Ruston, WA
Population 1,293 · Washington
About Ruston, WA
Ruston is a small town located in Washington with a population of 1,293 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $113,971 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.8 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 Ruston features a median home value of $808,200, which is 230% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ruston in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,489, 114% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 697 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (463 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (209 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ruston shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ruston have an average one-way commute time of 32.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
58.0% of Ruston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.4% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 9.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ruston Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Ruston, WA
Compared to national averages, Ruston has a median household income of $113,971 (52% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $808,200, which is 230% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,489 is 114% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Ruston's income is 26% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 76% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Ruston, WA?
Ruston offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $113,971, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and a well-educated community where 58.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $808,200. However, Ruston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ruston has a population of 1,293 with a median age of 47.8 years. Compare Ruston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Ruston
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McMillin | 1,298 | $107,305 | $566,300 | Compare |
| Soap Lake | 1,286 | $0 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Point Roberts | 1,275 | $80,197 | $460,500 | Compare |
| Clear Lake CDP (Pierce County), Washington | 1,266 | $98,098 | $597,500 | Compare |
| Anderson Island | 1,341 | $72,074 | $477,600 | Compare |
| Waterville | 1,353 | $75,854 | $247,300 | Compare |
| North Puyallup | 1,363 | $81,063 | $335,500 | Compare |
| Purdy | 1,222 | $83,902 | $265,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
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, WA?
The population of Ruston, WA is 1,293 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Washington.
What is the median household income in Ruston?
The median household income in Ruston, WA is $113,971 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ruston?
The median home value in Ruston, WA is $808,200, which is 230% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ruston?
The median monthly rent in Ruston, WA is $2,489, which is 114% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruston?
The unemployment rate in Ruston, WA is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ruston, WA a good place to live?
Ruston offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,293 and a median age of 47.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ruston, WA?
58.0% 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, WA: median home value is $808,200 (230% above national), median rent is $2,489/month, and median household income is $113,971. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ruston?
The poverty rate in Ruston, WA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ruston, WA?
Ruston's population is 4.4% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 9.1% of residents are foreign-born.