Bessemer, AL vs Ruston, LA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Bessemer
71.9
#943 nationally
Ruston
72.3
#911 nationally
Ruston leads in crime level (11.7 vs 47.8). Ruston leads in average commute (13.9 min vs 24.7 min). Bessemer leads in cost of living index (85 vs 95).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bessemer, AL | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.9 (#943) | 72.3 (#911) |
| Population | 25,037 | 22,233 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $133,398 | $229,937 |
| Median Household Income | $34,953 | $32,877 |
| Average Commute | 24.7 min | 13.9 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 25 |
| Crime Level | 47.8 | 11.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+25.4 |
C-
71.9 Score
Bessemer, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$133,398
Population
25,037
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Bessemer, AL →
C-
72.3 Score
Ruston, LA
Small Louisiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$229,937
Population
22,233
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
25
Southeast
View Ruston, LA →