Lake Charles, 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.

Lake Charles

76.2

#371 nationally

vs

Ruston

72.3

#911 nationally

Lake Charles leads in median household income ($54,761 vs $32,877). Lake Charles leads in walk score (37 vs 25). Ruston leads in crime level (11.7 vs 16.8).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Lake Charles, LA Ruston, LA
WhereAtHome Score 76.2 (#371) 72.3 (#911)
Population 79,633 22,233
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $206,355 $229,937
Median Household Income $54,761 $32,877
Average Commute 18 min 13.9 min
Walk Score 37 25
Crime Level 16.8 11.7
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 94 95
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored R+39.6 R+25.4
Lake Charles, LA
C
76.2 Score

Lake Charles, LA

Louisiana community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$206,355

Population

79,633

Crime

High

Walk Score

37

Southeast View Lake Charles, 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

Swap Lake Charles for:

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Swap Ruston for:

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