Ruston, LA
Population 22,224 · Louisiana
About Ruston, LA
Ruston is a mid-sized city located in Louisiana with a population of 22,224 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,765 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ruston features a median home value of $226,700, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ruston in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $819, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,283 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (3,112 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (5,363 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ruston shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 36.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ruston have an average one-way commute time of 14.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
42.9% of Ruston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.7% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Ruston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruston
What is the population of Ruston, LA?
The population of Ruston, LA is 22,224 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Ruston?
The median household income in Ruston, LA is $32,765 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ruston?
The median home value in Ruston, LA is $226,700, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ruston?
The median monthly rent in Ruston, LA is $819, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruston?
The unemployment rate in Ruston, LA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ruston, LA a good place to live?
Ruston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 22,224 and a median age of 23.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ruston, LA?
42.9% of residents in Ruston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Ruston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ruston, LA: median home value is $226,700 (7% below national), median rent is $819/month, and median household income is $32,765. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ruston?
The poverty rate in Ruston, LA is 36.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ruston, LA?
Ruston's population is 1.7% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 42.5% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.