Ruston, Louisiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Ruston, Louisiana is 22,224 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest city in Louisiana. The median household income is $32,765, the median home value is $226,700, and the median age is 23.8.
The population has grown 1.8% since 2010 (21,925 → 22,330).
22,224
Population
1049
People / sq mi
$32,765
Median Income
$226,700
Median Home Value
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Ruston covers 21.2 sq mi of land at 1049 people per square mile.
About Ruston, LA
Among US cities, Ruston stands out first on household income: a median of $32,765, below the US median of $78,538. With 22,224 residents, Ruston is a city in Louisiana. It ranks #20 among cities in Louisiana by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $32,765, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 22.2%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $226,700, with typical rent around $819.
Roughly 42.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, above the national 35.0%. About 12.8% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Ruston city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Ruston city had a population of 21,925 in 2010 and 22,330 in 2024, a 1.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,342 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.13%.
22,330
Population (2024)
21,925
Population (2010)
22,342
Peak (2023)
0.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,925 |
| 2011 | 21,983 |
| 2012 | 21,938 |
| 2013 | 22,031 |
| 2014 | 21,959 |
| 2015 | 22,003 |
| 2016 | 22,024 |
| 2017 | 22,033 |
| 2018 | 22,028 |
| 2019 | 21,854 |
| 2020 | 22,156 |
| 2021 | 22,278 |
| 2022 | 22,283 |
| 2023 | 22,342 |
| 2024 | 22,330 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 48.2% |
| Black or African American | 42.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$32,765
Median Household Income
$21,929
Per Capita Income
22.2%
Poverty Rate
1.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$226,700
Median Home Value
$819
Median Rent
36.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
92.9%
High School+
42.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
72.8%
Public Transit
12.8%
Work From Home
14.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
20.5%
Foreign Born
95.4%
Non-English at Home
3.0%
Veterans
12.4%
With Disability
92.5%
Health Insurance
95.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 35.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.7% |
| Information | 5.6% |
| Public Administration | 4.7% |
| Manufacturing | 4.6% |
| Construction | 4.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.3% |
| Retail Trade | 2.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.9% |
Largest cities in Louisiana
Largest counties in Louisiana
Part of Louisiana
Metro areas in Louisiana
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ruston, Louisiana has a population of 22,224 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest city in Louisiana.
The median household income in Ruston, Louisiana is $32,765, with 22.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Ruston, Louisiana is $226,700, with median monthly rent at $819 and a homeownership rate of 36.7%.
The median age in Ruston, Louisiana is 23.8 years. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The population has grown 1.8% since 2010 (21,925 → 22,330).
Ruston city, LA Climate
Ruston city, LA has an average annual temperature of 17.8°C (64°F) and receives about 1371 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.8°C
Avg Temp
1371
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 44° | 123 mm |
| February | 9° / 49° | 123 mm |
| March | 14° / 56° | 133 mm |
| April | 18° / 64° | 110 mm |
| May | 22° / 72° | 146 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 102 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 104 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 81 mm |
| September | 24° / 75° | 95 mm |
| October | 18° / 65° | 100 mm |
| November | 13° / 55° | 117 mm |
| December | 8° / 47° | 137 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Ruston city, LA
The most comfortable months to visit Ruston city, LA are typically September, October and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 1°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ruston
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Louisiana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.