Ruston is a city located in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 20,546. Ruston is home to Louisiana Tech University and rests on the eastern border of the Ark-La-Tex. Ruston's economy is built around Louisiana Tech and caters to its college population, which nearly exceeds the population of the city itself. Nearly, because as of the year 2000, the official enrollment to Louisiana Tech University was right around the 10,000 mark. Adding to that, all the personnel of the University, this makes the Ruston Area close to 40,000 (some say).

Geography

Ruston is located at 32°31'47" North, 92°38'26" West (32.529674, -92.640466).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 47.0 km² (18.2 mi²). 46.8 km² (18.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.44% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 20,546 people, 7,621 households, and 4,244 families residing in the city. The population density is 438.8/km² (1,136.4/mi²). There are 8,397 housing units at an average density of 179.3/km² (464.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 56.94% White, 38.92% African American, 0.17% Native American, 2.41% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races, and 0.90% from two or more races. 1.29% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,621 households out of which 26.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.0% are married couples living together, 16.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 44.3% are non-families. 30.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.32 and the average family size is 2.98.

In the city the population is spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 31.6% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 14.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 24 years. For every 100 females there are 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $23,001, and the median income for a family is $37,394. Males have a median income of $33,408 versus $20,413 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,573. 32.1% of the population and 22.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 34.1% of those under the age of 18 and 17.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Social Life

The Social life in Ruston is somewhat mixed. For people of ages 18-28 (roughly), the main things to do are to find something to do at Louisiana Tech or at the Local Wal Mart. There are many shops downtown that one can visit, but aside from that, people must go to Monroe, Louisiana for real excitement. It is only a 30 mile drive, and affords people of Ruston many more dining choices and many more movies from which to choose, if they choose to go to the theatre.

External links

• Ruston Directory