 km |
| Aug 29, 2013 |
42 km WNW of Preston, Nevada |
M3.8 |
49 km |
| Aug 11, 1999 |
46 km SSE of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.7 |
61 km |
| Aug 16, 1996 |
39 km ESE of Austin, Nevada |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Apr 3, 1995 |
46 km E of Austin, Nevada |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Nov 30, 1998 |
37 km NE of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.7 |
84 km |
| May 4, 2015 |
53 km SSE of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.7 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 9, 2006 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1998 |
EF0 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1998 |
EF0 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1988 |
EF0 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1987 |
EF0 |
1 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1977 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1975 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1967 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GOSHUTE CAVE (27,393 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
GOSHUTE CAVE |
27,393 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
RAINBOW COMPLEX (MULE) |
17,858 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
HAMPTON |
11,675 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
NORTH SCHELL |
11,652 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
CHERRY |
8,562 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
BROWN |
8,445 |
51 km |
| 2014 |
LAGES |
8,119 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
OVERLAND |
7,680 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
EGAN |
7,242 |
58 km |
| 2015 |
DIAMOND |
6,508 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
BECKY PEAK |
6,310 |
85 km |
| 2001 |
BUTTE |
5,330 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
CHROME |
5,113 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
RANGE |
4,882 |
19 km |
| 2013 |
BLACK |
4,798 |
85 km |
| 1985 |
GEYSER 2 |
4,755 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
BASSET |
4,742 |
43 km |
| 2016 |
STRAWBERRY |
4,507 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
CATHEDRAL |
4,202 |
44 km |
| 1984 |
MCCOY |
4,101 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
49°F (9°C) |
1.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
Ruth has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 23°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (1.3") and December the driest (0.8").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $795 |
| Toddler | $668 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruth
What is the population of Ruth?
Ruth has a population of 266 residents and is located in Nevada. The population density is 760 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 71.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 25.9% female and 74.1% male.
Is Ruth expensive to live in?
Ruth has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $71,000 (75% below the U.S. median).
Is Ruth safe?
Public safety is a concern in Ruth, with a violent crime rate of 2,678 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 3,585 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ruth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ruth?
Ruth has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches, with 63.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Ruth?
The job market in Ruth faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,468. There are 270 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Ruth?
The median home value in Ruth is $71,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,414. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,225.
How are the schools in Ruth?
Schools in Ruth have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Ruth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ruth?
The obesity rate in Ruth is 32.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,312.
What are the demographics of Ruth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ruth is 99.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 31.8% of the population are military veterans. 31.7% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.