| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ruston/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,033 | n/a (estimate) | 4,604 | 3,377 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 13.4 | 16.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 18 | n/a | 80.2 | 43.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 18 | n/a | 80.2 | 67.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 141 | n/a | 628.5 | 502.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 180 | n/a (estimate) | 802 | 629 | 370 |
| Burglary | 130 | n/a | 579.5 | 497.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 693 | n/a | 3,088.9 | 1,940.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 30 | n/a | 133.7 | 310.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 853 | n/a (estimate) | 3,802 | 2,748 | 1,954 |
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | Ruston | Louisiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 55 | 7,311 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Louisiana /100K | National /100K |
| Louisiana | 12,948 | 286 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Choudrant, LA | 1,458 | 197 | 863 | 1,060 |
| Simsboro, LA | 922 | 304 | 1,328 | 1,632 |
| Vienna, LA | 604 | 344 | 1,504 | 1,848 |
| Downsville, LA | 146 | 638 | 2,788 | 3,426 |
| Dubach, LA | 1,014 | 689 | 3,012 | 3,701 |
| Quitman, LA | 281 | 729 | 3,187 | 3,916 |
| Grambling, LA | 5,168 | 749 | 3,273 | 4,022 |
| Ruston, LA | 21,987 | 802 | 3,802 | 4,604 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Martha Lake, WA | 21,987 | 329 | 2,932 | 3,261 |
| Port Hueneme, CA | 21,979 | 265 | 1,819 | 2,084 |
| West Rancho Dominguez, CA | 21,977 | 708 | 3,320 | 4,028 |
| Union City, GA | 21,976 | 545 | 2,510 | 3,055 |
| Marina, CA | 21,966 | 327 | 1,859 | 2,185 |
| Ruston, LA | 21,987 | 802 | 3,802 | 4,604 |
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