Ruthton, MN
Population 180 · Minnesota
About Ruthton, MN
Ruthton is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 180 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,000 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ruthton features a median home value of $54,100, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ruthton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $775, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 116 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (85 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (17 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ruthton shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ruthton have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of Ruthton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 10.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ruthton Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Ruthton, MN
Compared to national averages, Ruthton has a median household income of $40,000 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $54,100, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $775 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Ruthton's income is 46% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 74% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Ruthton, MN?
Ruthton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $54,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $775/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,000) that falls below the national average. However, Ruthton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ruthton has a population of 180 with a median age of 46.8 years. Compare Ruthton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ruthton
What is the population of Ruthton, MN?
The population of Ruthton, MN is 180 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Ruthton?
The median household income in Ruthton, MN is $40,000 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ruthton?
The median home value in Ruthton, MN is $54,100, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ruthton?
The median monthly rent in Ruthton, MN is $775, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruthton?
The unemployment rate in Ruthton, MN is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ruthton, MN a good place to live?
Ruthton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 180 and a median age of 46.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ruthton, MN?
11.2% of residents in Ruthton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ruthton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ruthton, MN: median home value is $54,100 (78% below national), median rent is $775/month, and median household income is $40,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ruthton?
The poverty rate in Ruthton, MN is 20.8%, 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 Ruthton, MN?
Ruthton's population is 10.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.