Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rusk, TX
Considering a move to Rusk, TX? With a friendly small-town atmosphere and a population of 5,551, Rusk offers affordable living—median home prices are just $126,000 and average rents are around $820. Commute times are short at 21 minutes, and the city enjoys 61% sunny days each year. While property crime is moderate, Rusk residents benefit from a tight-knit community, local schools with small class sizes, and easy access to East Texas’ natural beauty and mild winters. Discover more about cost of living, schools, and healthcare below to see if Rusk is right for you.
Demographics - Rusk, TX
Rusk, Texas is a close-knit community of 5,551 residents, with a median age of 40.2 and a population density of 1,030 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (66.1%), with a significant Black community (23.2%), and about 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is balanced, and the demographic mix offers a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
5,551
Density:
1,030 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
66.1%
Black:
23.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
10.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rusk, TX?
Rusk boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of $126,000 and average rents of $820, making it an affordable choice for families and retirees. The cost of living index is well below the national average at 81.2, and residents benefit from no state income tax. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, helping stretch your budget further.
Median House Value:
$126,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
89.5
Housing:
50.3
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
96.1
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Rusk, TX a safe place to live?
Rusk experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 220 violent crimes and 1,680 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 455, while property crime risk is higher at 1 in 60. The city maintains a generally safe environment, typical of small East Texas towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,680
Crime Index:
1,900
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Rusk, TX year-round?
Residents in Rusk enjoy mild winters with average lows around 37°F and warm summers peaking at 93°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny skies about 61% of the year. These pleasant weather patterns make outdoor activities and community events a year-round option.

Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
93°F

Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Rusk's neighborhoods are defined by modest income levels, with a median household income of $46,800 and a poverty rate of 19.1%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and over 83% have completed high school, though college degree attainment is less common. The community is diverse and friendly, with low public transport use reflecting the town’s rural character.
Median Income:
$31,100
Household Income:
$46,800
Family Income:
$52,400
Per Capita Income:
$21,600
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$27,700
Poverty Rate:
19.1%
Non English Speakers:
10.4%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Rusk, TX?
Rusk is served by local public schools like Rusk Intermediate and Rusk High School, which offer small class sizes and individual attention. Nearby private and higher education options, such as Jacksonville Christian School and Tyler Junior College, are also accessible. The community values education, with the majority of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Rusk Intermediate School
Street:
1133 N Dickinson Dr
Phone:
903-683-1726
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Rusk High School
Street:
2035 Hwy 84 W
Phone:
903-683-5401
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Private Schools
Name:
Jacksonville Christian School
Street:
1416 E Loop 456, Jacksonville, TX
Phone:
903-586-9116
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Tyler Junior College
City:
Tyler
State:
TX
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
Stephen F. Austin State University
City:
Nacogdoches
State:
TX
Distance:
53 miles
Students:
12,600
Healthcare
Rusk residents have access to local healthcare through facilities like UT Health East Texas Rusk and nearby CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Jacksonville, both offering emergency services. The city has about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 82% of residents are covered by health insurance. Healthcare services are accessible, with essential care provided locally and specialized treatment available in nearby cities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
Address:
2026 S Jackson St, Jacksonville, TX 75766
Phone:
(903) 586-7771
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UT Health East Texas Rusk
Address:
500 N Bonner St, Rusk, TX 75785
Phone:
(903) 683-2273
Type:
General & Psychiatric
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.9%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rusk, TX?
The Rusk housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices at $126,000 and typical two-bedroom rents around $820. Homeownership is common, with nearly 62% of residents owning their homes, and the area has seen a steady appreciation rate of 6.1% over the past year. The market offers opportunities for both buyers and renters seeking value.
Median Home Price:
$126,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Rusk are managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, which offers convenient online resources and support. Residents can access DMV services at the main office in Austin or through the official website. Texas does not impose a state income tax, adding to the appeal for new arrivals.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731
Phone:
1-888-368-4689
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.