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 medium-sized city with a population of 22,812 people. Ruston is known to be an ethnically diverse city. The two most common races are White (47%) and Black or African American (47%). If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Ruston residents is 24. 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 are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Ruston. With an average one way commute time of only 14 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Ruston, Louisiana could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Ruston and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Louisiana and national averages.
Ruston has a livability score of 65/100 and is ranked #124 in Louisiana and #11,903 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Ruston ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and education (B-). On a more negative note, Ruston does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Ruston, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Ruston, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Ruston is real estate affordability. The median home price for Ruston homes is $308,736, which is 15.2% higher than the Louisiana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ruston, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.4, which is 60% 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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