Ruston

Ruston, Louisiana Overview

Ruston scores 37.9/100 overall (F), ranking #13 of 20 cities in Louisiana — above the state composite of 25.9. Affordability is the city’s relative strength at 77/100, while Fiscal Health lags at 0/100.

Income & Employment in Ruston

The median household income in Ruston is $32,765, 41% below the statewide median of $55,416. Population declined 0.1%.

Safety in Ruston

With a violent crime rate of 643.8 per 100,000, Ruston exceeds the Louisiana average of 520. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3970.3 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Ruston

The median home value is $226,700. Median monthly rent is $819. The price-to-income ratio of 6.9x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Ruston

The adult obesity rate in Ruston is 42.2%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 12.8%. Residents report an average of 23.4 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Louisiana ranks #50 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Ruston

Ruston’s high school graduation rate of 98% is well above average, reflecting strong local school performance. The student-teacher ratio of 12.8:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Per-pupil spending is $15,353. The city has 8 public schools serving 4,132 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Ruston

Ruston enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 67.9°F. Summers average 84.3°F. Winters average 52.9°F. Annual precipitation is 37.7 inches. The average commute of 12.2 minutes is notably short.

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