Ruston, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ruston, Washington had a total population of 1,245, the 373rd largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $116,331, which is 19% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- 61.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Washington.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.8x the median household income.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%.
Ruston Quick Facts
How Ruston 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 | 1,293 | 1,245 | -3.7% |
| Median household income | $113,971 | $116,331 | +2.1% |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $912,700 | +12.9% |
How Ruston 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ruston Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in Pierce County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma | 222,758 | $85,884 | 12.4% | $479,600 |
| South Hill | 68,025 | $113,130 | 7.2% | $543,600 |
| Lakewood | 62,937 | $74,720 | 13.2% | $461,200 |
| Puyallup | 42,746 | $97,826 | 7.0% | $551,800 |
| Parkland | 38,742 | $72,239 | 13.0% | $423,000 |
| Graham | 35,079 | $116,862 | 5.9% | $516,700 |
| University Place | 34,911 | $99,031 | 8.2% | $624,800 |
| Spanaway | 34,019 | $98,251 | 8.8% | $445,700 |
| Frederickson | 25,383 | $109,500 | 5.7% | $477,400 |
| Bonney Lake | 22,090 | $136,845 | 4.5% | $607,900 |
Cities Similar to Ruston
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crocker | 1,254 | $109,695 | $419,400 | 22.8% | 6.5% |
| Lake Ketchum | 1,235 | $136,211 | $543,000 | 25.9% | 6.4% |
| Marrowstone | 1,164 | $110,368 | $756,000 | 44.5% | 6.1% |
| Clear Lake (Pierce County) | 1,271 | $95,882 | $788,500 | 19.2% | 6.6% |
| West Pasco | 1,122 | $120,341 | $470,100 | 26.9% | 5.0% |
Population Overview
Ruston is a small community located in Washington, within Pierce County. The total population is 1,245. It ranks as the 373rd most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ruston is 44.5 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 38.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ruston is $116,331. This is 19% higher than the state median of $98,141. It is also 44% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%. This is 28% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 1.7%. This is 66% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $912,700. Housing costs are 62% higher than the state median of $564,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.8x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 68.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% higher than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ruston is White (non-Hispanic), making up 69.7% of the population. Asian residents account for 9.4%. The Black or African American population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 3.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.8%) is well below the state average of 14.4%.
Education
61.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Ruston in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 55% higher than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 98.1%. Notably, 23.4% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ruston, Washington 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 Washington state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 628 Census-designated places in Washington. 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 Ruston, Washington?
Ruston, Washington has a population of 1,245 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ruston, WA?
The median household income in Ruston is $116,331, which is 44% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ruston, WA?
The poverty rate in Ruston is 7.1%. This means approximately 88 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ruston, Washington?
Ruston's population is 69.7% White, 1.6% Black, 6.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 9.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ruston, WA?
The median home value in Ruston is $912,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.8x.
How educated is Ruston, Washington?
61.5% of adults (25+) in Ruston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 23.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.