Ruston city, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Ruston city, Washington has a total population of 1,293, the 364th largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $113,971, which is 20% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.3%.
Key Takeaways
- 58.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Washington.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.1x the median household income.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
Ruston city Quick Facts
How Ruston city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 55 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ruston city Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Cities Similar to Ruston city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soap Lake city | 1,286 | N/A | $156,300 | 11.6% | 29.5% |
| McMillin CDP | 1,298 | $107,305 | $566,300 | 21.6% | 4.1% |
| Sunday Lake CDP | 1,209 | $110,491 | $696,700 | 22.2% | 9.9% |
| Clear Lake CDP (Pierce County) | 1,266 | $98,098 | $597,500 | 21.5% | 1.1% |
| Swede Heaven CDP | 1,163 | $111,302 | $448,800 | 21.2% | 7.0% |
Population Overview
Ruston city is a small community located in Washington. The total population is 1,293. It ranks as the 364th most populous out of 631 cities and towns in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ruston city is 47.8 years. This is 25% higher than the state median of 38.2 years. Only 13.8% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ruston city is $113,971. This is 20% higher than the state median of $94,952. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 45% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%. This is 27% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 1.8%. This is 65% lower than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $808,200. Housing costs are 55% higher than the state median of $519,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 68.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% higher than the state average of 63.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ruston city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 74.2% of the population. Asian residents account for 7.7%. The Black or African American population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.0%) is well below the state average of 14.1%.
Education
58.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Ruston city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 50% higher than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 98.0%. Notably, 24.6% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ruston city, Washington is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Washington state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 631 Census-designated places in Washington. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ruston city, Washington?
Ruston city, Washington has a population of 1,293 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ruston city, WA?
The median household income in Ruston city is $113,971, which is 45% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Ruston city, WA?
The poverty rate in Ruston city is 7.3%. This means approximately 93 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ruston city, Washington?
Ruston city's population is 74.2% White, 1.5% Black, 6.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ruston city, WA?
The median home value in Ruston city is $808,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x.
How educated is Ruston city, Washington?
58.1% of adults (25+) in Ruston city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 24.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.