Ruston, LA
Population 22,224 · Louisiana
About Ruston, LA
Ruston is a mid-sized city in Louisiana with a population of 22,224 residents. The median household income is $32,765 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Ruston is 23.8 years.
Housing in Ruston has a median home value of $226,700 and median monthly rent of $819. Of the 9,283 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 3,112 owner-occupied and 5,363 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Ruston is 3.4% and the poverty rate is 36.3%. 42.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 14.1 minutes.
How Ruston Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Ruston, LA
Compared to national averages, Ruston has a median household income of $32,765 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $226,700, which is 7% below the national median. Monthly rent at $819 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Ruston's income is 40% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 45% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Ruston, LA?
Ruston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $226,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $819/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 42.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 14.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,765) that falls below the national average. However, Ruston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ruston has a population of 22,224 with a median age of 23.8 years. Compare Ruston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Ruston
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayou Cane | 22,143 | $73,235 | $195,900 | Compare |
| Chalmette | 22,447 | $56,875 | $203,800 | Compare |
| Harvey | 21,710 | $43,524 | $189,700 | Compare |
| Sulphur | 21,004 | $58,044 | $175,200 | Compare |
| Hammond | 20,790 | $41,222 | $219,400 | Compare |
| Zachary | 19,637 | $90,507 | $258,000 | Compare |
| Terrytown | 25,844 | $56,944 | $212,000 | Compare |
| Shenandoah | 18,259 | $107,544 | $319,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Louisiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ruston
What is the population of Ruston, LA?
The population of Ruston, LA is 22,224 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Ruston?
The median household income in Ruston, LA is $32,765 per year.
What is the median home value in Ruston?
The median home value in Ruston, LA is $226,700.
What is the average rent in Ruston?
The median monthly rent in Ruston, LA is $819.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruston?
The unemployment rate in Ruston, LA is 3.4%.