Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ruston, LA
Considering a move to Ruston, LA? This vibrant college town of 21,800 offers affordable living, with a median home price around $191,000 and average rent of $940. Residents enjoy short 15-minute commutes, a warm southern climate with 64% sunny days, and strong educational opportunities thanks to Louisiana Tech University. While property crime rates are higher than average, Ruston boasts a youthful energy, community amenities, and lower costs that appeal to students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Ruston, LA
Demographics - Ruston, LA
Ruston is a youthful, diverse city with a population of 21,800 and a median age of 24.8 years, influenced by its college-town atmosphere. The community is predominantly White and Black, with a growing multicultural presence and 6.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
21,800
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.8
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
50.6%
Black:
41.1%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
5.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ruston, LA?
Cost of living in Ruston is notably affordable, with a median home value of $191,000 and average rent of $940. Utilities and groceries are also below the national average, making Ruston attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$191,000
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
6%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.1
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
87.3
Transportation:
89.1
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
91.5
Crime
Is Ruston, LA a safe place to live?
Ruston experiences higher property crime rates, with a 1 in 34 chance of being affected, while the violent crime rate remains moderate at 432 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents should take standard precautions, but overall, the city maintains a welcoming community feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
432
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,900
Crime Index:
3,332
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 231
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Ruston, LA year-round?
Ruston features a warm southern climate, averaging 64% sunny days per year and mild winters with lows around 35°F. Annual rainfall is plentiful at 56 inches, supporting lush greenery and comfortable outdoor living.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Ruston offer a mix of incomes, with household figures around $37,800 and a notable student population contributing to a median age under 25. Most residents enjoy short commutes of about 15 minutes, though the local poverty rate is higher than average at 32.7%.
Median Income:
$23,500
Household Income:
$37,800
Family Income:
$62,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$28,700
Poverty Rate:
32.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.7%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
14.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.4%
Bachelors or More:
34.1%
Education
How are the schools in Ruston, LA?
Education is a strong suit in Ruston, highlighted by Louisiana Tech University’s 11,000 students and quality public schools like Ruston High. The city also offers reputable private school options and is just minutes from Grambling State University, providing a range of academic opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Ruston High School
Street:
900 Bearcat Dr
Phone:
318-255-0807
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Glen View Elementary School
Street:
1601 Bittersweet Ave
Phone:
318-255-0550
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Private Schools
Name:
Cedar Creek School
Street:
2400 Cedar Creek Dr
Phone:
318-255-7707
Students:
700
Colleges
Name:
Louisiana Tech University
City:
Ruston
State:
LA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
Grambling State University
City:
Grambling
State:
LA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
5,200
Healthcare
Ruston provides accessible healthcare, anchored by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and a physician rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. About 88% of the population has health insurance, contributing to the city's overall solid healthcare index.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northern Louisiana Medical Center
Address:
401 E Vaughn Ave, Ruston, LA 71270
Phone:
(318) 254-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.4%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ruston, LA?
The Ruston housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $191,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $940. Home values have appreciated by 3.2% in the past year, and the market features a balanced mix of owners and renters.
Median Home Price:
$191,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$940
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Ruston residents can access vehicle services at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles on South Service Road East, with convenient online resources available through the state's ExpressLane website.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1050 S Service Rd E, Ruston, LA 71270
Phone:
318-251-4146
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.