Lafayette, LA 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.

Lafayette

73.6

#705 nationally

vs

Ruston

72.3

#911 nationally

Ruston leads in crime level (11.7 vs 29.2). Lafayette leads in median household income ($58,850 vs $32,877). Lafayette leads in walk score (42 vs 25).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Lafayette, LA Ruston, LA
WhereAtHome Score 73.6 (#705) 72.3 (#911)
Population 121,467 22,233
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $227,080 $229,937
Median Household Income $58,850 $32,877
Average Commute 20.4 min 13.9 min
Walk Score 42 25
Crime Level 29.2 11.7
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 99 95
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored R+31.4 R+25.4
Lafayette, LA
C
73.6 Score

Lafayette, LA

Mid-size Louisiana city with community character

Median Home

$227,080

Population

121,467

Crime

Very High

Walk Score

42

Southeast View Lafayette, LA →
Ruston, LA
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 →

Try a different matchup

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Swap Ruston for:

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