F
98%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
117%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
95%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleRuston/100k peopleLouisiana/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime1,033n/a (estimate)4,6043,3772,324
Murder3n/a13.416.16.3
Rape18n/a80.243.040.0
Robbery18n/a80.267.366.1
Assault141n/a628.5502.1268.2
Violent crime180n/a (estimate)802629370
Burglary130n/a579.5497.8269.8
Theft693n/a3,088.91,940.01,401.9
Vehicle theft30n/a133.7310.3282.7
Property crime853n/a (estimate)3,8022,7481,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ruston, LA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ruston is 98.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 180 violent crimes reported in Ruston, equivalent to 802 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 117%. Additionally, Ruston recorded 853 property crimes, amounting to 3802 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 94.5%.

With a crime rate of 4604 per 100,000 residents, Ruston has a crime rate that is 98.11% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Ruston that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

With a violent crime rate of 802 crimes per 100,000 residents, Ruston is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Ruston ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 125 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Ruston stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Ruston, a total of 3 murders were reported, equating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Ruston has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3802 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Ruston is 1 in 27, which is far higher than the national average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ruston?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Ruston residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 16 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 63% of Ruston residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 38% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Ruston a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ruston a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Ruston crime rate is 98% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.83 crimes per day - 0.49 violent crimes and 2.34 property crimes.

Has Crime in Ruston Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Ruston has increased by 27.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Ruston, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 39.5%, while property crime has increased by 24.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Ruston is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ruston

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Ruston crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Ruston has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Ruston has a population density of 1037.7 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Ruston crime rates.

The median home price in Ruston is $169,900, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Ruston crime map



The Ruston crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Ruston as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Ruston crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Ruston crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Ruston, LA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Ruston crime rates are 98% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Ruston are 117% higher than the national average
      • In Ruston you have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Ruston is safer than 6% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Ruston has increased by 24%

      Ruston, LA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Ruston

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        Daily Crime In Ruston (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Ruston, Louisiana is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Ruston are 1.36 times more than the Louisiana average and 1.98 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Ruston are 1.28 times more than than Louisiana and 2.17 times more than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Ruston are 1.38 times more than than Louisiana and 1.95 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Ruston (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Ruston in comparison to other Louisiana communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Ruston safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Ruston being safer than 25% of cities in Louisiana and 6% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Louisiana cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Ruston. In conclusion, Ruston ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Ruston

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Ruston is 1 in 125
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Ruston is 1 in 27
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Ruston is 1 in 22
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Ruston, Louisiana you have a 1 in 125 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Ruston.

        Year Over Year Crime In Ruston (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Ruston is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Ruston violent crime rates have increased by 36%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 22% year over year. Total crimes for Ruston has increased by 24% in the same time frame.

        Ruston police department

        Item Ruston Louisiana National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)557,311558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.54.23.3
        There are a total of 55 Ruston police officers. This results in 2.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 41% less than the Louisiana average and 23.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Louisiana

        State Total offenders Louisiana /100K National /100K
        Louisiana12,948286266
        There are a total of 12,948 sex offenders in Louisiana. This yields a total of 286 sex offenders in Louisiana per 100,000 residents which is 8% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Choudrant, LA1,4581978631,060
        Simsboro, LA9223041,3281,632
        Vienna, LA6043441,5041,848
        Downsville, LA1466382,7883,426
        Dubach, LA1,0146893,0123,701
        Quitman, LA2817293,1873,916
        Grambling, LA5,1687493,2734,022
        Ruston, LA21,9878023,8024,604

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Martha Lake, WA21,9873292,9323,261
        Port Hueneme, CA21,9792651,8192,084
        West Rancho Dominguez, CA21,9777083,3204,028
        Union City, GA21,9765452,5103,055
        Marina, CA21,9663271,8592,185
        Ruston, LA21,9878023,8024,604
        Source: The Ruston, LA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.