Carbondale, IL 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.
Carbondale
73.3
#752 nationally
Ruston
72.3
#911 nationally
Ruston leads in crime level (11.7 vs 27.5). Carbondale leads in walk score (42 vs 25). Ruston leads in median household income ($32,877 vs $27,360).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carbondale, IL | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.3 (#752) | 72.3 (#911) |
| Population | 21,592 | 22,233 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $146,285 | $229,937 |
| Median Household Income | $27,360 | $32,877 |
| Average Commute | 14.9 min | 13.9 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 25 |
| Crime Level | 27.5 | 11.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+3.5 | R+25.4 |
C
73.3 Score
Carbondale, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$146,285
Population
21,592
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Carbondale, IL →
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 →
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