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Ruston, LA Micro Area

Ruston, LA · Micro Area

48,174Population

A micropolitan statistical area of 1 county, part of the Monroe-Ruston, LA combined area. The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income
$39,172
Median home value
$210,100
Land area
472 sq mi
102 people per sq mi

Market now

Counties in this micro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

CountyRolePopulationMedian incomeMedian home value
Lincoln Parish, LACentral48,174$39,172$210,100

Largest cities and towns

6 places in our city pages lie in this area.

PlaceTypePopulationMedian income
Ruston, LACity22,284$31,120
Grambling, LACity5,287$25,050
Choudrant, LAVillage1,319$72,679
Simsboro, LAVillage851$31,658
Dubach, LATown709$36,583
Vienna, LATown587$95,000

Also in the Monroe-Ruston, LA combined area

Monroe, LA · metro · 223,674

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate
31.2%
Unemployment
3.8%
College Educated
36.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income
$39,172
Mean Household Income
$66,113

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male
49.1%
Female
50.9%

Population Split

Male49.1%
Female50.9%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

English10.9%
Irish6.8%
German5.8%
French3.4%
Mexican2.8%
Italian2.1%
Scottish2.0%
African0.6%
Polish0.1%

Reported ancestry groups representing the cultural heritage of the population. Percentages may not sum to 100% as residents may report multiple ancestries or none.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

3.2%Foreign Born
96.8%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized51.7%
Non-Citizen48.3%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later55.6%
Before 201044.4%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units
20,827
Median Rent
$825/mo
Median Home Value
$210,100
Median Year Built
1984

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled
17,316
College Enrollment
50.2%
High School
11.9%
College Educated
36.2%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time
19.2 min
Drive Alone Rate
76.5%
Public Transit
0.0%
Work From Home
11.5%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18
19.7%
18-34 Years
37.1%
35-64 Years
28.9%
65+ Years
14.3%

Population Composition

Under 1819.7%
18-3437.1%
35-6428.9%
65+14.3%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples
36.4%
Single Parent
9.9%
Living Alone
35.0%
Avg Size
2.35

Household Types

Married Couples36.4%
Single Parent9.9%
Living Alone35.0%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income
$25,888
SNAP Usage
23.9%
Health Insurance
94.6%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k34.8%
$25k - $50k21.9%
$50k - $100k21.8%
$100k+21.5%

Key Industries

Manufacturing
5.3%
Retail Trade
12.5%
Education & Health Care
34.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

11.9%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

94.6%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet
77.9%vs ~90% National Avg
Computer Ownership
93.2%vs ~95% National Avg
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better
82.5
0130
Below average< 97
Near average97 - 103
Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better
123.2
0200
Hard to Afford< 80
Moderate80 - 100
Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)

The BEA publishes price levels for metro areas only, so for this micro area the cost-of-living figure is the state's average for areas outside metros.