LouisianaPop. 22,284Towns
Is Ruston a Good Place to Live? Ruston, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ruston ranks #1231 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #220 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (82.5, #1 of 230) and high graduation rates (98%, #1 of 153), and trails on low household income ($31,120, #234 of 234) and high poverty (39.8%, #234 of 234).
Ruston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ruston's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Ruston?
Ruston's cost of living index is 82.5, 18% below the US level of 100 and #1 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $816/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $228,696, 5% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | Ruston | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 82.5#1 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $228,696#198 of 1,187 | $217,039 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,257/mo#129 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $225,300#314 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $816/mo#33 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 7.2x#1166 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 31.5%#1272 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Ruston housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Ruston is in the Ruston, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is Ruston safe?
Ruston recorded 286 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% below the US rate of 328 and 44% below Louisiana's 515. That ranks #535 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #94 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ruston Police Department. Property crime runs 3,500 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Ruston | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 286#535 of 1,085 | 515 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 3,500#1011 of 1,085 | 1,966 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Ruston?
The median household in Ruston earns $31,120, 63% below the US figure of $83,163 and 49% below Louisiana ($60,986). 39.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Ruston | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $31,120#1312 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 39.8%#1312 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Ruston?
The median resident of Ruston is 24.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 40.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #457 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ruston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 24.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 40.2%#457 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 36.2% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Ruston's schools and health?
Ruston's 8 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 12.8 students per teacher and $15,353 spent per pupil. 42.2% of adults are obese and 12.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Ruston | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 98%#2 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 12.8#154 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $15,353#540 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 42.2%#1214 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 12.8%#918 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 23.4%#1301 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.9%#500 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,132 students are enrolled in Ruston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Ruston?
The average commute in Ruston is 15.1 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 0% of workers take transit and 14.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ruston scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81°F and winters 48°F, with 55.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ruston | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 15.1 min#63 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 71.2% | 78.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.7% | 1.7% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 14.9% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.2#1009 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.3 | 35 | 5.6 |
| Feb | 61.1 | 38.6 | 5.2 |
| Mar | 68.9 | 45.2 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 76.4 | 52.1 | 5.5 |
| May | 82.9 | 61.3 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 89.4 | 68.9 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 92.2 | 71.8 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 92.6 | 71 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 87.8 | 65 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 78.1 | 53 | 4.8 |
| Nov | 67.5 | 43.8 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 58.3 | 37.5 | 5.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ruston La Tech.
| Measure | Ruston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 64.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 81°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 48°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 55.6 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ruston La Tech.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ruston?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Ruston's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lincoln Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Ruston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#341 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lincoln Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lincoln Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.019% | 97% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0079% | 87% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 67% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0042% | 61% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.002% | 57% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0019% | 48% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.053% | 14% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Ruston compare with similar-size cities?
Ruston is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #220 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 22,284.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #1231 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 | 15.1 min |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #945 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 | 13.3 min |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #937 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 | 27.4 min |
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #84 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 | 22.2 min |
| Bear, DEPop. 22,370 | #758 | 54.1 | $91,687 | $1,771/mo | no data | 24.1 min |
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #812 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 | 19 min |
| Sanford, MEPop. 22,247 | #521 | 57.8 | $72,524 | $1,152/mo | 190 | 28.1 min |
| Kapolei, HIPop. 22,232 | #248 | 63.3 | $128,324 | $2,311/mo | no data | 31.2 min |
| Sun Valley, NVPop. 22,228 | #1214 | 44.5 | $77,446 | $1,214/mo | no data | 25.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Ruston compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Ruston ranks #12 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 43.6 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 49% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 44% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Louisiana home.
| City | Rank in LA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairieville, LAPop. 35,238 | #1 | 58.2 | $104,923 | $1,324/mo | no data |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #2 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #3 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 |
| Slidell, LAPop. 28,561 | #4 | 50.0 | $70,497 | $1,375/mo | 275 |
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #5 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #6 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year |
| Lake Charles, LAPop. 81,143 | #7 | 47.7 | $59,235 | $1,109/mo | 665 |
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #8 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #9 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #10 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #11 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data |
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #12 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #13 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #14 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #15 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #16 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #17 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #18 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #19 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 |
| Marrero, LAPop. 32,540 | #20 | 32.0 | $41,402 | $1,042/mo | no data |
All 20 Louisiana cities we track, by overall score. Louisiana statewide: median income $60,986, violent crime 515.1 per 100,000.
How is Ruston's score calculated?
Ruston scores 43.6 out of 100, #1231 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Louisiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Ruston. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
0.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ruston's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
63.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ruston. Similar-size median 56.5.
28.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Ruston's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
76.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Ruston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
88.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ruston. Similar-size median 50.8.
0.0 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ruston. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
30.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ruston. Similar-size median 48.3.
59.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ruston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
77.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ruston's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Ruston has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Ruston
Is Ruston, LA a good place to live?
Ruston ranks #1231 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #220 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (82.5, #1 of 230) and high graduation rates (98%, #1 of 153), and trails on low household income ($31,120, #234 of 234) and high poverty (39.8%, #234 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Ruston?
Ruston's cost of living index is 82.5, 18% below the US level of 100 and #1 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $816/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $228,696, 5% above the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
What is the crime rate in Ruston?
Ruston recorded 286 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% below the US rate of 328 and 44% below Louisiana's 515. That ranks #535 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #94 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ruston Police Department. Property crime runs 3,500 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Ruston?
The median household in Ruston earns $31,120, 63% below the US figure of $83,163 and 49% below Louisiana ($60,986). 39.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Ruston?
Median rent in Ruston is $816/mo (Census), #33 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,257/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 31.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ruston?
The typical home value in Ruston is $228,696, up 2% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $225,300.
How are the public schools in Ruston?
Ruston's 8 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 12.8 students per teacher and $15,353 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Ruston?
The average commute is 15.1 minutes, #63 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ruston?
Ruston averages 64.8°F over the year, 81°F in summer and 48°F in winter, with 55.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ruston walkable?
Ruston scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Ruston at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lincoln Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
Who lives in Ruston?
Ruston has 22,284 residents. The median resident of Ruston is 24.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 40.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #457 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ruston compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Ruston ranks #12 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 43.6 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 49% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 44% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Ruston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ruston's population of 22,284 are North Platte, NE (#945 overall), Central Falls, RI (#937 overall), Portsmouth, NH (#84 overall), Bear, DE (#758 overall), and Junction City, KS (#812 overall). Ruston is #1231.