Rusk, TX
Population 5,332 · Texas
About Rusk, TX
Rusk is a small town located in Texas with a population of 5,332 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,119 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rusk features a median home value of $153,500, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rusk in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $876, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,153 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (603 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (371 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rusk shows an unemployment rate of 12.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rusk have an average one-way commute time of 25.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.6% of Rusk 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 18.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 6.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rusk, TX
Compared to national averages, Rusk has a median household income of $60,119 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,500, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $876 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Rusk's income is 17% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 28% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Rusk, TX?
Rusk offers affordable housing with a median home value of $153,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $876/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,119) that falls below the national average. However, Rusk’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rusk has a population of 5,332 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Rusk with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Rusk
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookshire | 5,330 | $62,987 | $117,000 | Compare |
| Muleshoe | 5,328 | $71,534 | $100,100 | Compare |
| Van Alstyne | 5,378 | $93,373 | $297,400 | Compare |
| Primera | 5,282 | $77,500 | $147,200 | Compare |
| Cameron | 5,385 | $57,126 | $112,800 | Compare |
| Sansom Park | 5,387 | $40,993 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Oak Point | 5,395 | $109,528 | $368,000 | Compare |
| Granite Shoals | 5,247 | $69,602 | $194,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rusk With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rusk
What is the population of Rusk, TX?
The population of Rusk, TX is 5,332 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.
What is the median household income in Rusk?
The median household income in Rusk, TX is $60,119 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rusk?
The median home value in Rusk, TX is $153,500, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rusk?
The median monthly rent in Rusk, TX is $876, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rusk?
The unemployment rate in Rusk, TX is 12.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rusk, TX a good place to live?
Rusk offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,332 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rusk, TX?
8.6% of residents in Rusk 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 Rusk?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rusk, TX: median home value is $153,500 (37% below national), median rent is $876/month, and median household income is $60,119. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rusk?
The poverty rate in Rusk, TX is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rusk, TX?
Rusk's population is 18.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 29.4% two or more races. 6.4% of residents are foreign-born.