Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ruston, WA
Considering a move to Ruston, WA? With a cozy population of around 1,200, Ruston offers small-town charm just minutes from Tacoma’s vibrant amenities. Homebuyers will find a median home price of $610,000, while renters pay about $1,790 monthly. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, low violent crime (184 per 100k), and quick 27-minute commutes. The area boasts excellent public schools, easy access to major hospitals, and a scenic Northwest climate with mild summers. If you value community and proximity to both city and nature, Ruston is a hidden gem to explore.
Demographics - Ruston, WA
Demographics - Ruston, WA
Ruston is a small, close-knit city of about 1,200 residents with a median age of 41, featuring a predominantly White population and a balanced gender ratio. The city’s high population density fosters a vibrant community atmosphere, while a modest percentage of non-English speakers adds to its diversity.
Population:
1,200
Density:
4,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.5%
Black:
3.1%
Asian:
4.2%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ruston, WA?
The cost of living in Ruston is higher than the national average, with a median home value of $610,000 and average monthly rent around $1,790. Daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also reflect the city’s desirable location near Tacoma and its Northwest charm.
Median House Value:
$610,000
Gross Rent:
$1,790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
126.4
Grocery:
111.8
Housing:
144.3
Utilities:
104.7
Transportation:
117.2
Health Care:
109.3
Miscellaneous:
108.5
Crime
Is Ruston, WA a safe place to live?
Ruston experiences relatively low violent crime, with only 184 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 545 chance of being affected. Property crime is more common, but overall, the city maintains a safe, welcoming environment for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
184
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,030
Crime Index:
2,214
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 545
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Ruston, WA year-round?
Ruston enjoys a classic Pacific Northwest climate, with mild, wet winters (average lows of 37°F) and pleasantly warm summers reaching up to 77°F. Residents experience about 44% sunny days and receive ample rainfall, creating lush green surroundings year-round.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
The neighborhood boasts a median household income of nearly $89,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, with most residents commuting about 27 minutes for work. Education levels are high, with over 44% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the area attracts professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Median Income:
$51,000
Household Income:
$88,900
Family Income:
$108,500
Per Capita Income:
$51,200
Income Male:
$61,000
Income Female:
$46,500
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,790
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
27.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.1%
Bachelors or More:
44.7%
Education
How are the schools in Ruston, WA?
Families in Ruston have access to well-regarded public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, as well as nearby private and higher education institutions like the University of Puget Sound. The area’s educational offerings support lifelong learning for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Sherman Elementary School
Street:
4415 N 38th St
Phone:
253-571-5600
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
Mason Middle School
Street:
3901 N 28th St
Phone:
253-571-7000
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.3
Private Schools
Name:
Annie Wright Schools
Street:
827 N Tacoma Ave
Phone:
253-272-2216
Students:
700
Colleges
Name:
University of Puget Sound
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
2,600
Name:
Tacoma Community College
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Ruston residents benefit from proximity to top-rated hospitals in Tacoma, including MultiCare Tacoma General and St. Joseph Medical Center. With nearly 95% health insurance coverage and more than 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people, quality healthcare is easily accessible.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Address:
315 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone:
(253) 403-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Joseph Medical Center
Address:
1717 S J St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone:
(253) 426-4101
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
75.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ruston, WA?
The housing market in Ruston is competitive, with a median home price of $610,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rents average $1,790 for a two-bedroom, and the area has seen steady appreciation, appealing to both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$610,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,790
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Ruston are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently accessible online or at the Olympia office. Residents benefit from streamlined state services and comprehensive resources for all DMV needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
360-902-3900
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.