Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Ratings
AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Located in the state of Louisiana, Ruston is a moderately-sized city with a population of 21,987 inhabitants. Individuals of White (47%) and Black or African American (47%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. The median age of all Ruston residents is 24, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Ruston is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 29%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Ruston is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Ruston could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Louisiana if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Ruston and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Ruston, LA receives 66/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #95 in Louisiana and #10,037 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Ruston has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and education (B). There are some categories that Ruston ranks poorly for, including: crime (F), employment (F) and housing (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Ruston, the unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Ruston schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Ruston an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Ruston real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Ruston. Median real estate prices in Ruston come in at $169,900, which is 14.6% higher than the Louisiana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ruston, the home price to income ratio is 5.3, which is 60.6% higher than the Louisiana average.
| Statistic | Ruston | Louisiana | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.8% | 82.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.8% | 9.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.3% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.7% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.4% | 2.6% | 4.6% |
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