Ruston, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,245
-3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$116,331/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
676
-3.0% year-over-year change

Ruston population

How many people live in Ruston

Ruston is home to 1,245 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Ruston locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
1,245
-3.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
584
Female
53.1%
661
Value Percent YoY change
Male 584 46.9% -4.1%
Female 661 53.1% -3.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ruston is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 5.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32% of the population, while another 29.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
5.1%
25 to 44
32%
45 to 64
29.1%
Over 65
20.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 170 13.6% 4.3%
15 to 24 64 5.1% 16.4%
25 to 44 398 32% 1.0%
45 to 64 362 29.1% -5.2%
Over 65 251 20.2% -16.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ruston, 89.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 9.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.2%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,110 89.2% -4.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 127 10.2% 8.6%
Non-citizens 8 0.6% -11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
70.4%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
9.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.5%
Other
2.3%
Value Percent
White 877 70.4%
Black or African American 20 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.7%
Asian 117 9.4%
Two or more races 193 15.5%
Other 29 2.3%

Households in Ruston

A peek inside Ruston households

Ruston has 637 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.9% are families, while the remaining 47.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
637
-5.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
300
Family households
337
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 300 47.1% 1.0%
Family households 337 52.9% -10.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ruston

The housing landscape of Ruston

Ruston's housing consists of 676 units, with 58.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
676
-3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 395 58.4%
1 unit, attached 4 0.6%
2 units 12 1.8%
3 or 4 units 6 0.9%
5 to 9 units 34 5%
10 to 19 units 27 4%
20 to 49 units 82 12.1%
50 or more units 113 16.7%
Mobile home 3 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ruston

In Ruston, the median construction year is 1995. About 20.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 140 20.7% -4.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 20 3% -9.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 35 5.2% 6.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 43 6.4% -4.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 55 8.1% -12.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8 1.2% 60.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 72 10.6% -11.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 242 35.8% 4.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 61 9% -14.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ruston occupancy rates

Out of the 637 occupied housing units in Ruston, 68.8% are owner-occupied, while 31.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
637
-5.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
199
Owner occupied
438
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 199 31.2% -4.8%
Owner occupied 438 68.8% -5.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ruston housing costs

Housing costs in Ruston come to a median of $2,531 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,598.

Median housing costs per month
$2,531/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ruston
$2,598/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ruston

Ruston education at a glance

About 13.8% of the population in Ruston went to high school, while 15.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 38.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13 1.2% 8.3%
High school diploma 146 13.8% -20.2%
College diploma 159 15.1% -15.0%
Associate degree 97 9.2% 5.4%
Bachelor's degree 404 38.3% 7.2%
Graduate degree 237 22.4% -10.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ruston

How much people earn in Ruston

The average annual household income in Ruston was $147,734 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $116,331, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ruston
$147,734/year
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ruston
$116,331/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Ruston income by age

In Ruston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $124,375. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $146,071 overall. Overall, 92.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $124,375 1.5%
45 - 64 $146,071 2.2%
Over 65 $71,902 -0.7%
Above poverty level
1,153
Below poverty level
88
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,153 92.9% -2.9%
Below poverty level 88 7.1% -5.4%

Average renter income in Ruston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ruston, their median household income was $118,182 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$118,182
Rent-to-income ratio
26.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ruston

Workforce and job types in Ruston

The job market in Ruston is powered by 628 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.1% run their own businesses, 53.5% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
628
-6.4% year-over-year change
White collar
554
Blue collar
74
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 554 88.2% -7.5%
Blue collar 74 11.8% 2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
15.1%
Private companies
53.5%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 95 15.1% -18.1%
Private companies 336 53.5% -2.3%
Governmental workers 102 16.2% -8.9%
Not for profit companies 95 15.1% -4.0%
Unemployment rate
1.7%
-8.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ruston stands at 1.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ruston

How people get around in Ruston

Commuting methods vary: 73% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 466 73% -9.5%
Motorcycle 10 1.6% 11.1%
Bicycle 10 1.6% 11.1%
Walk 10 1.6% -9.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ruston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98407 21,718 10,159 $110,288 $133,804

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FAQs about Ruston demographics 

What is the total population of Ruston?

Ruston has a total population of 1,245 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -3.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ruston?

The gender ratio in Ruston is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (584 residents)
  • 53.1% females (661 residents)

What is the median age in Ruston?

The median age in Ruston is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ruston?

The age distribution in Ruston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (170 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.1% (64 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32% (398 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.1% (362 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.2% (251 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ruston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ruston is as follows:
  • White: 70.4% (877 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (20 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 9.4% (117 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.5% (193 residents)
  • Other: 2.3% (29 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ruston are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.2% of the population in Ruston.

How many housing units are there in Ruston?

There are 676 housing units in Ruston, reflecting a -3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ruston and what is the average household size?

Ruston has a total of 637 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ruston?

Ruston has a median household income of $116,331, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ruston?

The employment rate is 98.3% in Ruston, with a workforce of 628 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.2% (554 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.8% (74 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.1% (95 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.5% (336 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (102 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.1% (95 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025