Rusk, Texas Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Rusk, Texas had a total population of 5,477, the 408th largest city in Texas, with a median household income of $53,438, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 11.4% is notably above the national average.
Rusk Quick Facts
How Rusk Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,332 | 5,477 | +2.7% |
| Median household income | $60,119 | $53,438 | -11.1% |
| Median home value | $153,500 | $157,400 | +2.5% |
How Rusk Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 67 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rusk Rankings in Texas
Explore Texas Rankings
Other Cities in Cherokee County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 14,325 | $51,375 | 26.5% | $119,800 |
| Shadybrook | 2,810 | $69,173 | 16.6% | $232,300 |
| Alto | 1,222 | $61,688 | 28.4% | $93,800 |
| New Summerfield | 618 | $54,716 | 8.9% | $84,300 |
| Wells | 484 | N/A | 42.1% | $140,600 |
| Gallatin | 384 | $79,432 | 8.6% | $168,100 |
| Cuney | 161 | N/A | 41.6% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Rusk
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luling | 5,531 | $54,818 | $210,300 | 11.8% | 10.0% |
| Sinton | 5,584 | $51,701 | $142,000 | 11.3% | 25.0% |
| Sandy Oaks | 5,396 | $50,806 | $120,300 | 9.8% | 16.7% |
| Atlanta | 5,439 | $60,259 | $160,100 | 24.9% | 21.1% |
| Mabank | 5,187 | $54,889 | $254,900 | 22.1% | 5.0% |
Population Overview
Rusk is a small city located in Texas, within Cherokee County. The total population is 5,477. It ranks as the 408th most populous out of 1,795 Census-designated places in Texas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rusk is 39.0 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 35.6 years. Only 14.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rusk is $53,438. This is 32% lower than the state median of $78,476. It is also 34% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%. This is 38% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. The unemployment rate is 11.4%. This is 117% higher than the state rate of 5.3%. The median home value is $157,400. Housing costs are 45% lower than the state median of $283,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Rusk is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 63.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rusk is White (non-Hispanic), making up 48.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 28.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (28.6% vs 11.9%). The Hispanic or Latino population (17.1%) is well below the state average of 39.7%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 5.5%.
Education
10.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 68% lower than the state rate of 33.8%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 71.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rusk, Texas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Texas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,795 Census-designated places in Texas. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rusk, Texas?
Rusk, Texas has a population of 5,477 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rusk, TX?
The median household income in Rusk is $53,438, which is 34% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Rusk, TX?
The poverty rate in Rusk is 8.5%. This means approximately 234 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rusk, Texas?
Rusk's population is 48.5% White, 28.6% Black, 17.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rusk, TX?
The median home value in Rusk is $157,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Rusk, Texas?
10.7% of adults (25+) in Rusk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.