Ruleville, MS
Population 2,859 · Mississippi
About Ruleville, MS
Ruleville is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 2,859 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,536 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.1 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 Ruleville features a median home value of $94,700, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ruleville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $633, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 944 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (417 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (389 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ruleville shows an unemployment rate of 18.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ruleville have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.0% of Ruleville 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ruleville, MS
Compared to national averages, Ruleville has a median household income of $35,536 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $94,700, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $633 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Ruleville's income is 29% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 25% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Ruleville, MS?
Ruleville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $94,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $633/month, and short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,536) that falls below the national average. However, Ruleville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ruleville has a population of 2,859 with a median age of 30.1 years. Compare Ruleville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Ruleville
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poplarville | 2,814 | $65,147 | $164,500 | Compare |
| Gluckstadt | 2,791 | $118,577 | $277,000 | Compare |
| Verona | 2,782 | $44,018 | $113,900 | Compare |
| Lucedale | 2,944 | $38,468 | $151,200 | Compare |
| Bridgetown | 2,955 | $127,917 | $320,800 | Compare |
| Baldwyn | 3,005 | $43,333 | $94,000 | Compare |
| Summit | 2,684 | $33,983 | $101,700 | Compare |
| Okolona | 2,623 | $34,400 | $81,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ruleville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruleville
What is the population of Ruleville, MS?
The population of Ruleville, MS is 2,859 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Ruleville?
The median household income in Ruleville, MS is $35,536 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ruleville?
The median home value in Ruleville, MS is $94,700, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ruleville?
The median monthly rent in Ruleville, MS is $633, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruleville?
The unemployment rate in Ruleville, MS is 18.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ruleville, MS a good place to live?
Ruleville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,859 and a median age of 30.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ruleville, MS?
16.0% of residents in Ruleville 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 Ruleville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ruleville, MS: median home value is $94,700 (61% below national), median rent is $633/month, and median household income is $35,536. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ruleville?
The poverty rate in Ruleville, MS is 29.0%, 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 Ruleville, MS?
Ruleville's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 88.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.