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).
Where to stay in Ruston
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.