Median Income
$40,000
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$54,100
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.2%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Ruthton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population180
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density310/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,000
Per Capita$26,652
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty7.0%
County GDP$988M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$54,100
Rent$775
Ownership83.3%
Zillow$121,757
Housing Units123
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property1,770/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking17.5%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,729 ft (527 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.2%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute23 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Ruthton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ruthton 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, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ruthton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ruthton is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ruthton is $54,100, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ruthton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Ruthton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Ruthton has a population of 180 with a density of 310 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (83.9%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.3% of residents, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.3%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.7%
50% below US avg
The median household income in Ruthton is $40,000, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,652 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $979, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 399 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,652 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $979 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,655 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 399 |
| County GDP | $988M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,720 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Ruthton is $54,100, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,757, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 123 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,720 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $54,100 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $121,757 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.7% |
| Housing Units | 123 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,720 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.03% |
In Ruthton, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,863. The dentist ratio is 1:2,339. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ruthton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,863 |
| Dentists | 1:2,339 |
| Mental Health | 1:770 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,687/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Ruthton has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,770 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ruthton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ruthton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.5/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,770.3/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ruthton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,729 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,729 ft (527 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 310/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1775°N, 96.1034°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pipestone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 9, 1994.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
464 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 345 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
28 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Ruthton has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Ruthton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruthton
What is the population of Ruthton?
Ruthton has a population of 180 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 310 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Ruthton expensive to live in?
Ruthton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $54,100 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ruthton safe?
Ruthton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ruthton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ruthton?
Ruthton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.6 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Ruthton?
The job market in Ruthton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $979. There are 399 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ruthton?
The median home value in Ruthton is $54,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,757. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,720.
How are the schools in Ruthton?
Schools in Ruthton score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.2% of adults in Ruthton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ruthton?
The obesity rate in Ruthton is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,863.
What is transportation like in Ruthton?
The average commute in Ruthton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ruthton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ruthton is 83.9% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 93.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
