| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ruston/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 753 | n/a (estimate) | 3,383 | 2,816 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 13.5 | 10.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 22.5 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 40.4 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 78 | n/a | 350.4 | 436.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 95 | n/a (estimate) | 427 | 520 | 359 |
| Burglary | 80 | n/a | 359.4 | 405.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 537 | n/a | 2,412.5 | 1,636.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 41 | n/a | 184.2 | 254.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 658 | n/a (estimate) | 2,956 | 2,296 | 1,760 |
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 59.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 95 violent crimes reported in Ruston, equivalent to 427 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 18.9%. Additionally, Ruston recorded 658 property crimes, amounting to 2956 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 68%.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Ruston ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Ruston, there were a total of 3 murders, translating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
What do the local residents think about crime in Ruston? Well, based on a recent survey of 21 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 62% of Ruston residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 38% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Ruston, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Ruston presents a total crime rate that is 60% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Ruston experiences an average of 2.06 daily crimes, comprising 0.26 violent incidents and 1.8 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Ruston. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Ruston has decreased by 7.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 26.4%, while property crime has decreased by 3.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Ruston.
In Ruston, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.7%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Ruston crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Ruston, 82.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Ruston are $1,141, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| 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 | 1,515 | 119 | 525 | 644 |
| Vienna, LA | 620 | 214 | 944 | 1,158 |
| Dubach, LA | 1,042 | 223 | 986 | 1,209 |
| Grambling, LA | 5,285 | 518 | 2,289 | 2,807 |
| Simsboro, LA | 948 | 697 | 3,077 | 3,774 |
| Eros, LA | 209 | 794 | 3,506 | 4,301 |
| Ruston, LA | 22,812 | 427 | 2,956 | 3,383 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Vicksburg, MS | 22,799 | 617 | 3,811 | 4,428 |
| Martha Lake, WA | 22,798 | 151 | 1,139 | 1,290 |
| Patterson, CA | 22,827 | 275 | 957 | 1,232 |
| Johnston, IA | 22,844 | 77 | 749 | 826 |
| Frederickson, WA | 22,845 | 328 | 2,482 | 2,810 |
| Ruston, LA | 22,812 | 427 | 2,956 | 3,383 |
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